VP of Space Systems

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

As the Vice President of Space Systems, you will play a pivotal role in developing and executing the company's strategic plan in collaboration with executive leadership and senior leaders. You will lead efforts to meet commitments on existing business while fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. This role demands a forward-thinking leader who combines technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver impactful results.

Responsible for portfolio of satellite development program. Responsible for financial management (Profit and loss), leading and mentoring Directors and Senior Directors, driving program performance, customer relations, high level program risk decisions, and collaborating with the Strategic Development organization to win new programs. Bimonthly out of state travel required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Oversee all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition, planning, and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained.
• Develop and manage program plans or delivery methods, some of which may be unprecedented, across distinctive products while serving multiple customers.
• Consult with executive management to develop and implement current, annual and long-term technical, schedule, quality, business, and financial objectives for the program(s) and participate in the development of Group/Company objectives with a long-range forecast.
• Oversee the development of design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration as led by the VP of Engineering & Innovation and their team of engineers and scientists.
• Influence the decisions of senior leaders both within and outside the company on matters of high significance. Represent the organization in relations with customers, and business and non-business communities. Act as primary spokesperson on program issues.
• Direct and influence the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets, and financial terms/conditions of contract(s). Influence contract acquisitions, negotiations and modifications.
• Ensure programmatic leadership and excellence is maintained by overseeing the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, programmatic and professional talent.
• Act as the primary customer contact for program activities and lead program review sessions with customers to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Identify program issues and provide leadership in developing solutions such as re-allocation of resources or modifying contract specifications.
• Support the Strategic Development team with the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities. Participate with Group management in pursuing business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures that enhance the capabilities of the EMS Group and which may result in new products, programs and business opportunities.
• There exists a military space systems separate division led by a peer Vice President that is responsible for space control and satellite systems up to ½-ESPA for classified customers.
• Oversee the development of and ensure the security of proprietary technology and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a Masters or PhD in engineering, science, or a related technical field as well as fifteen or more years of progressively complex program administration experience with at least eleven of those years managing programs. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, strong analytical and planning skills, and well-developed communication, writing and presentation skills.
• Strong business acumen, strategic thinking, and ability to navigate high-level challenges.
• Proven managerial expertise and a track record of leading complex initiatives that deliver measurable success.
• Proven Leader for a significant (i.e. not a cubesat) spacecraft program from design, through integration and test, and to preship review on a spacecraft that successfully met mission requirements on orbit.
• Proven ability to lead large teams, manage complex projects, and collaborate across departments. Experience leading an organization for at least five years with 150 people or more supporting it (the 50 people can be matrixed support).
• 10 (preferably 15) years of experience as an engineer on space hardware programs, either payloads or spacecraft vehicles.
• Demonstrates detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of program management principles, concepts, and practice as well as comprehensive program management and leadership skills organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Ability to gain trust of customer and respected by internal stakeholders for technical expertise and leadership.
• Must possess the ability to use advanced technologies and applications that apply advance principles, theories, and concepts across program requirements.
• Contributes to the development of new principles and concepts to find highly innovative and ingenious solutions to unusually complex problems.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, potential customers, and government representatives.
• U.S. Citizenship Required.
• The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance; possessing an active TS/SCI clearance is preferred.