Director of Programs

Voyager Technologies, Inc. • San Diego, CA

5h • $200,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Voyager Defense & National Security is seeking a highly skilled Director of Programs responsible for building and leading a high-performing program management organization within a rapidly growing, evolving aerospace enterprise. This senior execution leader will oversee execution of DoD, NASA, and commercial programs in the San Diego Products Line of Business, which focuses on communication and guidance, navigation & control technologies.
This role requires a leader who thrives in dynamic environments, sees clearly through ambiguity, and can focus teams on establishing strong execution foundations while the organization scales and matures.
Program execution is a reflection of organizational effectiveness. This leader will strengthen both – building disciplined program management while shaping the cross-functional alignment, trust, and operating rhythm required for sustained high performance.
The Director of Programs will cultivate trusted relationships across engineering, operations, program planning & controls, finance, functional leadership, other Voyager locations, corporate leadership, and customers, ensuring programs execute predictably while the organization continues to grow, learn, and evolve.
This role demands a leader who can build trust, drive clarity, and create structure where needed – enabling teams to perform at their best in a mission-focused, high-potential environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, or related technical discipline
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a US Government clearance (requires US citizenship)
• 20+ years of experience in aerospace or defense, including 15+ years of program management experience leading teams in complex development and production efforts.
• Demonstrated success managing large programs ($25M+) or a comparable portfolio of programs across NASA, DoD, and/or commercial space mission areas.
• Proven ability to lead multiple complex programs in fast-paced environments, aligning execution with cost, schedule, and performance goals across cross-functional teams.
• Proficient in developing and implementing program governance, reporting, and resource planning across diverse and locationally divided teams.
• Strong engineering literacy-able to evaluate technical issues, contribute to design reviews, and challenge engineering trade studies.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, make informed decisions under pressure, and drive outcomes across internal and external stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of government contracting principles, including FFP, CPFF, and IDIQ vehicles, and experience managing major subcontracts.
• Strong business acumen with proven ability to align technical execution with cost, schedule, and contract objectives.
• Demonstrated experience implementing and operating both EV Lite and full EIA-748 compliant EVMS, including baseline development, cost/schedule integration, variance analysis, and rigorous EAC processes.
• Strong communicator with the ability to engage effectively at all levels, including executive stakeholders, customers, and partners.
• Ability to travel in performance of job duties (20-30%)

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or MBA
• PMP or equivalent certification
• Strategic thinker with a bias for action and results.
• High integrity leader who inspires confidence and accountability.
• Technical familiarity and experience consistent with Voyager's communication and guidance, navigation & control technologies.
• Commercial mindset with a strong understanding of how to balance innovation, cost, and risk.
• Adaptable in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Experience with modern ERP, MRP, PLM, MES and QMS enterprise systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Program Management team in planning, executing, and reporting on all programs across the line of business.
• Drive the cadence and rhythm of execution, ensuring programs operate with discipline, structure, and predicable performance.
• Enforce corporate program governance, including adherence to PM processes, reviews, and reporting standards.
• Partner with the Products Line of Business General Manager and their functional teams to align resources with program demand and mitigate execution risks, sometimes working cross-functionally when vital to program execution.
• Coach, mentor and develop Program Managers; set expectations and hold them accountable for cost, schedule, technical performance, and quality.
• Lead program baseline development, EAC rigor, integrated issue, risk, and change management, and transparent communication of program progress.
• Drive early identification of issues, data-drive root cause analysis, and timely execution of corrective actions.
• Champion a culture of accountability, evidence-based decision-making, and mission-focused execution.
• Provide executive-level insights, program health assessments, and recommendations to leadership.
• Build and continuously improve PM capability, tools, processes, and training across the business unit.
• Support pursuit and capture activities by providing PM expertise, proposal leadership, BOE development, execution planning and negotiation strategy for new business and contract modifications.
• Apply deep knowledge of NASA and DoD acquisition rigor to ensure compliance with applicable standards, including NASA 7120.5, 7123.1, and DoD 5000 series.

Benefits

• Voyager offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package, retirement savings, wellness program, and various other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director