Free Space Optics Program Manager

At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space.

We're a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.

Advanced Network Products is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager to lead and manage a portfolio of programs focused on our products portfolio. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for the successful execution of programs from conception through completion, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives, budget, schedule, and technical performance requirements. You will serve as the primary point of contact for stakeholders and internal cross-functional teams, driving collaboration and delivering exceptional results.

• Program Leadership & Execution:
• Lead and manage all aspects of assigned programs, including planning, execution, monitoring, and close-out.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive program plans, including scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and communication strategies.
• Ensure programs are executed within established baselines and in accordance with company policies, procedures, and relevant government regulations (e.g., FAR, DFARS).
• Drive on-time and on-budget delivery of program deliverables while maintaining high quality and technical integrity.
• Identify and mitigate program risks and issues proactively, developing effective contingency plans.
• Customer Relationship Management:
• Directly support all internal and external customers, building strong relationships and understanding their evolving needs and priorities.
• Communicate program status, progress, risks, and issues clearly and concisely to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Negotiate and manage contract modifications and scope changes effectively.
• Ensure customer satisfaction through proactive engagement and responsive problem-solving.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration:
• Lead and mentor a diverse, cross-functional program team, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Allocate resources effectively and ensure appropriate staffing levels for program success.
• Facilitate effective communication and coordination among engineering, operations, finance, contracts, and business development teams.
• Champion best practices in program management and continuous improvement.
• Financial Management:
• Manage program financial performance, including revenue forecasting, cost control, and profitability.
• Prepare and present financial reports and analyses to senior leadership.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for program growth and expansion.
• Proposal Development & Business Development Support:
• Contribute to the development of winning proposals for new opportunities.
• Support business development efforts by providing technical insights, customer intelligence, and program management expertise.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in program management, with a general understanding of the U.S. military.
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-faceted programs through the full program lifecycle (initiation, planning, execution, monitoring & control, closure).
• Demonstrated success in managing programs with budgets exceeding $2 Million.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with all levels of an organization and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams.
• US Citizenship with ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• PMP or equivalent program management certification (e.g., DAWIA Program Management Level II or III) is highly preferred.
• Experience with Agile methodologies in a government contracting environment.

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.