Astronautics is a trusted leader in the design, development, and manufacture of secure and reliable avionics equipment and systems for the aerospace industry. We were founded more than 60 years ago with the desire to push the boundaries of technology and innovation. That same passion drives our employees today. Join a team that provides primary flight & engine displays, mission computers, connectivity solutions, and electronic flight bags & certified servers for existing and future aircraft.
The Director is responsible for the Avionics Displays and Cockpit Integration business, with a direct staff including marketing, product strategy, program management, and product engineering. This individual is accountable for the profit and loss of the product line, as well as executing on growth plans, communicating strategy and priorities, and driving success on strategic pursuits. Additionally, this individual is responsible for ensuring that Astronautics meets its customers’ requirements within the planned schedule and budget for the applicable programs. Overall, this position will have responsibility for driving business process improvement leading to better efficiency and profitability for the company.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Direct and lead the activities of program managers and staff responsible for maintaining program technical, commercial, and business objectives for current and potential new customers
- Implement and maintain best program management practices in areas of customer relationship, risk reduction, financial performance, schedule control, and contract compliance management
- Accountable for the financial performance (profit/loss), and schedule and technical compliance of programs/projects and assuring program completion against contract milestones
- Plan, organize, and manage input for proposal preparation in support of Business Development activities including cost, schedule, and technical approach, for presentation to the customer
- Provide direction and lead the Program Management function as the primary customer interface to ensure contractual commitments including financial performance, technical, and schedule requirements and business objectives are achieved
- Provide ongoing program performance reviews including status reports to executive management and customers including meetings with Integrated Product Team (IPT) members from Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement and other departments
- Provide guidance to the Program Management team and drive results through inspired leadership, accountability and effective communication while fostering a culture of innovation and improvement
- Develop and implement a strategy for the objective measurement of program performance to support continuous improvement processes using methods such as Key Process Indicators (KPIs)
- Build relationships within the customer base and develop connection points that can lead to new business and sales opportunities
- Work with the operations teams to facilitate on-time product deliveries, improved quality, and communicate customer needs and feedback to clarify and enhance customer service support
- Lead through example to resolve conflict, manage difficult situations, develop team work and respect diversity
- Ensure that Program Management tools such and project scheduling methods are continuously improved and effectively used to ensure timely and cost-effective program performance
- Provide mentoring and professional development guidance to the Program Management team
- Plan program resources to match current and forecast business needs and ensure availability for continuity of performance
- Lead strategic pursuits and manage the pipeline for bookings and revenue
- Drive growth through strategic planning activities
- Ensure ACA achieves the highest levels of customer satisfaction through strong program performance and reliably meeting customer requirements.
- The position requires 25-30% domestic and some international travel
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor degree preferably in a technical discipline from an accredited institution
- Minimum 8 years of senior program management experience on all aspects of complex technical engineering development programs from contract award through completion
- Proven experience in leading program managers who have responsibility for multiple complex technical engineering development projects
- Must have knowledge of engineering and engineering design principles, risk management, scheduling, financial planning, cost risk analysis and technical proposal development
- Must possess leadership qualities that are essential to lead matrix organization team
- Experience in Avionic/Defense industries and aircraft navigation and control systems
- Must have experience in MS Project, Program and Risk Management
- Must have experience with driving successful financial performance
- Excellent organizational, analytical, negotiation, and communication (oral and written) and PC skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master of Business Administration or Master of Science degree in management from an accredited institution.
- Experience in leading a P&L
- Experience with the commercial aviation industry, electronic and software avionic products, and FAA certifications
Required Skills
Required Experience