Senior Program Manager

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

You will lead the development and delivery of RF-centric systems and secure communication platforms supporting DoD customers which will span the full program lifecycle from capture and concept through design, integration, certification, and deployment with a focus on disciplined execution and strategic alignment. Success requires deep experience in defense program management, RF system integration, and cross‑functional leadership.

Our ACES division integrates advanced capabilities across RF systems, ISR, Satcom, and cyber‑resilient architectures to support national security operations, and we are seeking a Senior Program Manager to join our Signals and Cyber Directorate in Carlsbad, CA and lead high‑impact programs that shape the future of secure mission platforms.

The position directs engineering efforts across RF environment generation, digital signal processing, and secure networking, while managing subcontractors, suppliers, and internal teams to meet milestones and ensure audit‑ready delivery. Executive‑level communications are a core function, engaging customer, partner, and internal leadership to drive clarity, trust, and sustained momentum throughout the program lifecycle. Success demands extensive expertise in defense program management, RF system integration, and cross‑functional leadership.

• 10+ years' experience in program management, including full lifecycle execution of government programs
• 5+ years' experience leading cross-disciplinary technical teams including RF systems and test integration
• Validated experience leading suppliers and subcontractors as part of integrated deliverables
• Experience working with or within a large Defense Prime, including exposure to cost‑plus programs, scope changes, and fee negotiations, and driving follow‑on business
• Demonstrated organizational skills to manage multiple programs and track progress across milestones
• Proven ability to drive risk mitigation, issue resolution, and decision closure
• Excellent communication skills written and verbal with ability to engage at all levels including executive leadership
• Familiarity with EVMS, IMS, and WBS OBS alignment
• Experience executing US government programs
• Bachelor's degree in technical discipline or equivalent experience
• US Government position. US Citizenship required
• Active DoD Secret clearance with ability to obtain a TS/SCI with SAP clearance
• Ability to travel up to 25%

• Active TS/SCI with SAP
• Experience managing scalable systems and hardware, as well as integration programs, risks and dependencies across suppliers, subsystems, and test environments
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools including JIRA, Confluence, Scrum, and Kanban
• PMP or equivalent project management certification
• Experience with managing staff supporting multiple programs and coordinating resources
• Familiarity with leading complex system architectures and secure communications frameworks, including how they are evaluated across DoD technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) and integrated into program baselines
• Experience supporting classified programs
• Ability to translate complex technical progress into actionable insights for senior stakeholders

$ - $ / annually. For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $- $/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of…