Director, Space Ground Systems

The Director — Space Ground Systems will lead an established and growing space ground portfolio spanning satellite ground development, sustainment, and operations. This portfolio includes technologically complex, completion-based programs and task orders serving both Department of War (DoW) and Intelligence Community (IC) customers.

We are seeking a leader who brings two complementary strengths. First, a proven track record executing space ground development and sustainment programs — someone who knows how to deliver on schedule, manage risk, and sustain mission-critical systems with discipline. Second, a forward-leaning mindset to identify and drive Artificial Intelligence and automation improvements across the portfolio — reducing total cost of ownership for our customers and accelerating the speed at which we deliver new mission capabilities.

The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of development program leadership across a variety of customers and technologies, is unafraid of challenging the status quo, and has demonstrated the ability to introduce new technologies into existing operational environments. Prior experience delivering space or space ground systems is required; experience applying AI/ML to engineering workflows, test automation, operations, or sustainment processes is highly desired.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent is required plus a minimum of 18 years of demonstrated leadership; or Master's degree plus a minimum of 16 years of demonstrated leadership.

Must currently hold a TS/SCI security clearance or have held one in the past 24 months. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

General Dynamics Mission Systems has an immediate opening for a Director, Space Ground Systems business area. This role carries a dual mandate: sustain and grow an established portfolio of space ground programs while simultaneously driving AI-enabled transformation that reduces cost, increases agility, and positions GDMS to win next-generation opportunities. The position is responsible for all aspects of business performance and strategy for space ground systems, including profit/loss, customer relationship management, and technology investment decisions.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND TASKS:

Portfolio & Program Leadership

• Directs a business segment consisting of multiple disciplines, programs, products, and/or customers to meet current and long-term business objectives
• Responsible for customer satisfaction, leadership, overall performance, schedule, and profit and loss of large programs, or a portfolio of programs and/or products throughout the entire program life cycle
• Balances programs, risks and opportunities with executable strategies to meet technical requirements and budgets
• Conducts reviews to drill down into issues on products/programs, identify issues, develop corrective actions, and communicate issues, impacts and corrective actions to program teams

AI & Innovation Strategy

• Champions the identification and adoption of AI, machine learning, and automation technologies across the portfolio to reduce cost of ownership and accelerate delivery timelines
• Evaluates where AI-driven efficiencies (e.g., automated testing, predictive maintenance, intelligent operations, AI-assisted development) can be applied to existing and future programs
• Partners with engineering and technology teams to develop and fund AI-focused IRAD initiatives that advance competitive positioning
• Builds a culture of continuous improvement where teams are encouraged to challenge legacy processes and propose technology-driven alternatives

Business Development & Strategy

• Ensures creation of well-constructed, comprehensive business plans
• Establishes strategic plans and objectives in coordination with others
• Develops customer relationships and develops new business within the market/program
• Develops and executes proposal plans and strategies, with emphasis on differentiating GDMS through AI-enabled solutions
• Effectively engages in complex negotiations involving critical matters

People & Organizational Development

• Develops personnel to ensure efficient operation, with emphasis on building AI literacy and data-driven decision-making across the team
• Reviews organizational capabilities and develops/executes strategies to improve competitiveness through professional growth & development, strategic hiring, strategic partnering, and acquisitions
• Conducts business and technical briefings for senior and top management and for external representatives
• Leads others in team building, conflict resolution, motivation, and advanced risk management
• Coordinates the patent and data rights for the products/programs/proposals/subcontracts

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of space ground products and technologies including current and potential applications
• Extensive knowledge of target customer markets across DoW & IC
• Understanding of AI/ML concepts and their practical application to software development, test, sustainment, and operations — sufficient to evaluate opportunities, guide investment, and credibly engage with technical teams and customers
• Demonstrated ability to introduce new technologies or process improvements into an established program environment
• Skilled in the development and implementation of product/program strategy and tactics
• Demonstrated leadership of a program with significant delivery or technical risk
• Ability to develop and implement a product-oriented WBS and WBS Dictionary
• Ability to generate cohesive program plans
• Ability to track work accomplished to baseline plans and identify issues, track progress, and follow through on effective corrective actions based on data analysis and trends
• Skilled in communicating issues, impacts, and corrective actions on programs to internal and external representatives
• Expert risk and opportunity management skills and ability to apply them to programs
• Extensive ability to understand and analyze program financial data, including cost-of-ownership models
• Extensive knowledge of government contracting practices and regulations regarding acquisition
• Outstanding relationship management and marketing skills
• Ability to identify partnership candidates best suited to fill product or technology gaps, including AI/ML technology partners
• Ability to manage managers of teams in matrix organization to achieve schedule, cost, and technical performance objectives
• Ability to evaluate quality of work product to ensure satisfaction of customer requirements
• Ability to develop and execute company policies that affect immediate operations
• Extensive verbal and written communication skills
• Extensive understanding of business and supply chain strategy
• Ability to apply advanced negotiation skills to solve internal, external and customer issues

PREFERRED DEGREE TYPES AND EXPERIENCE:

• Engineering degree in a discipline related to space ground technology
• Demonstrated intimate working knowledge of government acquisition process
• Strategist with proven ability in business development
• Experience applying AI/ML or advanced automation to defense programs or engineering organizations
• Experience leading technical development teams
• Experience leading remote teams spread among sites
• Must be able to travel up to 15% of the time

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans