Product Line Director – LOCUST Programs

Key Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end execution of the LOCUST product line across all phases of the program lifecycle: capture, development, integration, production, fielding, and sustainment
• Serve as the primary programmatic authority for LOCUST programs, accountable for cost, schedule, technical performance, and delivery commitments
• Partner with the Technical Product Line Director to align technical roadmap, architecture decisions, and capability evolution with customer requirements and business strategy
• Lead cross-functional integrated product teams (IPTs) including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, contracts, and finance
• Develop, manage, and execute program budgets, EACs, forecasts, and margin performance
• Ensure disciplined program controls, risk management, and change management across contracts
• Drive affordability, scalability, and producibility initiatives aligned with customer acquisition strategies
• Support pricing strategies, proposal development, and negotiation for new programs, follow-ons, and production options
• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as a senior customer interface for LOCUST programs with U.S. Army, NNSA, U.S. Air Force, and other DoD and interagency stakeholders
• Support customer engagements including design reviews, program reviews, test events, fielding activities, and operational demonstrations
• Translate evolving customer CONOPS and mission needs into executable program plans and product enhancements
• Represent the LOCUST product line in internal and external executive-level forums
• Execution, Production & Sustainment
• Drive transition from development to production, including supply chain readiness, manufacturing scale-up, and quality assurance
• Oversee sustainment planning, field support, spares, upgrades, and lifecycle cost reduction efforts
• Ensure alignment with modular open systems approaches (MOSA) and long-term sustainment strategies
• Support deployed systems with responsiveness and operational urgency

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Business, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 10+ years of experience in defense programs, product line management, or program management
• Demonstrated experience leading directed energy, advanced weapons, or complex defense systems
• Strong working knowledge of EACs, program financials, earned value concepts, and execution metrics
• Experience working directly with U.S. Army, NNSA, U.S. Air Force, and/or other government customers
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams delivering complex, mission-critical systems
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, execution-driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-energy laser (HEL) or counter-UAS systems
• Background supporting rapid prototyping, fielding, and operational test events
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition pathways, OTAs, rapid capability offices, and transition-to-program-of-record efforts