Director, Space Ground Systems

General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc•Scottsdale, AZ

1d•$239,881 - $259,559•Onsite

About The Position

The Director — Space Ground Systems will lead an established and growing space ground portfolio spanning satellite ground development, sustainment, and operations. This portfolio includes technologically complex, completion-based programs and task orders serving both Department of War (DoW) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers. We are seeking a leader who brings two complementary strengths. First, a proven track record executing space ground development and sustainment programs — someone who knows how to deliver on schedule, manage risk, and sustain mission-critical systems with discipline. Second, a forward-leaning mindset to identify and drive Artificial Intelligence and automation improvements across the portfolio — reducing total cost of ownership for our customers and accelerating the speed at which we deliver new mission capabilities. The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of development program leadership across a variety of customers and technologies, is unafraid of challenging the status quo, and has demonstrated the ability to introduce new technologies into existing operational environments. Prior experience delivering space or space ground systems is required; experience applying AI/ML to engineering workflows, test automation, operations, or sustainment processes is highly desired. Bachelor's degree or equivalent is required plus a minimum of 18 years of demonstrated leadership; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 16 years of demonstrated leadership. Must currently hold a TS/SCI security clearance or have held one in the past 24 months. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required. General Dynamics Mission Systems has an immediate opening for a Director, Space Ground Systems business area. This role carries a dual mandate: sustain and grow an established portfolio of space ground programs while simultaneously driving AI-enabled transformation that reduces cost, increases agility, and positions GDMS to win next-generation opportunities. The position is responsible for all aspects of business performance and strategy for space ground systems, including profit/loss, customer relationship management, and technology investment decisions.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of space ground products and technologies including current and potential applications
Extensive knowledge of target customer markets across DoW & IC
Understanding of AI/ML concepts and their practical application to software development, test, sustainment, and operations — sufficient to evaluate opportunities, guide investment, and credibly engage with technical teams and customers
Demonstrated ability to introduce new technologies or process improvements into an established program environment
Skilled in the development and implementation of product/program strategy and tactics
Demonstrated leadership of a program with significant delivery or technical risk
Ability to develop and implement a product-oriented WBS and WBS Dictionary
Ability to generate cohesive program plans
Ability to track work accomplished to baseline plans and identify issues, track progress, and follow through on effective corrective actions based on data analysis and trends
Skilled in communicating issues, impacts, and corrective actions on programs to internal and external representatives
Expert risk and opportunity management skills and ability to apply them to programs
Extensive ability to understand and analyze program financial data, including cost-of-ownership models
Extensive knowledge of government contracting practices and regulations regarding acquisition
Outstanding relationship management and marketing skills
Ability to identify partnership candidates best suited to fill product or technology gaps, including AI/ML technology partners
Ability to manage managers of teams in matrix organization to achieve schedule, cost, and technical performance objectives
Ability to evaluate quality of work product to ensure satisfaction of customer requirements
Ability to develop and execute company policies that affect immediate operations
Extensive verbal and written communication skills
Extensive understanding of business and supply chain strategy
Ability to apply advanced negotiation skills to solve internal, external and customer issues
Must currently hold a TS/SCI security clearance or have held one in the past 24 months.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Engineering degree in a discipline related to space ground technology
Demonstrated intimate working knowledge of government acquisition process
Strategist with proven ability in business development
Experience applying AI/ML or advanced automation to defense programs or engineering organizations
Experience leading technical development teams
Experience leading remote teams spread among sites
Experience applying AI/ML to engineering workflows, test automation, operations, or sustainment processes

Responsibilities

Directs a business segment consisting of multiple disciplines, programs, products, and/or customers to meet current and long-term business objectives
Responsible for customer satisfaction, leadership, overall performance, schedule, and profit and loss of large programs, or a portfolio of programs and/or products throughout the entire program life cycle
Balances programs, risks and opportunities with executable strategies to meet technical requirements and budgets
Conducts reviews to drill down into issues on products/programs, identify issues, develop corrective actions, and communicate issues, impacts and corrective actions to program teams
Champions the identification and adoption of AI, machine learning, and automation technologies across the portfolio to reduce cost of ownership and accelerate delivery timelines
Evaluates where AI-driven efficiencies (e.g., automated testing, predictive maintenance, intelligent operations, AI-assisted development) can be applied to existing and future programs
Partners with engineering and technology teams to develop and fund AI-focused IRAD initiatives that advance competitive positioning
Builds a culture of continuous improvement where teams are encouraged to challenge legacy processes and propose technology-driven alternatives
Ensures creation of well-constructed, comprehensive business plans
Establishes strategic plans and objectives in coordination with others
Develops customer relationships and develops new business within the market/program
Develops and executes proposal plans and strategies, with emphasis on differentiating GDMS through AI-enabled solutions
Effectively engages in complex negotiations involving critical matters
Develops personnel to ensure efficient operation, with emphasis on building AI literacy and data-driven decision-making across the team
Reviews organizational capabilities and develops/executes strategies to improve competitiveness through professional growth & development, strategic hiring, strategic partnering, and acquisitions
Conducts business and technical briefings for senior and top management and for external representatives
Leads others in team building, conflict resolution, motivation, and advanced risk management
Coordinates the patent and data rights for the products/programs/proposals/subcontracts