Director, Program Management

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

The Skylark product line is focused on the rapid design, build, and test of cutting-edge active phased array antennas (AESA) for terrestrial and airborne applications. Current programs span high-power, large-scale ground terminals for missile defense to commercial airline and helicopter connectivity solutions.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead the execution of complex program portfolios supporting strategic customers, major contracts, and long-term business objectives.

- Establish portfolio priorities, governance frameworks, execution strategies, and performance objectives that support successful program delivery.

- Evaluate program performance across cost, schedule, technical, quality, contractual, and customer satisfaction metrics while driving corrective actions when needed.

- Support development of long-range program strategies aligned with organizational priorities and customer commitments.

- Serve as the executive program interface for strategic customers and major contracts.

- Build and strengthen executive-level customer relationships that support successful program execution and future business growth.

- Partner with Business Development, Product Management, and Engineering to support customer growth strategies, new business opportunities, and contract execution.

- Influence strategic decisions by providing program performance insights, customer feedback, and operational recommendations.

- Lead, coach, and develop Program Management professionals while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

- Establish staffing plans, allocate program resources, and prioritize organizational activities supporting customer commitments and business objectives.

- Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product Management, and Business Development to ensure successful program execution across multiple products, customers, and business functions.

- Guide executive program reviews, customer reviews, milestone assessments, risk reviews, and strategic decision-making.

- Drive initiatives that strengthen program management processes, portfolio governance, operational execution, and organizational performance.

- Evaluate program management methodologies, business processes, and operational workflows to improve execution efficiency and customer satisfaction.

- Develop program management standards, governance models, reporting frameworks, and operational best practices.

- Promote a culture of accountability, customer focus, operational excellence, and continuous improvement throughout the Program Management organization.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Program Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field with 11–15 years of related experience, Master's degree with 9–12 years of related experience, or PhD with 7–10 years of related experience in program management, project management, engineering, manufacturing, operations, or a related discipline.

- 5+ years of leadership or management experience leadi