ViaSat

Free Space Optics Program Manager

ViaSat$94K — $149K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, or related field, or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of 5+ years of progressive program management experience
  • Proven experience managing complex, multi-faceted programs through the entire lifecycle
  • Experience managing programs with budgets exceeding $2 million
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
  • Strong ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams
  • US Citizenship and ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage all aspects of assigned programs, from planning to execution and close-out
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, addressing scope, budget, and risk management
  • Ensure adherence to company policies and relevant government regulations
  • Drive timely and on-budget delivery of program deliverables with high quality
  • Identify and mitigate risks and issues proactively
  • Build strong relationships with internal and external customers
  • Lead and mentor a diverse, cross-functional program team
  • Manage program financial performance, including revenue forecasting and cost control
  • Contribute to winning proposals for new business opportunities
  • Support business development with technical insights and program management expertise.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, financial, and wellness benefits
  • Focus on holistic health and wellness
  • Additional cash or stock incentives may be available depending on the role.
Full Job Description
What you'll do

Advanced Network Products is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager to lead and manage a portfolio of programs focused on our products portfolio. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the successful execution of programs from conception through completion, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, budget, schedule, and technical performance requirements. You will serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders and internal cross-functional teams, driving collaboration and delivering exceptional results.

The day-to-day

  • Program Leadership & Execution:
    • Lead and manage all aspects of assigned programs, including planning, execution, monitoring, and close-out.
    • Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, including scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and communication strategies.
    • Ensure programs are executed within established baselines and in accordance with company policies, procedures, and relevant government regulations (e.g., FAR, DFARS).
    • Drive on-time and on-budget delivery of program deliverables while maintaining high quality and technical integrity.
    • Identify and mitigate program risks and issues proactively, developing effective contingency plans.
  • Customer Relationship Management:
    • Directly support all internal and external customers, building strong relationships and understanding their evolving needs and priorities.
    • Communicate program status, progress, risks, and issues clearly and concisely to both internal and external stakeholders.
    • Negotiate and manage contract modifications and scope changes effectively.
    • Ensure customer satisfaction through proactive engagement and responsive problem-solving.
  • Team Leadership & Collaboration:
    • Lead and mentor a diverse, cross-functional program team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
    • Allocate resources effectively and ensure appropriate staffing levels for program success.
    • Facilitate effective communication and coordination among engineering, operations, finance, contracts, and business development teams.
    • Champion best practices in program management and continuous improvement.
  • Financial Management:
    • Manage program financial performance, including revenue forecasting, cost control, and profitability.
    • Prepare and present financial reports and analyses to senior leadership.
    • Identify and pursue opportunities for program growth and expansion.
  • Proposal Development & Business Development Support:
    • Contribute to the development of winning proposals for new opportunities.
    • Support business development efforts by providing technical insights, customer intelligence, and program management expertise.

What you'll need

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in program management, with a general understanding of the U.S. military.
  • Proven experience managing complex, multi-faceted programs through the full program lifecycle (initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & control, closure).
  • Demonstrated success in managing programs with budgets exceeding $2 Million.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with all levels of an organization and external stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
  • US Citizenship with ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

What will help you on the job

  • Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • PMP or equivalent program management certification (e.g., DAWIA Program Management Level II or III) is highly preferred.
  • Experience with Agile methodologies in a government contracting environment.

Salary range

$94,500.00 - $149,000.00 / 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 $117,000.00- $176,000.00/ 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.

About ViaSat

ViaSat is a global communications company that provides satellite and wireless networking technology, services, and solutions. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. ViaSat offers a range of products and services, including satellite broadband internet, in-flight Wi-Fi, and secure networking systems for government and military customers. The company has more than 6,200 employees and operates in over 50 countries. ViaSat is publicly traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol VSAT.
Learn more about ViaSat
Size
7,000 employees
Market Cap
$2.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$2 million
Founded
1986
5 Year Trend
+12.3%
Revenue
$2.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at ViaSat

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Free Space Optics Program Manager jobs: