Business Area Director of Spaceborne Solutions

Safran DSI Business Unit: Space Solutions

Location: Parker, Colorado

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, Attollo Engineering, Geospatial AI, Optronics, Space Solutions, and Testing & Telemetry.

Safran DSI Space Solutions helps our commercial customers and the US government reach space through Safran's products, either on the ground or onboard satellites. We specialize in comprehensive satellite ground stations, TT&C radios, Mission data transmitters, multi-GNSS receivers, space optics, electric propulsion systems, and services such as Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Surveillance, Reconnaissance & Tracking (SRT).

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 our Spaceborne Systems Business Area is a senior leader responsible for the full Profit & Loss performance of the Business Area. This individual is responsible for the strategic direction, financial outcomes, day-to-day operational execution, and customer relationships for the Business Area. The Director serves as the primary business owner accountable for revenue growth, margin performance, program delivery, and team development within the P&L center.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial & Business Performance 

• Own the full P&L performance for the Business Area (BA), including revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, free cash flow, and EBIT. 

• Develop and execute annual operating plans, budgets, and multi-year financial forecasts (i.e., Rolling Forecast (ROFO), ACTU, Mid-Term Planning (MTP), etc). 

• Drive revenue growth through directly supporting the Business Development team with new business capture, and owning existing customer expansion, and portfolio development. 

Strategy & New Business 

• Support the definition and execution of the market strategy with Strategy & Business Development, including target customers, competitive positioning, and go-to-market approach. 

• Support the identification and pursuit of new business opportunities in US government, civil, and commercial space ground systems markets. 

• Identify and support potential Merger & Acquisition (M&A) opportunities.  

• Represent Safran DSI Space Solutions at key industry forums, conferences, and customer engagements. 

Product & Program Leadership 

• Provide oversight of and/or directly manage as needed, active contracts, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and on-specification delivery across supply chain and in-house production.
• Provide direct feedback to our factories and collaborate to resolve new scope, delivery and quality issues.
• Oversee the relevant product roadmap with our Office of Technology and Solutions, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and market trends. 

• Champion continuous improvement in product quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction for SGS and across Space Solutions. 

People & Organization 

• Grow, head, and develop a high-performing team of program managers (as BA size permits), and matrixed functional staff, as applicable. 

• Foster a culture of professional accountability, innovation, and collaboration across the BA and Space Solutions organization. 

• Partner with cross-functional leaders in Engineering, Operations, Finance, and HR to achieve business objectives, including Direct Labor Utilization (DLU) DLU targets. 

• Develop and hold key relationships with the respective Safran Space GBU Business Line leadership team. 

• Collaborate with other Business Area leaders to ensure consistent and successful utilization of the Space Solutions matrix organization. 

• Hold position on Space Solutions Leadership Team, conducting yourself as a role model and recognized leader in the organization. Including collaboration with other leaders to ensure cohesive business operations. 

Customer & Stakeholder Relationships 

• Serve as the senior point of contact for key Business Area customers and partners. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, prime contractors, Satellite bus manufacturers, and commercial operators. 

• Ensure customer commitments are met and that Safran DSI maintains its reputation for excellence in spaceborne systems. 
• Represent the respective customer’s ‘Voice of the Customer’ with-in Space Solutions.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL:

• Bachelors Degree or higher in a relevant technical field.
• Must have minimum of 10 years relevant experience applying technology with spaceflight hardware requirements across space subsystem/system levels.
• Director or related expereince commensurate with program management running a P&L.
• Proven track record in developing and executing new business for space product lines
• Must be an expert at PM & Director level interactions as well as able to communicate written and oral to the tactical / technical level of engagement.   
• Proven track record of program management, including assisting proposal development for space systems and programs to be executed once won.
• Willing to assist with solicited and unsolicited proposal and white paper writing.
• Requires ability to obtain DoD Secret Security clearance.
• Requires U.S. Citizenship
  
  

IDEALLY, YOU’LL ALSO HAVE:

• Masters degree in a related industry major, can include MA/MS or MBA
• Electric Propulsion element and/or satellite subsystem experience
• Experience working in an ITAR environment, including import/export activities
• Running or interfacing with production/manufacturing lines and Supply chain elements
• Understanding of USG Space Acquisitions and USG organizations (IC, DoW, USSF, SDA, etc), POM process, and leadership decision process.
• Conversational French

Travel: Up to 25%, to include domestic and potential non-domestic travel visiting suppliers, customers, and other DSI facilities, and Safran factories.

SALARY RANGE: $200,000 to $230,000 annual salary, plus participation in management performance bonus plan.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.