Director Of Programs

Karman Space and Defense

$135K — $160K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related technical field
  • At least 10 years of experience in the space and defense sector
  • Proven experience leading programs valued at $100M or more
  • Track record in Division or large-team leadership roles
  • Experience managing relationships with prime contractors and government agencies
  • Knowledge of global supply chain operations

Responsibilities

  • Directs Division program execution to achieve cost, schedule, and performance targets
  • Provides strategic, technical, and business leadership across projects
  • Monitors program performance, applying corrective actions as needed
  • Accountable for financial, schedule, and technical outcomes across the Division
  • Manages procurement planning and resource allocation for contracts
  • Fosters a high-performance work environment focused on engagement
  • Oversees workforce planning, including hiring and personnel development
  • Guides mentoring and career growth initiatives across the Division
  • Builds strong relationships with customers, including prime contractors
  • Leads the development of competitive proposals to support Division growth
  • Collaborates with leadership to identify strategic opportunities
  • Partners with other Divisions to deliver comprehensive solutions
  • Manages Division budgets in alignment with company objectives

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
This role supports our Defense Systems business, bringing together Hypersonics, Strategic Missile Defense, Tactical Missiles, and Integrated Defense Systems. Modern defense missions demand more than piecemeal parts or patchwork products; they require hardware that seamlessly integrates disparate technologies into a unified system. Backed by decades of flight-proven performance, our teams deliver tailored mission-ready solutions across air, land, and sea, including: launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, integration and deployment.

The Director of Programs leads a multi-discipline Division composed of Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), providing strategic leadership to ensure strong program execution across cost, schedule, and technical performance. This role oversees contract delivery, workforce development, customer engagement, and business growth while partnering closely with Chief Engineers and enterprise leadership to strengthen structures, tools, processes, and capabilities that support large-scale strategic programs.

Schedule
  • This role follows a 9/80 schedule, with 9-hour shifts Monday through Thursday, an 8-hour shift every other Friday, and the alternating Friday off.

Responsibilities
  • Directs overall Division program execution to meet cost, schedule, and technical performance objectives.
  • Provides strategic, technical, and business leadership across Division projects.
  • Monitors program performance and implements corrective actions when needed.
  • Maintains accountability for financial, schedule, and technical outcomes across the Division and its IPTs.
  • Manages procurement planning and resource allocation to support the Division's contract portfolio.
  • Cultivates an inclusive, high-performance work environment focused on engagement and productivity.
  • Oversees workforce planning, including hiring, performance management, and personnel development.
  • Guides mentoring, training, workload balance, and career growth opportunities across the Division.
  • Builds strong relationships with customers, including prime contractors and government agencies.
  • Leads development and approval of compliant, high-quality, and competitive proposals that support Division growth.
  • Collaborates with enterprise leaders to identify strategic opportunities and drive organizational improvements.
  • Partners with other Divisions and Departments to deliver integrated solutions and support enterprise initiatives.
  • Manages Division budgets to align with company objectives.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science in engineering or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in the space and defense industry.
  • Proven ability to lead, plan, and execute programs valued at $100M or greater.
  • Demonstrated success in Division or large-team leadership roles.
  • Experience managing customer relationships with prime contractors and U.S. government agencies.
  • Familiarity with global supply chain operations.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master of Science in engineering or a related technical field.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement

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