Senior Director of Special Projects

Senior Director Of Special Projects

York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next-generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York's complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York's existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively.

We're looking to expand our team across the board.

The Senior Director of Special Projects is a strategic leader responsible for planning, coordinating, and delivering high-impact initiatives that support the company's technical, operational, and business priorities. This role manages complex cross-functional efforts, ensuring initiatives are well-defined, executed effectively, and aligned with broader organizational strategy.

With strong technical insight and program leadership capabilities, the Senior Director of Special Projects partners closely with internal teams and senior leadership to drive solutions, identify emerging opportunities, and support informed decision-making across the enterprise.

This role will be fully on-site in our Laurel, MD office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage high-priority special projects that contribute directly to company strategy, long-term capability development, and executive initiatives.
• Provide technical and program guidance to help integrate engineering, product, operational, and business considerations into project planning and execution.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders, including Business Development, Product, Capture & Proposal, Customer Engagement/Government Relations, and Engineering, to align project objectives with organizational capabilities and roadmaps.
• Gather and synthesize insights related to technical trends, customer needs, market dynamics, and internal capabilities to inform project direction and strategy.
• Prepare and deliver clear project summaries, technical updates, and strategic options to senior leadership to support decision-making.
• Contribute to the development of innovative technical solutions, prototypes, architectures, or structured cross-functional program frameworks that support growth and competitive advantage.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers, partners, and external stakeholders as needed to support project alignment and execution.
• Represent the organization in technical discussions, customer meetings, working groups, or industry forums as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering, technical discipline, business, or a related field.
• Significant experience (typically 10+ years) leading complex, cross-functional projects or technical initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to connect technical concepts with business strategy and translate them into actionable plans.
• Proven success managing high-visibility projects requiring coordination across diverse teams and influence at leadership levels.
• Strong strategic thinking, systems-level perspective, and ability to solve ambiguous, non-routine problems.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and briefing skills suited for both technical and senior audiences.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple functions and influence outcomes without direct authority.
• Ability to travel as needed for project activities, external engagements, or leadership briefings.
• Willingness to work full-time in our Laurel, MD office; this position does not support remote or hybrid work.

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing the compensation, or a range thereof, for roles in locations where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, skill set, experience, and/or performance.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (subject to spousal surcharge).
• Company holidays, floating holidays, and sick time.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Generous 401(k) match.