Director of Program Management

Role overview

Rock West Composites is hiring a Segment Director of Programs to guide program delivery and customer outcomes for a business segment focused on space-related programs. This senior leadership position is responsible for steering a team of Program Managers and ensuring strong performance across customer satisfaction, execution, financial results, and growth.

In this role, you will work closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and executive leaders to keep programs on track, within budget, and aligned with both customer expectations and company goals. The position is highly visible and suited to someone who enjoys developing teams, strengthening client relationships, improving operating discipline, and helping grow the business.

What the role is accountable for

The Director of Program Management leads all program management activity for a designated business segment. You will oversee Program Managers and make sure customer programs are executed successfully against scope, cost, schedule, quality, and technical targets. The role also carries responsibility for customer satisfaction, contract adherence, operational excellence, segment-level financial performance, forecasting, budgeting, resource planning, and profitability. In addition, you will shape program management standards and practices that support growth and broader organizational objectives.

Key ownership areas

• Segment performance and profitability for the assigned business unit
• Leadership, coaching, and development of the Program Management team
• Customer relationships, contract delivery, and scope control
• Program execution across cost, schedule, quality, and technical requirements
• Resource planning, forecasting, and growth initiatives
• Ongoing improvement of program management processes and methods

Primary responsibilities

Strategic program leadership

• Oversee customer programs at an executive level from proposal work through production and delivery.
• Ensure each program meets business and customer targets for scope, budget, timing, quality, and technical performance.
• Set priorities and direct resource allocation to support business goals.
• Create, roll out, and uphold program management policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Provide executive-level support and technical direction on critical programs when required.

Customer and business management

• Expand business within existing accounts while supporting new opportunities.
• Own scope control for contracts across the segment.
• Guide customer-facing work performed by Program Managers so it stays aligned with contractual obligations and company objectives.
• Work with customers and internal teams to solve issues, manage changes, and strengthen long-term client success.
• Assess outsourcing options and coordinate outside resources to satisfy cost, schedule, and technical needs.

Financial and operational leadership

• Take ownership of segment profit and loss performance and the attainment of financial goals.
• Direct forecasting for revenue, bookings, staffing, hiring, capital spending, IRAD investments, and capacity planning.
• Track program financial results and monthly job costs, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Develop functional strategies and operating plans that support company growth and profitability.

People leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop Program Managers through hiring, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Assign Program Managers to accounts and programs based on business priorities and capacity.
• Define team responsibilities and departmental goals while promoting ownership and continuous improvement.
• Build a collaborative, high-performing program management organization.

Additional duties

• May manage individual programs and perform other assigned duties as needed.

Required background and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience in advanced manufacturing.
• At least 10 years of experience leading complex programs in aerospace, defense, composites, or advanced manufacturing.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience overseeing Program Managers or technical teams.
• Demonstrated success in managing customer programs, financial results, and organizational growth.

Skills and expertise needed

• Solid grasp of manufacturing, engineering, product development, and program delivery.
• Experience with program budgets, forecasting, P&L ownership, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of composite materials, metallics, coatings, bonding, product development, testing, or similar technologies is preferred.
• Understanding of customer contracts, scope management, and business operations.
• Strong business judgment and strategic decision-making capability.
• Proven ability to build and lead high-performing teams.
• Effective customer relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to drive operational excellence, growth, and continuous improvement.

Compensation and benefits

The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $210,000, depending on experience and skill set.

• Employer-paid medical and dental coverage at 100%
• Annual bonus opportunity
• 401(k) plan with 5% company match
• Employee stock option program
• 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off
• 8 paid holidays plus generous PTO, reaching up to 4 weeks after 5 years
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement

Equal opportunity statement

The company provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, transitioning status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, medical condition, mental disability, physical disability, or any other legally protected status. Compensation discrimination is also prohibited under applicable laws. Some positions require meeting the definition of a U.S. Person under 22 CFR 120.62.

ITAR and work authorization requirements

To comply with U.S. export regulations, applicants must be one of the following: a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), a refugee, or an asylee. Candidates must also be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future immigration sponsorship. The company will not provide immigration sponsorship for this role and will not pursue export authorization for it.

Workplace and screening policy

The workplace is drug- and alcohol-free. Depending on state law and the nature of the position, candidates who receive a conditional offer may be asked to complete a drug screening. Additional drug and alcohol testing may also occur where permitted by law, including in cases of reasonable suspicion, after an incident, or for safety-sensitive roles.

Accommodation notice

If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or if you are unable to access or use the online application system and need another way to apply, you may contact 858-537-6260.