Program Manager - Earth Observation & SATCOM Programs
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 26, 2026. First seen by Alion on Oct 20, 2026. Viasat scores B on the Alion truth index.
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.
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