Systems Consultant/Engineering Director jobs in Orange, CA

As a Program Director, you will be responsible for the overall program execution of Anduril Weapons and/or Aircraft Programs across various stages of the contract lifecycle. This includes leading the IRAD risk reduction, preliminary design review, critical design review and production readiness review.  You will be working closing with the customer and be focused on winning this competitive program.   You will be responsible for overall cost, schedule and technical execution teaming with the Chief Engineer.  You will be responsible for teaming with the manufacturing team to establish a manufacturing plan to support the Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) for the program.  You will be leading the Earned Value Management reporting for the program.  In addition to leading the planning, execution, and delivery of all programs and projects, you will oversee the strategic coordination of these functions to ensure optimal outcomes, customer satisfaction, and overall business success.   Finally, you will be teaming with the Missile or Aircraft Business Line Leads and Missile or Aircraft Growth Leads to drive the expansion of the portfolio for new business which is synergistic with this program. The program director must be a strong leader motivating a team under schedule pressures.

WHAT YOU'LL DO: 

Program Management:

• Develop and implement effective processes, tools, and metrics for program planning, scope management, risk management, and overall program execution.
• Develop strong customer relations through regular communication.
• Ensure successful coordination and integration of engineering, R&D, and IRAD expenditures with manufacturing, safety, business development, and administrative functions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align goals, optimize processes, and streamline communication across functions.
• Monitor and manage program progress, ensuring adherence to cost, schedule, and resource allocation targets.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and effective program execution.
• Ensure Earned Value Management is used to track progress of program execution and drive course corrections as needed.
• Ensure program milestones are met to maintain a position in the competitive program.
• Understanding of critical chain management to drive program execution at a rapid pace.

Strategic Planning:

• Collaborate with senior management to develop and refine the strategic roadmap for Anduril Weapons or Aircraft Programs.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, and customer requirements to identify growth opportunities and develop business strategies.
• Drive the integration of engineering, R&D, and IRAD expenditures into the strategic planning process, ensuring alignment with the company's mission and vision.
• Identify areas for process improvement, technology adoption, and innovation across functions to enhance overall performance and efficiency.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration efforts to ensure seamless integration and successful delivery of programs.

Financial Management:

• Ensure that engineering, R&D, and IRAD expenditures are managed in a financially responsible manner, monitoring budgets and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Responsible for program P&L, schedule, and technical performance on internal investments and program funds for this development weapon program
• Collaborate with finance and business development teams to develop accurate cost estimates and pricing strategies for proposals, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and internal financial targets.
• Oversee the integration of financial planning and reporting across functions, providing insights and guidance to senior management on financial performance and risks.
• Identify potential risks, cost overruns, or financial constraints, developing mitigation strategies and coordinating with stakeholders to drive successful outcomes.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Foster a positive and high-performance culture within the program team, promoting employee engagement, professional development, and retention.
• Proactively assess team skills and resource requirements, identifying training needs or recruitment opportunities to strengthen the team’s capabilities.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and guidance to program managers and team members, nurturing their growth and success.
• Encourage and promote adherence to company policies, procedures, safety standards, and ethics guidelines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• Minimum of 15 years managing Defense Contracts and Defense Acquisition
• Proven track record of successfully managing complex, multi-million-dollar programs and driving their on-time, on-budget completion
• Deep understanding of contractual earned value and earned value management systems
• EVMS certified or EVMS applied experience as an , IPT Lead, Program Manager, Engineering Director 
• Expert knowledge of government procurement regulations as they pertain to bid/costing proposals
• Demonstrated financial acumen and ability to manage program budgets effectively.
• Preferred experience working on programs related to Missile/Weapons systems or Aircrafts.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Proficient in project management software tools and Microsoft Office Suite