Director of Programs

Safran DSI Business Unit: Optronics

ABOUT OUR MISSION:

Join the forefront of innovation and make an impact at Safran Defense & Space, Inc.!

Safran Defense & Space Inc. (Safran DSI), headquartered in Arlington, Va., is a leading U.S. aerospace company dedicated to supporting national defense and space missions. As a trusted partner to the U.S. armed forces, government agencies, and commercial sectors, Safran DSI delivers advanced technology solutions through its specialized business units: Assured PNT, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Headquartered in Bedford, NH, Safran DSI Optronics (formerly Optics 1) is a global leader in full-service design and production of electro-optic and navigation systems. Leveraging core competencies in defense technologies, Optronics provides unmatched, first-class mission solutions for military and law enforcement personnel.

We have a high-paced, high-energy environment focused on acknowledging individual and team successes, as well as overall growth. Optronics is a community that cares about the mission of our customers. Our team believes in supporting and enriching our community through engagement; whether that means giving back to our troops, veterans and their families, investing in next generation innovators through STEM education, or higher education initiatives, giving back is an important part of who we are as a team.

If you’re ready to join our mission and serve those who serve, Safran DSI is the perfect place for you to take your career to the next level. Make a real difference and be part of something extraordinary. Apply now and help us build the future of defense and space.

POSITION PROFILE:

The Director of Programs is a team builder and leader who thrives at the intersection of customer engagement and management of complex technically-intense development programs and portfolios through all stages of product development. Reporting to the Vice President of Programs, the Director of Programs provides program capture and execution leadership to our engineering development and transition teams. The Director of Programs focuses not only on program execution, but also mentorship and supervisory responsibility.  This individual works cross-functionally with stakeholders across the organization to achieve execution excellence through the use of well-established program- and engineering management techniques. The Director of Programs is a key Programs interface with relevant stakeholders across the SAFRAN Group, industry partners, and current and prospective customers, with a goal of advancing the tactical and strategic objectives of the Safran DSI - Optronics business as a whole.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage programs associated with the development, introduction / transition to production, and delivery of Electro-Optical and Navigation products for defense applications.
• Lead development and detailed implementation of program plans, ensuring execution and performance is in accordance with contractual requirements and/or business objectives.
• Provide programmatic leadership and technical oversight to cross-functional program development teams through effective management of scope, risk, budget, schedule, quality, and resources.
• Serve as a direct customer interface, nurturing close customer relationships, proactively addressing challenges and pursuing opportunities to strategically expand the business.
• Lead program capture / proposals for development efforts.
• Other duties and responsibilities assigned, as may be required by the Company.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Mentors and coaches Program Managers, Engineers, and Operations staff as necessary to

ensure that the best interests of the Company and its customers are served.

• Provides strategic support and guidance to individual Program Managers (PMs). This includes supporting and mentoring the PMs as they plan and oversee the detailed implementation of programs, making sure that they stay within the stipulated budget and deliver according to the program objectives.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Typically requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited program and 15+ years of relevant experience in related or applicable fields or a master’s degree and 10+ years of relevant experience. 
• Ability to manage technology-intense development efforts and lead cross-functional engineering development teams.
• Experience developing and delivering complex integrated system hardware with little oversight.
• Proven track record of leading programs of strategic importance through the full life cycle, following stage-gate management and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and apply integrated master plans and schedules, risk and opportunity management, and effective monitoring and control.
• Proactive, systematic, and methodical approach to addressing challenges.
• Extensive experience in capture management and leading the development of competitive, winning proposals for defense customers. 
• Demonstrated ability to work on advanced complex business issues or problems that require in-depth technical and industry knowledge. 
• Willingness to learn and support others.
• Must work well and thrive in deadline driven, fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication, negotiation, collaborative problem solving, and conflict management skills; ability to influence, motivate, and drive without authority.
• Experience with USG and DoD customer base.
• Must be a US Citizen as the position requires the ability to obtain DoD Secret clearance.

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Engineering background or STEM related degree is strongly preferred. 
• Existing Program Management Certification (e.g., PMP Certification or equivalent).
• Working knowledge of Earned Value Management.
• Working knowledge of Systems Engineering practices.
• Experience developing and introducing/ transitioning products, from early concepts to low rate initial production.
• Relevant background in one or more of the following: Electro-Optical Systems such as laser systems, imaging systems, and night vision systems; Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Systems; and Navigation Systems.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-customer environment; international customer experience is a plus.
• Experience mentoring less experienced program managers and/or technical leads on best practices for new product development. 
• Experience working in an ITAR environment.
• Experience in DoD acquisition and contracting.
• Active Secret security clearance.

TRAVEL:

TRAVEL: Up to 30% - Potential travel between facilities and customers in the United States, along with some international travel.

EEO STATEMENT & ACCESSIBILITY:

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
• EOE/AA/M/F/Vets – US Protected Individual status required (US citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee, refugee or temporary resident (as defined at 8 USC 1160(a).