Senior Director, Program Office - Government Operations

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

Join Viasat's Government Operations team as we deliver secure, resilient communications solutions across U.S. and international Government portfolios. As Senior Director of the Program Management Office (PMO), you will lead a high-performing team responsible for delivering consistent, high-quality execution across the full product lifecycle. Your leadership will shape the governance, process, tools, and rhythms that drive delivery excellence-from development through sustainment.

This is a hands-on, transformational leadership role. You'll build and mature a PMO function that drives alignment, accountability, and execution rigor across Government Operations programs. Functional scope includes:

• Lifecycle Program Execution - Program management oversight of development, production, fulfillment, logistics, and depot/field repair activities across Government operations
• Governance & Process Compliance - Establishing delivery frameworks, operating rhythms, and adherence to customer and internal standards
• Program Analytics & Visualization - Enabling insight and performance tracking through tools such as PowerBI, Tempus, and Tableau
• CMMI Audit Readiness - Leading documentation, assessment, and improvement efforts required for CMMI certification
• Standardized Program Execution Models - Drive standardization, governance, and continuous improvement by deploying consistent processes and tools across the program portfolio, including lifecycle frameworks like stage-gate development and Agile.

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team responsible for Government program execution, governance, analytics, and process compliance across a broad a portfolio of products & programs
• Lead lifecycle program management execution across development, production, fulfillment, and sustainment activities supporting the Government Operations portfolio
• Establish scalable governance structures, operating rhythms, and delivery expectations tailored to the needs of Government programs
• Oversee program cost management and budget planning to ensure financial health and contractual alignment
• Integrate aftermarket/repair program execution to ensure service-level performance, cost control, and sustainment readiness
• Guide team readiness and execution of CMMI process maturity activities, including internal assessments, documentation, and gap closure
• Drive implementation and adoption of common program management process, tools and lifecycle frameworks (e.g. agile, waterfall, hybrid), collaborating with stakeholders across engineering, supply chain, and program teams
• Identify and lead transformation opportunities to improve program delivery efficiency, predictability, and scalability
• Operate effectively at multiple levels-from long-term planning and capability buildout to detailed issue resolution and performance recovery
• Promote a team culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer focus, while enabling individual growth and capability development
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, Business Development, Contracts, and Finance to support successful program delivery and customer outcomes
• Lead development and rollout of dashboards, scorecards, and insights that communicate program health and drive timely decision-making
• Apply Lean, Agile, and Six Sigma methods to strengthen PMO processes and execution consistency
• Support proposal and program startup activities, ensuring clear handoff and alignment between capture and execution teams

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience, including building and leading multi-disciplinary teams in program management, operations, or systems delivery within Government environments
• Minimum 7 years leading cross-functional teams in highly technical or operationally complex industries (e.g., aerospace, defense, secure communications)
• Proven experience managing full program lifecycle including sustainment and repair program execution
• In-depth knowledge of government contracting regulations (FAR, DFARS) and compliance requirements.
• Strong financial management skills including budgeting, cost allocation, and financial reconciliation for government-funded programs.
• Risk management expertise including identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with government contracts.
• Proven experience building or transforming a PMO or execution function, including team capability, processes and tools.
• Track record of successfully implementing structured development lifecycle models (e.g., stage-gate, Agile PM)
• Ability to work effectively across engineering, production, logistics, and customer-facing teams
• Strong influencing skills and ability to collaborate with internal stakeholders including BD, Contracts, Finance, and Quality

• Experience overseeing CMMI audit preparation, documentation control, and internal self-assessments
• Experience with FMS programs or international Government program delivery
• Familiarity with data visualization platforms such as PowerBI, Tempus, or Tableau
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technical, or Business field preferred; equivalent experience considered
• Experience supporting proposal capture, BOE development, and transition to execution
• PMP, PgMP or equivalent certification

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.