EchoStar is reimagining the future of connectivity. Our business reach spans satellite television service, live-streaming and on-demand programming, smart home installation services, mobile plans and products.
Today, our brands include Boost Mobile, DISH TV, Gen Mobile, Hughes and Sling TV.
Department Summary
Hughes, an EchoStar company, seeks a Senior Director of Program Management within its Defense and
Government Solutions Division (DGSD) to lead a major satellite ground system program for the U.S.
Department of War (DoW). This role draws on Hughes’ 50-year legacy in satellite communications to
connect commercial innovation with mission-critical defense capabilities of national security
significance.
The individual in this role will be a seasoned Program Manager responsible for leading the planning,
execution, and delivery of a large-scale, global ground systems program for defense. This role is critical
to ensuring disciplined delivery of mission-critical capabilities, bridging program execution excellence
with technical rigor to meet stringent national defense requirements and to maintain a high level of
customer satisfaction. This position is primarily located at our Gaithersburg, MD office, though frequent
travel to both CONUS and OCONUS customer locations may be required.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
Lead the development, maintenance, and execution of all program plans (PMP, IMP, IMS) to
ensure alignment with contractual milestones, deliverables, compliance standards, and
customer requirements.
Lead cross-functional, multi-contractor teams across engineering, integration, test, operations,
and sustainment. This includes all aspects of a satellite ground system – civils, physical
construction, outdoor and indoor equipment, and complex satellite communication and
network components.
Partner with Engineering leadership to manage system architecture, integration, and technical
baselines, and ensure the implementation of rigorous system engineering practices.
Manage program cost, schedule, and performance using Earned Value Management (EVM),
driving successful completion of major program reviews and on-time delivery of all CDRL items.
Implement structured risk and opportunity management processes, leading issue resolution and
escalation processes across stakeholders.
Implement quality management processes across all phases of the lifecycle, and ensure
adherence to DoD standards, cybersecurity, and mission assurance requirements.
Serve as the primary interface with Government program leadership.
Report regular program status to internal executive level stakeholders.
Skills, Experience and Requirements
Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field.
18+ years of relevant work experience (15+ years with Master’s degree).
Prior experience with U.S. DoW, space, and/or satellite communications programs.
Must hold a U.S. government security clearance at TS/SCI.
Preferred Qualifications:
Proven leadership of large, complex programs involving ground systems and/or space
architecture procurements in excess of $150M.
Project Management Institute (PMI) PMP certification or equivalent.
Expertise with Earned Value Management (EVM) and reporting.
Strong background in systems engineering processes and lifecycle management.
Salary Ranges
Compensation: $185,000.00/Year - $225,000.00/Year
Benefits
We offer versatile health perks, including flexible spending accounts, HSA, a 401(k) Plan with company match, ESPP, career opportunities, and a flexible time away plan; all benefits can be viewed here: EchoStar Benefits.
The base pay range shown is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, and competencies; compensation is based on the role's location and is subject to change based on work location.
Candidates need to successfully complete a pre-employment screen, which may include a drug test and DMV check. Our company is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where every individual has the opportunity to succeed. We are dedicated to providing individuals with criminal or arrest records a fair chance of employment in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.
The posting will be active for a minimum of 3 days. The active posting will continue to extend by 3 days until the position is filled.
We pride ourselves on developing and promoting talent as an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. EchoStar will accommodate the sincerely held religious beliefs of employees if such accommodations are not undue hardships and are otherwise within the bounds of applicable law. All qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with local, state, and federal law. You may redact any information that identifies age, date of birth, or dates of school/graduation from your application documents before submission and throughout our application process.
EchoStar will provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified job applicants and employees with known physical or mental disabilities, unless doing so poses an undue hardship on the Company, poses a direct threat of substantial harm to others, or is otherwise not required by law. EchoStar has a more detailed Accommodation Policy that applies to employees. EchoStar endeavors to make echostar.com and jobs.echostar.com accessible to users. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to discuss the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process. This contact information is for accommodation requests only; do not use this contact information to inquire about the status of applications.
Click the links to access the following statements: EEO Policy Statement, Pay Transparency, EEOC Know Your Rights (English/Spanish)
Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, aerospace, or a related field
- 18 or more years of relevant work experience, or 15 or more years with a master’s degree
- Prior experience with U.S. Department of War, space, and/or satellite communications programs
- Active U.S. government Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance
- Leadership of large, complex programs involving ground systems and/or space architecture procurements exceeding $150 million
- Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent
- Expertise with Earned Value Management (EVM) and reporting
- Strong background in systems engineering processes and lifecycle management
EchoStar Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company match and discretionary profit sharing is highlighted, creating clear avenues for long‑term savings. These programs are repeatedly presented as core strengths of the package.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An Employee Stock Purchase Program offers a 15% discount on company stock, providing an accessible path to ownership. This feature stands out as a meaningful financial perk alongside retirement benefits.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Employees can access five free counseling sessions per year and sizable product discounts on DISH TV, Sling TV, and Boost Mobile. Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 per year and internal mobility programs further enhance overall lifestyle value.
EchoStar Insights
What We Do
Tune into the innovation, collaboration and culture that our team members bring to the office every day. We want you to be a part of our journey to build the next generation of technology that transforms the way the world communicates. Our team members are the key to our history of groundbreaking innovation and our continued progress. If you bring an inquisitive curiosity, a sense of pride in your work, an openness to adventure and a drive to win, we’ll provide the structure to take the next step in your career. This is more than just another job, this is your launchpad to achieve your potential and a community dedicated to your growth.
Why Work With Us
At EchoStar, we work to create opportunity and cultivate an environment where people thrive. Between our brands, our partners, our teams and our customers, the opportunities are endless. Get started on your next career adventure with EchoStar!
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