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CesiumAstro creates out-of-the-box communication systems for space and airborne platforms.
The Role
Leads complex program portfolios, strategic customer programs, and cross-functional execution. Establishes governance, priorities, performance metrics, and corrective actions across cost, schedule, technical, quality, contractual, and customer objectives. Oversees executive customer relationships, resource allocation, risk management, financial and contract execution, process improvement, and program management standards. Develops and coaches program management teams while partnering with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, Product Management, and Business Development.
Summary Generated by Built In
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.
We are looking to add a Director, Program Management to our team. In this role you will be responsible for leading the execution of complex programs and strategic program portfolios that support the company's long-term business objectives and customer commitments. This role oversees program execution, portfolio performance, customer relationships, and cross-functional program management activities while ensuring programs are delivered in accordance with contractual requirements, financial objectives, and organizational priorities.
This position requires a strategic program management leader with expertise in program execution, portfolio management, customer engagement, risk management, and organizational leadership within a dynamic, high-growth environment. The Director partners cross-functionally with Executive, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product Management, Business Development, and customers to strengthen program execution, improve operational performance, and execute strategies that support sustainable business growth.
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 leading program management organizations, strategic programs, or cross-functional teams.
- Comprehensive knowledge of program management, portfolio management, customer relationship management, operational execution, and business leadership.
- Expertise in program lifecycle management, financial management, contract execution, risk management, organizational leadership, and strategic planning.
- Mastery of program management tools, ERP systems, business reporting applications, and portfolio performance metrics.
- Applies enterprise-wide thinking when aligning program portfolios, customer commitments, and business objectives.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to lead complex program portfolios, establish departmental priorities, and develop high-performing teams.
- Effective communication, executive influence, and relationship-building skills with Executive, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Product Management, Business Development, customers, and strategic partners.
- Demonstrates business fluency by balancing customer commitments, program performance, operational priorities, and financial objectives to support long-term organizational success.
- Ability to lead enterprise program management initiatives that strengthen customer satisfaction, operational performance, portfolio execution, and sustainable business growth.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
- Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, e.g. Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, or equivalent platforms.
- Program and project management applications, e.g. Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, Primavera, or equivalent applications.
- Business intelligence and reporting tools, e.g. Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent applications.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Program Management, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field, plus 11–15 years of related experience
- Master's degree in a related field, plus 9–12 years of related experience, or PhD plus 7–10 years of related experience
- 5 or more years of leadership or management experience leading program management organizations, strategic programs, or cross-functional teams
- Comprehensive knowledge of program management, portfolio management, customer relationship management, operational execution, and business leadership
- Expertise in program lifecycle management, financial management, contract execution, risk management, organizational leadership, and strategic planning
- Mastery of program management tools, ERP systems, business reporting applications, and portfolio performance metrics
- Ability to lead complex program portfolios, establish departmental priorities, and develop high-performing teams
- Strong executive communication, influence, relationship-building, and cross-functional leadership skills
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
- Experience with ERP systems such as Oracle, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, or equivalent platforms
- Experience with program and project management applications such as Microsoft Project, Smartsheet, Jira, Primavera, or equivalent applications
- Experience with business intelligence and reporting tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent applications
- Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, refugee, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations
CesiumAstro Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about CesiumAstro and has not been reviewed or approved by CesiumAstro.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, plus FSAs and mental health benefits. Feedback suggests the health package is comprehensive for a growth-stage aerospace firm.
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Retirement Support — Offerings include a 401(k) with company matching and other retirement-plan elements. Feedback suggests core retirement mechanisms are in place alongside standard financial benefits.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Generous PTO, paid holidays, paid sick days, and bereavement leave are included. Feedback suggests time-off options are broad on paper across multiple leave types.
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The Company
What We Do
We build high-throughput, plug-and-play phased array communication payloads for space and airborne platforms. CesiumAstro’s full-stack, multi-mission hardware and software products enable a diverse range of commercial and defense objectives. Full-system engineering design is at the heart of every CesiumAstro product. We deliver high-performance solutions under rapid development timelines.
Why Work With Us
At CesiumAstro, we’re a team. We’re passionate, respectful, and determined colleagues ready to help at a moment’s notice. We’re mentors excited to enable our peers with the knowledge they need to succeed. Together, we’re visionaries committing to building memories that will last a lifetime.
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