Director, Connectivity Programs

Role overview

The Director of Connectivity Programs is responsible for setting direction and leading the planning, delivery, and performance of connectivity initiatives across customer programs, product development efforts, and supplier partnerships. This senior role coordinates cross-functional teams to meet business goals and customer expectations while maintaining control over scope, timelines, budget, and risk.

In this position, you will act as a key executive contact for aircraft OEM customers and other important stakeholders. You will also help shape governance, manage escalations, align program execution with roadmaps, and support long-term business growth through strong operational discipline.

Core responsibilities

• Direct and monitor connectivity program management for assigned customer accounts, internal development work, and supplier-related activities.
• Serve as the primary senior contact for aircraft OEMs, suppliers, and internal teams on matters involving scope, priorities, timing, cost, and risk.
• Coordinate execution and planning across engineering, product, operations, quality, certification, supply chain, and customer support functions.
• Create governance structures, success metrics, leadership reviews, and decision pathways that keep programs aligned with company objectives and customer commitments.
• Manage financial performance for programs, including budgeting, forecasting, change management, and escalation of budget deviations.
• Lead the tracking of risks, issues, and dependencies, along with mitigation plans, backup actions, and executive-level communication.
• Align customer commitments with product roadmaps to support growth goals, delivery readiness, and broader portfolio strategy.
• Coach program managers and encourage strong practices in execution, stakeholder coordination, and continuous improvement.
• Take on other related duties as needed.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Electronics, Systems Engineering, Business, or a similar discipline is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• At least 15 years of experience in program management, product development, or delivering complex technical products and services, including leading cross-functional teams.
• At least 10 years of experience in connectivity, inflight connectivity, satellite communications, avionics, or a closely related aerospace systems area.
• At least 7 years in a senior program management or leadership role with a strong record of execution, technical influence, and strategic decision support.
• Demonstrated success managing customer-facing programs with aircraft OEMs, major suppliers, systems integrators, or similarly strategic partners.
• Solid knowledge of aerospace development cycles, certification and qualification expectations, and standards such as DO-160, DO-254, or EASA Part 21.
• Experience handling program financials, including budgets, forecasts, change control, and performance reporting.
• PMP, PgMP, or an equivalent program management certification is preferred.

Benefits and compensation

The starting annual base pay for this role is between $168,500 and $189,500. Actual compensation may differ based on the position level, skills, experience, job-related knowledge, and location.

Along with a comprehensive health benefits package that includes company contributions, the employer also offers additional perks to support work-life balance.

Additional perks

• Home workspace allowance.
• Discretionary bonus program.
• 401(k) plan with company match for future financial security.
• Paid time off for vacation, personal time, and sick leave, plus a year-end holiday shutdown.
• Alternative 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.