Sr Director of Programs

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Programs is an executive-level leader responsible for the strategic oversight, execution, and financial performance of the company’s entire portfolio of aerospace and defense programs. This role leads all program management activities across development, qualification, low-rate initial production (LRIP), and full-rate production (FRP), ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, customer requirements, and long-term growth strategy.

This leader serves as the primary interface with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) stakeholders, prime contractors, and executive leadership, while driving disciplined program execution, scalable processes, and operational excellence across the organization.

The Senior Director of Programs plays a critical role in shaping business strategy, influencing capture efforts, and ensuring program delivery supports the company’s position as a premier provider of advanced aerospace propulsion systems.

This role also has direct leadership responsibility for Quality personnel and functions aligned to program execution, ensuring quality performance, compliance, and standards are fully integrated into all program lifecycle activities.

Key Responsibilities

 Enterprise Program Leadership & Portfolio Oversight 

• Own the full lifecycle execution and performance of all aerospace and defense programs across the enterprise
• Lead a portfolio of complex, multi-phase programs ensuring alignment with cost, schedule, technical, and contractual objectives
• Establish standardized program management frameworks, governance structures, and performance metrics across all programs
• Drive portfolio prioritization, resource allocation, and trade-off decisions to optimize company-wide outcomes
• Provide executive-level reporting on program health, risks, and financial performance

Strategic Planning & Business Integration

• Partner with executive leadership to align program execution with corporate strategy, growth objectives, and operational capacity
• Support business development and capture teams in shaping new opportunities, including proposal strategy, pricing, and execution planning
• Influence long-term program roadmaps, technology development, and production scaling strategies
• Lead program integration efforts across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality to ensure seamless execution

DoD, Government & Executive Customer Engagement

• Serve as the executive-level point of contact for DoD agencies, government stakeholders, and prime contractors
• Lead high-level program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and executive briefings
• Ensure full compliance with FAR/DFARS, contract requirements, and government reporting standards
• Oversee DCMA interactions, audits, and regulatory engagements

Financial & Contractual Accountability

• Own portfolio-level P&L including revenue, margin, cost performance, and cash flow
• Drive financial discipline through forecasting, earned value management (EVM), and cost control mechanisms
• Oversee contract execution, including scope changes, negotiations, and equitable adjustments
• Ensure accurate program baselines, financial reporting, and risk-adjusted forecasting

Operational Execution & Production Readiness

• Lead cross-functional execution across engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure program delivery from development through production
• Directly lead Quality teams supporting program execution, including Director of Quality, Quality Inspectors, and compliance personnel
• Ensure readiness for LRIP and FRP, including capacity planning, supplier performance, and production scalability
• Drive continuous improvement in program execution processes, tools, and systems
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, quality standards, and configuration management requirements

Risk Management & Governance

• Establish enterprise-wide risk management frameworks, including identification, mitigation, and escalation processes
• Lead program reviews, gate reviews, and executive governance forums
• Ensure proactive issue resolution and corrective action implementation across all programs

Leadership, Talent Development & Organizational Scaling

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing Program Management organization
• Provide direct leadership and development for Quality personnel aligned to program execution
• Mentor and develop Directors, Program Managers, Quality leaders, and program support staff
• Establish clear accountability, decision-making authority, and organizational structure to support growth
• Drive a culture of ownership, transparency, urgency, and execution excellence

Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field

• 15 years of progressive program management experience in aerospace or defense
• 7 years of leadership experience managing large-scale, multi-program portfolios
• Extensive experience managing DoD programs and interfacing with U.S. government customers

• Experience leading or partnering closely with Quality in an AS9100-regulated environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Business (MBA), or related field
• Experience with propulsion systems, turbine engines, or advanced aerospace hardware
• Experience working with prime contractors and Tier 1 suppliers
• Certification in Program Management (PMP, PgMP, or equivalent)
• Experience implementing Earned Value Management (EVM) systems

Core Competencies

• Executive leadership and enterprise decision-making
• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Advanced financial management and P&L ownership
• Risk management in high-consequence environments
• Exceptional communication and executive presence
• Ability to scale operations in fast-growing, high-technology organizations
• Strong integrity, compliance orientation, and accountability
• Quality-driven mindset with deep appreciation for regulatory and production standards

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Access to innovative technology and tools. 

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join our dynamic team and help create a brand-new jet engine manufacturing facility in Atlanta that serves our military to be on the forefront for new UAVs. 

PBS Aerospace is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis [protected class] including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, age, race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable national, federal, state or local laws and ordinances. We adhere to these commitments in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, benefits, and discipline.