Head of Programs, Space Special Programs

ABOUT THE TEAM 

In the Space Special Programs team, we build spacecraft and space systems which serve a wide variety of functions in the space architecture. At a time when space superiority can no longer be taken for granted and with space systems proliferating at an incredible rate, the Space Special Programs team provides advanced, mission critical capabilities to our customer base to be able to more effectively operate and survive within this expanding environment with limited personnel. Working across product, engineering, sales, logistics, operations, and mission success, the Space Special Programs team develops, tests, deploys, and operates new, unique, space capabilities to drive mission success in challenging operational environments. 

ABOUT THE JOB 

We are hiring a Head of Programs for our Space Special Programs business line. The Head of Programs is the lead Technical Program Manager and primary programmatic strategic interface with the GM. As the lead Technical Program Manager the Head of Programs will lead day-to-day execution of overall program initiatives and tasks - working with the other TPMs, the Head of Operations, and the rest of the Business Operations team to manage the budget and schedule, as well as with the customer, and the GM to satisfy the technical objectives while meeting all of the contractual requirements. Additionally, The Head of Programs will work with the GM to develop and manage the technical roadmap, new product direction, and help create mission solutions for the customer base, with an eye towards growth. 

This role is directly tied to a series of on-going orbital programs and active pursuits across Anduril's Space Special Programs Business Line. These programs require executing on multiple space system development and delivery contracts along with capture efforts across multiple dynamic space operations missions. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO 

• Ownership: TPMs are owners; we're looking for those who have a natural bias to assume responsibility, a healthy dose of skepticism, and contribute to a culture of performance. Lead the project from start to finish with the customer and the engineering team. Develop the technical path for success, identify engineering needs, and validate the projected product outcome with the customer. TPMs are empowered to quickly assume high levels of responsibility and entrust them to actively own their account and shape its success. 

• Embed/Engage: Work side-by-side with our customers to understand their specific mission challenges and represent the customer as you work with Anduril engineers to shape products that solve critical national security challenges. Anduril engineers rely on TPMs to understand the lay of the land and bring a perspective that informs the product development process. 

• Build/Orchestrate: Work with Anduril engineers to build the solution and/or pivot development as needed to meet client needs. Successfully developing our complex hardware and software products requires collaborating with nearly every internal Anduril team - engineering, product, logistics, finance, legal, contracting, technical operations, and many more. You'll be responsible for ensuring each party is engaged and informed, and will therefore become well-versed in what it takes to really bring the best of Anduril to our customers. 

• Plan: Develop, coordinate and communicate the path to success with both internal and external partners. Work with clients and engineers to build sprint plans, execution plans, milestones. 

• Grow our business through customer success: In addition to the operational and executive relationships you own, you will be responsible for meeting commercial targets that drive top line growth. This requires establishing committed and trust-based partnerships with our customers to not only help them solve their immediate problems, but also to foresee future opportunities where Anduril's technology can make them more effective. Understanding Anduril's value proposition and articulating how we can have an impact on a customer's problem set, from the executive level to the end user, is critical to positioning Anduril for the future. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Demonstrated experience executing engineering or program management responsibilities for Space hardware, payloads, subsystems, or satellites 
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple programs and other program managers in a fast-paced atmosphere.  
• Strong understanding of space systems engineering, environmental considerations, and requirements verification and validation 
• Experience with the deployment and integration of sophisticated hardware and software systems - particularly for national security space systems 
• Proven experience participating in creation of new mission level designs and concepts 
• B.S. (minimum) in Economics, Math, or Electrical, Computer, Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent; with an MBA highly desirable 
• 18+ years experience working with multifunctional teams 
• 7+ years experience managing spacecraft or space subsystem teams (preferably the most recent years) 
• Experience with building and leading cross-functional teams 
• Adaptive and introspective; willing to learn, teach, lead and follow. 
• Comfortable with setting and achieving goals in an amorphous environment. 
• Comfortable with working in limited resource environments. 
• Prior engineering work on space systems is a plus 
• Must be a U.S. Citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret security clearance 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams to successful completion of projects 
• Collaborative problem solving to achieve work goals 
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills 
• Experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent project management software 
• Ability to organize, prioritize and simplify complex problems 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment 
• Lead team to develop solutions to complex, time sensitive problems 
• Maintain customer relationship with timely, accurate, and meaningful communications 
• Creation of project proposals, program plans, reports, and process documentation