Director, Space Ground Systems

About the role

The Director — Space Ground Systems will lead an established and growing space ground portfolio spanning satellite ground development, sustainment, and operations. This portfolio includes technologically complex, completion-based programs and task orders serving both Department of War (DoW) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio & Program Leadership
• Directs a business segment consisting of multiple disciplines, programs, products, and/or customers to meet current and long-term business objectives
• Responsible for customer satisfaction, leadership, overall performance, schedule, and profit and loss of large programs, or a portfolio of programs and/or products throughout the entire program life cycle
• Balances programs, risks and opportunities with executable strategies to meet technical requirements and budgets
• Counsels reviews to drill down into issues on products/programs, identify issues, develop corrective actions, and communicate issues, impacts and corrective actions to program teams
• AI & Innovation Strategy
• Champions the identification and adoption of AI, machine learning, and automation technologies across the portfolio to reduce cost of ownership and accelerate delivery timelines
• Evaluates where AI-driven efficiencies (e.g., automated testing, predictive maintenance, intelligent operations, AI-assisted development) can be applied to existing and future programs
• Pairs with engineering and technology teams to develop and fund AI-focused IRAD initiatives that advance competitive positioning
• Builds a culture of continuous improvement where teams are encouraged to challenge legacy processes and propose technology-driven alternatives
• Business Development & Strategy
• Ensures creation of well-constructed, comprehensive business plans
• Establishes strategic plans and objectives in coordination with others
• Develops customer relationships and develops new business within the market/program
• Develops and executes proposal plans and strategies, with emphasis on differentiating GDMS through AI-enabled solutions
• Effectively engages in complex negotiations involving critical matters
• People & Organizational Development
• Develops personnel to ensure efficient operation, with emphasis on building AI literacy and data-driven decision-making across the team
• Reviews organizational capabilities and develops/executes strategies to improve competitiveness through professional growth & development, strategic hiring, strategic partnering, and acquisitions
• Conducts business and technical briefings for senior and top management and for external representatives
• Leads others in team building, conflict resolution, motivation, and advanced risk management
• Coordinates the patent and data rights for the products/programs/proposals/subcontracts

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of space ground products and technologies including current and potential applications
• Extensive knowledge of target customer markets across DoW & IC
• Demonstrated intimate working knowledge of government acquisition process
• Strategist with proven ability in business development
• Experience applying AI/ML or advanced automation to defense programs or engineering organizations
• Experience leading technical development teams
• Experience leading remote teams spread among sites

Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of government contracting practices and regulations regarding acquisition
• Outstanding relationship management and marketing skills
• Ability to identify partnership candidates best suited to fill product or technology gaps, including AI/ML technology partners
• Ability to manage managers of teams in matrix organization to achieve schedule, cost, and technical performance objectives
• Ability to evaluate quality of work product to ensure satisfaction of customer requirements
• Ability to develop and execute company policies that affect immediate operations
• Extensive verbal and written communication skills
• Extensive understanding of business and supply chain strategy
• Ability to apply advanced negotiation skills to solve internal, external and customer issues

Benefits

General Dynamics Mission Systems offers highly competitive benefits and a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonate with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Pay

Target salary range: USD $239,881.00/Yr. - USD $259,559.00/Yr.

Schedule

Must be able to travel up to 15% of the time