Director of Program Management

SkyGrid, a Boeing, Avathon Company, exists to open the sky for autonomous flight. Based in Austin, Texas, SkyGrid builds ground based high-assurance third-party services to enable the safe operations and airspace integration of highly automated and autonomous aircraft. SkyGrid also acts as a key operational nexus for advanced air mobility, integrating and managing data, infrastructure, access, and traffic to support seamless and efficient air traffic services.

The SkyGrid team is looking for an exceptional leader with aviation background to take on the Director of Program Management role. This person will lead the Program Management Organization (PMO), and work across organizational lines to achieve the company vision and goals. Program Management Office (PMO) with Program Managers and Business Area Manager will report to this individual and will have the final authority on timely delivery of products that meets the needs of customers and stakeholders. You are also responsible for leading annual company strategic planning that impact long term targets. You will maintain the morale of the organization and removing all roadblocks that arise along the way. You will also ensure that export compliance is reached for all internal and external stakeholders.

Performance Objectives

• Ensure all program objectives are met as set out in the Integrated Master Schedule.
• Determineexecution strategies for the new product lines to ensure streamlined programs execution
• Develop detailed program plan for domestic and international system deployment.
• Ensure corporate level assurance is reached by the end of FY25
  
  
  

Responsibilities

• Generating short- and long-term business roadmap that aligns with the company strategy and vision.
• Manage and develop the Program Management Organization that will support the product roadmap and execution of strategic objectives.
• Direct all phases of the programs from conceptualization through completion, including acquisition, planning, allocation, and managing technical performance, business and financial objective.
• Manage schedule and budget performance, resource planning and allocation with PMs, Directors, Leads through Program Management Reviews.
• Manage risks and opportunities and plan for recovery.
• Manage and communicate priorities, impact, challenges, roadblocks, insights effectively and concisely to appropriate audiences and stakeholders.
• Generate proposals, business plans, statement of work and specifications, operating budgets and financial terms and conditions.
• Technical leadership and excellence are maintained by directing and participating in the planning, attraction, selection, retention, and development of the required talent.
• Collaborate with senior and executive leadership from engineering, product, business development, and operations for current and long-term business and financial objectives alignment, technical and business roadmap generation, and issues resolution
• Interact with executive management and customer representatives regarding programmatic and contractual clarifications
• Drive cross-functional matrix organizations for product research, development, testing, integration and production
• Manage subcontractor strategies, execution plan and resolve issues timely to support business roadmap.
• Identify and implement process improvements and technological innovations.
• Ensure from the programmatic perspective that regulatory agreement is reached for SkyGrid’s product approval
• Ensure trade compliance process is identified and all external engagement and deliveries show compliance
  
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required. Technical background in aerospace, computing, and engineering a plus
• Minimum of 5 years of demonstrated leadership experience in a managerial capacity, with a proven track record of effectively overseeing and guiding product teams
• 5 years of experience in product management with a track record of developing and launching new products in aerospace or related technologies
• Strong domain knowledge and product sense in aviation, flight operations, aviation data, ATM/CNS systems and related digital services and systems
• Strong communication and storytelling skills
• Experience in uncrewed aviation, air traffic management, UTM, or advanced aerial mobility a plus
  
  
  

The Director of Programs brings the following attributes:

• Growth Mindset: Action-oriented optimists grounded in reality, who finds joy in helping evolve points of view and achieve alignment across diverse perspectives
• Status Quo Agitator: Ability to rapidly assess situations to build understanding on strength and weaknesses associated with existing operating models, tools and processes, then collaborate with others to chart a course towards what better “should/could”would look like.
• Diverse Perspective: Experience working effectively with teams from difference business units, functions and geographies to develop strategies, decision analysis, innovative business models and/or process improvements. Strong emotional intelligence and empathy to effectively leverage learnings from your professional journey.
• Proactive amidst ambiguity: Drive value and outcomes through creative solutions even when certain elements are complex or ambiguous. View uncertainty as an opportunity to create value
  
  
  

Minimum Experience

• Experience with aerospace, defense, and/or space sectors
• Track record of building a culture of collaboration, trust and empathy with direct reports and cross-functional partners
• Experience building positive relationships, collaborating effectively, and communicating clearly
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Science, Engineering, or Business Management
• 10 years or more of related experience in aerospace/aviation or highly technical industry
• 10 years of experience in Program Management or similar area
• Experience in a position that required analytical, quantitative reasoning
• Experience in a position that required conceptual and creative skills to find novel solutions to complex problems
• Experience making sound decisions that have significant impact to the company
• Experience leading large teams on complex project or programs
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Must be a US person
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business administration, engineering or similar
• Experience operating within corporations that have undergone substantial business transformations (e.g., digital, business mode, etc.)
• Global perspective and experience
• Familiarity with techniques and patterns of organizational deign.
• Ability to lead through influence
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, other languages helpful
• Willing to relocate to Austin
  
  
  

Join Our Team and Enjoy Exceptional Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage from Day One: Enjoy immediate access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, including HSA and FSA options
• Generous Retirement Contributions: Benefit from an automatic company 401k contribution program, with no match required, plus an additional company matching program to boost your retirement savings
• Calm Annual Membership: Prioritize your mental health with complimentary access to mindfulness and meditation resources
• Discounted ClassPass Membership: Stay active and healthy with access to thousands of fitness studios and gyms nationwide
• Investment in Your Growth: Receive an annual stipend for learning and development to support your continuous education and skill development
• Engaging Team Activities: Participate in quarterly team-building events and celebrations organized by our dedicated culture committee
• Fully Stocked Kitchen: Enjoy a variety of snacks and beverages to keep you fueled throughout the day
  
  
  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

An employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, if it does not pose undue hardship.