Program Manager - Earth Observation & SATCOM Programs

About us

At Viasat, the work you do helps people stay connected in ways that matter, from everyday moments to critical missions across air, land, sea, and space.

We’re a place for people who are curious, bold, and motivated by meaningful work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to make an impact, explore new possibilities, and grow your career in ways that align with your interests and goals. When you're ready to take on something new, you'll find leaders who support your development and help you turn your ambition into action.

What you'll do

Viasat is seeking an experienced program manager to join the Earth Observation and SATCOM business area! You will lead teams to design, develop, certify, and deliver satellite communications products and systems to Viasat’s customers. This role requires expertise in managing complex programs, coordinating diverse engineering teams, mitigating risks, and fostering strong customer relationships while ensuring seamless execution from inception to completion. The successful candidate will have experience working with diverse engineering teams, including system architects, electrical design, software, mechanical, engineering analysis, special test equipment, and integration & test, while proactively managing risks, meeting commitments, and resolving challenges. This position requires strong leadership, motivation, and direction of cross-disciplinary teams spanning multiple organizations and geographic locations.

The day-to-day

Drive complex, multi-year, cross-functional, technical programs that enhance and expand our critical edge security cryptographic solutions suite, aligning with the teams’ mission

Oversee the entire program lifecycle, ensuring coordination among engineering and non-engineering stakeholders while managing requirements, risks, cost, and schedules

Track progress, resolve dependencies, and ensure clear communication with cross-functional teams and leadership to achieve program goals

Act as the high-level, comprehensive owner of assigned projects, providing strategic direction and oversight

Monitor and manage program-level milestones, risks, issues, and decisions to ensure seamless execution

Foster employee engagement and a high-performance “One-Team” Viasat culture by facilitating effective performance management

Create an environment where individuals excel through accountability, encouragement, and empowerment

Develop key customer relationships to strengthen market position and drive long-term success

Monitor and assess customer satisfaction, quality, and profitability to ensure sustained value and growth

What you'll need

10+ years of Program Management experience as described above

Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors as an integral part of deliverables

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to drive resolutions to completion

Strong organizational skills to manage multiple aspects of large-scale projects, track progress across various programs

Ability to synthesize complex program information into actionable recommendations for team members and senior leaders

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ensuring efficient and effective program messaging across internal teams and external customers

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact across all organizational levels

Ability to develop and track new and existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and multiple metrics to evaluate overall program performance using Earned Value Metrics System (EVMS) practices

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

US Citizenship Required

Must be able to work onsite in our Duluth, GA office

What will help you on the job

Demonstrated Satellite ground station experience

You don’t need a roadmap; you build one. You are comfortable making decisions, taking ownership, and driving projects forward with minimal supervision.

Data-Driven Approach: You enjoy digging into data to find patterns and continuous improvement opportunities.

Financial Literacy: You are experienced with managing budgets and are aware of operational levers and methods that ensure financial success.

Risk Management: Experience with identifying risks and generating recovery plans.

Complete Under Pressure: Proven ability to work under pressure, navigate ambiguity, and consistently deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Certifications: PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (or higher)

Salary range

$119,000.00 - $188,500.00 / 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 $148,500.00- $222,500.00/ 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 medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat’s comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits. EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here .

Drive complex, multi-year, cross-functional, technical programs that enhance and expand our critical edge security cryptographic solutions suite, aligning with the teams’ mission

Oversee the entire program lifecycle, ensuring coordination among engineering and non-engineering stakeholders while managing requirements, risks, cost, and schedules

Track progress, resolve dependencies, and ensure clear communication with cross-functional teams and leadership to achieve program goals

Act as the high-level, comprehensive owner of assigned projects, providing strategic direction and oversight

Monitor and manage program-level milestones, risks, issues, and decisions to ensure seamless execution

Foster employee engagement and a high-performance “One-Team” Viasat culture by facilitating effective performance management

Create an environment where individuals excel through accountability, encouragement, and empowerment

Develop key customer relationships to strengthen market position and drive long-term success

Monitor and assess customer satisfaction, quality, and profitability to ensure sustained value and growth

10+ years of Program Management experience as described above

Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors as an integral part of deliverables

Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to drive resolutions to completion

Strong organizational skills to manage multiple aspects of large-scale projects, track progress across various programs

Ability to synthesize complex program information into actionable recommendations for team members and senior leaders

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ensuring efficient and effective program messaging across internal teams and external customers

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact across all organizational levels

Ability to develop and track new and existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and multiple metrics to evaluate overall program performance using Earned Value Metrics System (EVMS) practices

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent experience

US Citizenship Required

Must be able to work onsite in our Duluth, GA office