Sr. Program Director - Classified Development and Administration

Job Summary General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world’s leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Program Director of Classified Development and Administration within the CSS team based in San Diego, CA. CSS provides innovative, cutting-edge, security solutions for the United States Government. Our employees provide a multi-disciplinary, sometimes non-traditional, approach to generate innovative solutions to incredibly challenging technical problems in the national security arena. Our areas of expertise are in spacecraft payload and system development (especially in the confines of implementing very large amounts of functionality in extremely small, power-constrained environments); unique system development; ground control and operational software development; embedded software development; and unique cyber capabilities. Key customers include the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community.

This position reports to the Vice President, CSS and is responsible for the planning, managing and technical performance of one or more major program(s) which typically requires coordination of technology and/or production across multiple locations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee all phases of the program(s) from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition, planning, and managing technical performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are attained.
• Develop and manage program plans or delivery methods, some of which may be unprecedented, across distinctive products while serving multiple customers.
• Consult with executive management to develop and implement current, annual and long-term technical, schedule, and quality business, and financial objectives for the program(s) and participate in the development of Group/Company objectives with a long-range forecast.
• Oversee the development of design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, testing, and integration.
• Influence the decisions of senior leaders both within and outside the company on matters of high significance.
• Represent the organization in relations with customers, and business and non­-business communities.
• Act as primary spokesperson on program issues.
• Direct and influence the preparation of proposals, business plans, proposal work statements and specifications, operating budgets, and financial terms/conditions of contract(s).
• Influence contract acquisitions, negotiations and modifications.
• Ensure technical leadership and excellence is maintained by overseeing the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required management, professional, and technical talent.
• Act as the primary customer contact for program activities and lead program review sessions with customers to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance.
• Identify program issues and provide leadership in developing solutions such as re-allocation of resources or modifying contract specifications.
• Direct the development of new business opportunities and expansion of existing business opportunities.
• Participate with management in pursuing business partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures that enhance the capabilities of the company and which may result in new products, programs and business opportunities.
• Oversee the development of and ensure the security of proprietary technology and maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Master or PhD in engineering, science, or a related technical field as well as fifteen or more years of progressively complex program administration experience with at least eleven of those years managing programs. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• All programs to be managed by this candidate are classified at the collateral, Q, SCI or SAP level.
• A full understanding of classified requirements, networks, communication systems and protocols with commensurate experience is most important.
• Demonstrates detailed and extensive technical expertise and application of program management principles, concepts, and practice as well as comprehensive program management and leadership skills including organizing, planning, scheduling, and coordinating workloads to meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must possess the ability to use advanced technologies and applications that apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts across program requirements.
• Contributes to the development of new principles and concepts to find highly innovative and ingenious solutions to unusually complex problems.
• Strong communication, leadership, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required to enable an effective interface with other departments, all levels of management, professional and support staff, customers, and government representatives.
• Must be able to work extended hours as required and be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and workloads. This position will also involve regular travel.
• US citizenship is required.
• Currently holds or has the ability to obtain a Top Secret DoD Security Clearance.

Salary:$174,010 - $324,040