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.
