Director of Advanced Satellite Ground & Space Communications {A}

ARKA Group L.P. ("ARKA") is an advanced technologies company serving the U.S. military, intelligence community, and commercial space industry delivering next-generation solutions to support the national security space enterprise. Built on more than six decades of excellence, ARKA brings modern approaches and a culture of innovation to the challenges of today.

Join the ARKA team to learn how Beyond Begins Here. Discover your next career opportunity now!

Position Overview:

ARKA is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Advanced Satellite Ground and Space Communications to lead the strategic direction, technical development, and operational execution of our next-generation solutions.

Our director will drive innovation across ground infrastructure, RF systems, network architecture, and software platforms, enabling high-reliability communications for satellite constellations. The ideal candidate is a systems-level thinker and business developer with deep expertise in satellite communications, strong leadership skills, and a track record of growth and delivering complex technical hardware and software solutions.

This role is primarily based at either our Colorado Springs, CO or Chantilly, VA locations, though frequent customer engagement travel will be required.

We offer generous relocation benefits for eligible candidates.

In support of work/life balance, many positions are available for a flexible schedule within the pay period. Ask us about the opportunity for flex scheduling if that's of interest to you.

Responsibilities:

Strategic and P&L Leadership:

• Drive business growth and operational performance, ensuring profitable execution, delivery excellence, and customer satisfaction
• Oversee the P&L and significantly increase backlog through larger multi-year contract awards
• Build and manage the annual operating and long-range plans with KPIs that measure and track progress and identify areas for improvement early
• Lead monthly business reviews and financial forecasting
• Set vision and strategy for satellite ground and space communications solutions in alignment with broader ARKA goals
• Stay ahead of industry trends in virtualization, cloud-based operations, and software-defined ground stations and space radios
• Identify emerging trends (e.g., optical comms, software-defined ground stations, virtualization, AI-driven operations, inter-satellite communication links) and shape technology roadmaps accordingly
• Drive innovation to maintain competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving satellite communications market

Business Development:

• Lead high-priority business development and capture activities-from early opportunity identification and pursuit through proposal development
• Add government prime contract awards to existing subcontracting business

Execution:

• Ensure development and delivery of advanced software defined space radios and ground station infrastructure, including RF subsystems, modems, and software platforms
• Drive adoption of cloud-based, AI-driven, or automated ground systems to improve efficiency and scalability
• Oversee execution of complex programs involving design, deployment, and operations of ground communications systems
• Monitor timelines, budgets, risk, and compliance for major programs
• Ensure deliveries meet or exceed performance expectations and contractual obligations
• Ensure investments (IRAD and capital expenses) align with the most promising growth vectors for the AC division

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams, including program managers and business development and capture leads
• Closely collaborate with systems, software, and hardware engineering teams
• Foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and accountability
• Hire, mentor, and retain top talent
• Communicate frequently to a team of 130+, including regular All-Hands meetings, one-on-ones with direct reports, and regular team briefings
• Be embedded with the team to maximize effectiveness, business decisions, and provide guidance

Customer Engagement:

• Serve as the primary liaison with key customers and partners, providing executive-level communication and support
• Translate customer requirements into technical and business solutions
• Ensure customer satisfaction and long-term relationship development

Required Qualifications:

Our ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, driven, and mission focused. We are looking for someone who understands our customers' missions and needs and can work with a group of industry leaders to create compelling solutions for these needs. This person has a proven track record of assembling partnerships that lead to winning business.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in relevant leadership roles within the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, or communications industry
• Active TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance or ability to obtain one
• Experience in and understanding of business financial management and financial statements
• Deep customer relationships and understanding of customer missions and priorities-particularly within the DoD, Intelligence Community, or civil space agencies
• Experience winning and executing prime government contracts
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate across business units
• Demonstrated experience identifying growth opportunities and successfully executing complex business development and capture efforts
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills with an ability to motivate employees and build strong relationships
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including briefing senior stakeholders and contributing to internal communications
• Experience in satellite communications, satellite systems, or RF communications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in a business-related or technical field
• Experience delivering space qualified hardware and software

Pay Range: $220,000 - $260,000

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

The application window will close in 40 days for this position.

Location: Colorado Springs, CO

If you like city life, but also enjoy the great outdoors, Colorado Springs is the place for you. The city rests at the base of Pikes Peak. The 14,115-foot summit is just one of dozens of area attractions, including scenic trains, museums, parks, a zoo and more. With a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, the Springs boasts some of the state's best recreation opportunities. The city is also known for its robust high-tech and sports industries. We are home to the U.S. Air Force Academy and four military bases and with the Olympic Training Center and dozens of sports federations nearby, it's common to spot world-class athletes around town.

What We Offer:

• Comprehensive medical/vision/dental insurance packages
• Company contributions to qualified HSA accounts
• 401k retirement plan with industry leading company contributions
• 3 weeks of vacation accrual per year plus time off for sick leave and unscheduled life events
• 13 paid holidays
• Upfront tuition assistance for approved degree programs
• Annual bonus program based on company and employee performance
• Company paid life insurance, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance
• 4 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

EHS/Environmental Requirements:

This job operates in a professional office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee routinely is required to use hands to keyboard, communicate, listen to, and interpret instructions and remain stationary for extended periods of the time. This would require the ability to move around the campus and occasionally move/lift items weighing up to 25 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Applicants are invited to apply for a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential duties of the job. To apply, send a request to staffing@arka.org or contact 203-797-5000 and press 2 for Human Resources.

ITC & Security Clearance Requirements:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Visa Restrictions:

No visa sponsorship is available for this position.

Pre-employment Screenings:

Employment with any ARKA companies in the U.S. is contingent upon satisfactory completion of several pre-employment requirements to include a credit check, background check, and drug screen.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities:

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.