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Senior Director of Development Programs
Senior Director of Development ProgramsKarman Space & Defense • Mukilteo, WA, US
Senior Director of Development Programs

Senior Director of Development Programs

Karman Space & Defense • Mukilteo, WA, US
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Job Description

Job Description

SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Development Programs is responsible for the strategic leadership, execution, and lifecycle oversight of complex aerospace development programs, including new product introductions (NPIs), advanced systems, defense contracts, and technology integration efforts. This executive-level role ensures alignment between program delivery, customer expectations, and long-term business goals, working closely with cross-functional leaders in engineering, operations, supply chain, contracts, and finance. The Director or Development Programs reports to the General Manager.

The ideal candidate brings deep aerospace industry expertise, strong program management leadership, and a proven track record of successfully delivering multi-phase development programs in a regulated, schedule-driven environment.

ABOUT US

Karman Space & Defense provides concept-to-production solutions for mission-critical systems on spacecraft, launch vehicles, missiles, hypersonics, and integrated defense systems. We believe that solving the industry’s most complex and mission-critical challenges requires relentless determination and a willingness to push the boundaries of possibility. Karman Space & Defense brings to bear unparalleled production capabilities, unmatched engineering expertise, and unflinching analysis to render the impossible, possible.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Program Leadership

  • Establish department goals, KPIs, and resource plans to meet delivery, quality, cost, and compliance objectives
  • Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of all major development programs, ensuring alignment with cost, schedule, technical, and quality objectives.
  • Oversee program lifecycle from concept through design, prototype, validation, certification, and production transition.
  • Serve as the executive interface to key customers, industry partners, and internal stakeholders.
  • Program & Product Development Oversight

  • Support capture and proposal efforts for new business opportunities, including technical strategy, work breakdown, resource planning, and cost estimation.
  • Develop program execution strategies and roadmaps that align with business priorities and long-term growth objectives.
  • Ensure effective integration of engineering, supply chain, operations, and quality functions into program delivery plans.
  • Own the development and management of program budgets, schedules, and performance metrics.
  • Team & People Leadership

  • Lead and mentor a high-performing team of program directors and support staff.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and collaboration across cross-functional teams.
  • Foster leadership development and succession planning within the program organization.
  • Risk & Compliance Management

  • Identify and mitigate program risks and issues proactively, applying structured risk management processes.
  • Ensure compliance with all customers, contractual, export control (ITAR / EAR), and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA, DoD standards).
  • Support internal and external audits, customer reviews, and program milestones (e.g., PDR, CDR, TRR).
  • Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as the executive point of contact for customers and program sponsors.
  • Provide regular program reviews, dashboards, and performance updates to the executive leadership team.
  • Negotiate scope changes, timelines, and program priorities with customers and internal leaders.
  • WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Business, Science or related field (Master’s preferred)
  • 15+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high-complexity manufacturing environments
  • 7+ years in a senior leadership role managing production / manufacturing engineering teams
  • Proven success managing complex aerospace or defense development programs (aircraft, satellites, avionics, propulsion, etc.)
  • Strong knowledge of systems engineering, design-to-cost, and certification processes (FAA, DoD, NASA, etc.)
  • Executive-level leadership and communication skills
  • Strong financial acumen and budget management capabilities
  • Deep understanding of technical program execution, hardware / software integration, and supplier management
  • High level of strategic thinking, situational awareness, and problem-solving
  • Experience with DoD acquisition lifecycle
  • PMP, PgMP, or equivalent program management certification preferred
  • Aerospace or defense industry experience with government and commercial customers
  • Experience in development of military or dual-use aerospace systems
  • Familiarity with proposal development, contract negotiation, and government compliance
  • Must be a U.S. citizen, ability to obtain SECRET Clearance
  • EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

    Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

    Karman is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to race; color; religion; genetic information; national origin; sex; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; age; disability; citizenship status; uniform servicemember status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. Our management is dedicated to ensuring the fulfillment of this policy with respect to hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment advertising, pay, and other forms of compensation, training, and general treatment during employment.

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    Director Of Development • Mukilteo, WA, US

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