Director Of Programs – C5ISR

Location: Gilbert, Arizona (Onsite)

Salary Range: $185,000 – $215,000

Position Summary

The Director of Programs – C5ISR is responsible for the leadership, execution, financial performance, and growth of a portfolio of defense and homeland security programs focused on C5ISR, border surveillance, and mission-critical security solutions. This leader oversees the Program Management Office (PMO), manages Program Managers, drives portfolio profitability, ensures successful program delivery, and supports strategic growth initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Program & PMO Leadership

• Lead the PMO and oversee a portfolio of 8–15 programs.
• Ensure program performance meets cost, schedule, quality, and customer objectives.
• Establish PMO governance, reporting, risk management, and execution processes.
• Develop Program Managers while resolving portfolio-level issues and resource conflicts.

Financial & Operational Leadership

• Own portfolio P&L, including revenue, profitability, forecasting, expenses, and cash flow.
• Drive operational performance, delivery predictability, quality, and efficiency.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Business functions to ensure successful execution.
• Identify and mitigate program and portfolio risks.

Customer & Business Growth

• Build strong relationships with customers, prime contractors, and strategic partners.
• Lead growth opportunities including contract extensions, follow-on awards, upgrades, and sustainment efforts.
• Support business development, capture, and proposal activities.

Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Finance, or related field.
• 10+ years leadership experience in defense, aerospace, homeland security, or government sectors.
• Experience leading a PMO and managing multiple programs through Program Managers.
• Demonstrated P&L ownership and strong business acumen.
• Strong leadership, communication, customer relationship, and organizational skills.
• U.S. citizen eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Must be able to work full-time on-site in Gilbert, AZ.

Preferred

• Familiarity with radar, EO/IR, RF sensing, communications, networking, AI/ML analytics, Counter-UAS, or autonomous systems.
• Experience managing engineering, manufacturing, systems integration, deployment, and sustainment programs
• Demonstrated understanding of the engineering/technical, operational and financial considerations associated with designing, building, integrating, deploying and sustaining complex systems.
• Knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government acquisition processes.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification.

Benefits

Compensation

Salary for this position is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to geographic location, the candidate’s experience, education, skills, leadership scope, and the specific requirements of the company’s programs and contracts.

Range: $185,000 – $215,000

Benefits

Eligible employees (30+ hours/week) may enroll in benefits starting the first of the month after hire. Offerings include:

• Multiple Medical, Dental, and Vision plan options
• Prescription coverage with mail-order option
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Life, and Voluntary Insurance
• 401(k) with John Hancock (eligible after 6 months)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Wellness and Employee Discount programs
• Paid Time Off (2 weeks), 3 Sick Days (prorated), and Paid Holidays, including Winter Break (Dec 24–31)
• Semi-monthly payroll (10th & 25th)