Program Director, Mothership

As a Program Director leading development of the Mothership element of the Virgin Galactic Spaceflight System, you have program responsibility for leadership, oversight, and vision of personnel, engineering, production, test, logistics, suppliers, operations. Oversee the execution of the Mothership program and shaping of the long-term Mothership strategyDevelop Department of Defense customer relationships to seek/build advocacy for militarized variantsDevelop and maintain a detailed program plan aligned with company business needsBuild a program organization structure and team, including crafting and implementing a management operating system to ensure efficient program execution Hold accountability for cost, scope, and schedule against the approved program baseline Proactively maintain and track program risks and opportunities, providing mitigation plans as neededRegularly report to executive leadership, internal and external customers, and the wider organization the team’s performance in the areas of quality, scope, cost, and schedulePlan, develop, and lead milestone reviews, monthly program management reviews, design reviews, etc.Provide primary supplier leadership communication to help ensure successful contract performanceRequired Skills and ExperienceMinimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or technical discipline from an accredited institution15+ years of industry experience in progressive technical and leadership rolesExperience with aerospace vehicle/System development, transition into production, and entry into service.Broad knowledge of and experience with aircraft program R&D, experimental, or prototype aircraftKnowledge of high altitude, long endurance aircraft design and operationKnowledge of Department of Defense program development, including budget cycles, customer development, proposal process, and contract executionAbility to obtain a Department of Defense SECRET security clearanceEnergetic, passionate and organized program leader ready to lead a project through the full lifecycleExperience successfully leading and building teamsExperience providing leadership and management for multidisciplinary teams of engineering, manufacturing, and business support personnelDemonstrated success managing aerospace projects requiring Supplier Project ManagementDemonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentExperience with logic linked scheduling, cost account management, budget management, configuration management, and requirements management processesDemonstrated ability to take initiative, create solutions, and meet deadlines with little oversightAble to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in a complex product development environment with multiple priorities as well as a disciplined production settingExcellent verbal and written communication, excellent computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint.Team player with excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.Leverage your experience to help the Virgin Galactic team develop and deploy program processes to improve Program Management best practices  Preferences:Active SECRET or TOP SECRET security clearancePMP CertificationMasters DegreeSix Sigma Training and CertificationThe annual U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $140,900.00–$225,500.00. The base pay actually offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, and experience and take into account internal equity. Other forms of pay (e.g., bonus or long term incentive) may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the position offered. For more information regarding Virgin Galactic benefits, please visit Who We AreVirgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. We are making the dream of space travel a reality, delivering spaceflight at an unprecedented frequency, with the development of next generation space vehicles. Export Requirements To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Person (either a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident or a protected individual as defined 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or be able to obtain the required authorization from either the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The applicant must also not be included in the list of Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. See list here.EEO StatementVirgin Galactic is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Virgin Galactic is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. DRUG FREE WORKPLACEVirgin Galactic is committed to a Drug Free Workplace.  All applicants post offer and active teammates are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies. This can include pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and accident related drug and alcohol testing. PHOENIX EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTSFor individuals seeking employment at our Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport facility, employment is contingent upon you obtaining and maintaining a TSA authorized security badge.  This includes initial and annual mandatory background checks that are governed by TSA, and conducted by the Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport badging office.Job SummaryJob number: 1729Date posted : 2025-01-02Profession: Space Missions and SafetyEmployment type: Full-Time