Senior Program Manager, Space and Missions Systems

Viasat, Inc. • Carlsbad, CA

2d

About The Position

Viasat’s Government Space and Mission Systems business area supports a portfolio that includes RF and optical communications, advanced sensing payloads, and fully integrated space missions. The Senior Program Manager leads multiple concurrent initiatives to develop and deliver satellite communications solutions for space vehicles across all orbit regimes.

The role leads a cross-functional team and drives program execution through disciplined management of cost, schedule, performance, and risk. It includes customer relationship management, coordination with functional and matrixed leadership, oversight of subcontractors, reporting to leadership and stakeholders, and support for capture and business development through proposal development and capability roadmap activities. The position also contributes to continuous improvement.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of progressive professional experience in program or project management of complex technical development programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing cost, schedule, and performance using EVM, variance analysis, risk management, and program dashboards.
• Experience managing supplier relationships throughout the subcontract management lifecycle, including SOW development, performance tracking, and risk or issue escalation.
• Experience leading proposal development.
• Ability to work independently to define and resolve complex problems, anticipate program needs, and establish meaningful success metrics.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated relationship-building ability and experience building and leading cross-functional teams.
• Ability to mentor others and support their development and resolution of complex challenges.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related technical discipline.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to maintain an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 20%.

Nice To Haves

• Active U.S. Government security clearance, with SSBI/SCI eligibility.
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.
• Master’s degree in a relevant engineering, science, or business discipline.
• Experience with U.S. Government contracting and execution of development programs.
• Ability to contribute as a thought leader in strategic development and process improvement.
• Understanding of systems engineering, integration, production, or sustainment for defense systems.
• Experience supporting fully integrated space mission development programs, including space vehicle, ground segment, and operations.
• Experience supporting payload and/or electronics development for space systems.
• Experience performing first-order, system-level analyses to inform technical and programmatic decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a cross-functional team responsible for developing and delivering advanced satellite communications solutions.
• Apply earned value management (EVM) and risk management disciplines to plan, monitor, and control program cost, schedule, and performance.
• Collaborate with functional and matrixed leadership to allocate personnel and resources for program execution.
• Direct and oversee subcontractor procurement and performance to align with program technical, schedule, and financial objectives.
• Build and maintain customer relationships.
• Provide timely program execution, financial status, and risk reporting to senior leadership and key stakeholders.
• Support capture and business development, including business model and capability roadmap development.
• Lead proposal development, including proposal strategy, cost estimation, and program execution content.
• Contribute to continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered.
• Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package.

What This Job Offers

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