Senior Director, LEO Programs

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

The LEO Programs organization is responsible for the successful execution and delivery of Viasat's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, payload, constellation, and space infrastructure programs. As Senior Director, LEO Programs, you will serve as the senior program leader accountable for delivering program objectives across cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, mission success, and customer satisfaction.

In this role, you will establish and lead a scalable program execution organization capable of supporting multiple concurrent spacecraft and payload development efforts. You will directly lead program management professionals and delivery leads responsible for driving execution across engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, integration & test, launch, and operational readiness activities.

As a member of the Space Infrastructure leadership team, you will define execution strategies, establish governance frameworks, drive cross-functional alignment, and develop the organizational capabilities required to support a growing portfolio of LEO programs. You will work closely with Engineering, Mission Assurance, Manufacturing & AI&T, Supply Chain, Space Access & Operations, Finance, and Business Operations to ensure predictable and successful program delivery.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical and business acumen with exceptional leadership skills and a proven track record delivering complex aerospace or space systems programs.

This is a site‑based role, employees work 3+ days (60%+) per week from a Viasat office or work location within a standard five‑day workweek.

The day-to-day

• Lead execution of one or more LEO satellite, payload, constellation, and space infrastructure programs from concept through deployment and operational handover.
• Serve as the single accountable leader for program cost, schedule, technical performance, contractual commitments, quality, and mission success.
• Build, lead, and scale the LEO Programs organization to support current and future business growth.
• Direct Technical Project Managers, Supplier Delivery Leads, Subsystem Delivery Leads, Program Controls personnel, Configuration Management personnel, and other program execution functions.
• Establish organizational structures, roles, responsibilities, and operating models necessary to successfully deliver multiple concurrent programs.
• Develop and maintain program execution strategies, integrated schedules, staffing plans, budgets, forecasts, and resource plans.
• Establish program governance frameworks, execution standards, review processes, reporting structures, and operating rhythms across the organization.
• Drive execution across engineering, manufacturing, integration & test, mission assurance, supply chain, launch, and mission operations functions.
• Lead customer reviews, executive reviews, design reviews, milestone reviews, readiness reviews, and contractual program reviews.
• Ensure effective management of program risks, opportunities, issues, dependencies, and corrective actions.
• Oversee supplier and subcontractor execution to ensure delivery, schedule, quality, and cost objectives are achieved.
• Balance resources and priorities across multiple program activities while maintaining alignment with business objectives.
• Partner with functional leaders to resolve complex cross-functional execution challenges and remove organizational barriers.
• Drive program performance through the effective use of program metrics, forecasting, earned value management, and operational reviews.
• Lead program recovery activities when required, establishing corrective action plans and driving execution to closure.
• Develop future program leadership talent through coaching, mentorship, succession planning, and organizational development.
• Drive continuous improvement of program management tools, processes, governance, and best practices across the organization.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Program Management, or a related technical discipline.
• 10+ years of experience leading complex aerospace, defense, satellite, spacecraft, or space systems development programs.
• Experience leading large, cross-functional development programs from concept through deployment and operational readiness to meet budget and schedule commitments.
• Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, integration & test, supply chain, quality, and operations organizations.
• Experience managing program cost, schedule, technical performance, contractual deliverables, and customer relationships.
• Experience building and leading program organizations in complex technical environments.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft development, payload development, systems engineering, manufacturing, integration & test, and launch activities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence and align senior leaders across multiple organizations.

What will help you on the job

• Experience leading LEO satellite, constellation, payload, or space infrastructure programs.
• Experience supporting both government and commercial space customers.
• Earned Value Management (EVM) experience.
• PMP certification or equivalent program management credential.
• Experience leading programs through launch, on-orbit commissioning, and operational acceptance.
• Experience scaling teams and organizational processes during periods of rapid business growth.

Salary range

$225,500.00 - $356,500.00 / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $280,500.00- $420,500.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here .