Senior Director of Program Management, Defense Solutions
About the role
EchoStar is reimagining the future of connectivity, with business reach spanning satellite television service, live-streaming and on-demand programming, smart home installation services, mobile plans and products. Its brands include Boost Mobile, DISH TV, Gen Mobile, Hughes and Sling TV. 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 will be a seasoned Program Manager responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of a large‑scale, global ground systems program for defense, ensuring disciplined delivery of mission‑critical capabilities, bridging program execution excellence with technical rigor to meet stringent national defense requirements and maintain high customer satisfaction. The position is primarily located at the Gaithersburg, MD office, with frequent travel to CONUS and OCONUS customer locations required.
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, covering 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 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.
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.
Pay
Compensation: $185,000.00/Year - $225,000.00/Year. The base pay range shown is a guideline; individual total compensation will vary based on qualifications, skill level, and competencies, and is based on the role's location and subject to change based on work location.