Operations Program Manager

About us

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

• We are thrilled to announce an opening for an onsite Operations Project Lead to join our dynamic team in Duluth, GA!
• The Operations Program Manager (OPM) leads multi-functional production program teams. They are accountable to the Business Area for timely delivery of products to both external and internal customers.   This role is a unique and rewarding position, combining aspects of manufacturing, product engineering, and program management. Qualified candidates who are result driven, problem solvers, good communicators, and work well in a team-oriented environment should apply.
• The day-to-day
• Provides day-to-day direction to a multi-functional team including representatives from manufacturing, test engineering, sourcing, production planning, and quality assurance.
• Manages all aspects of production program requirements.
• During development and prototype phases, the OPM works closely with multi-functional teams and engineering. They ensure the product is manufacturable and that all critical processes and suppliers, including contract manufacturers, are production ready. They also identify and address all key risk mitigation factors.
• Leads and directs regular core team meetings, attends and reports at program reviews, ensures product line forecasts are translated into a build plan, manages updates and adjustments, and plans/manages Manufacturing labor forecasting to Program.
• Collaborates with external customers to present updates on Viasat manufacturing and logistics status.

What you'll need

A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in an Engineering field (e.g. Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial).

5+ years of experience in roles such as program management, product operations, or engineering (a mix of these in a hardware focused environment is highly preferred).

Strong knowledge and demonstrated application of program management methodologies, practices, and techniques.

Ability to lead a complex project with Operations focus from new product development through fulfillment of mature products.

Ability to implement, track, and manage cost controls to meet targets

Ability to communicate program status, including risks and recovery plans, to executive leadership clearly and confidently.

Ability to partner with engineering to influence product design, focusing on manufacturability, testability, cost, and scalability.

Ability to drive and monitor continuous improvement by applying Lean Six Sigma tools and initiatives.

Demonstrated strong analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and high attention to detail.

PC literacy with competency in MS Office, project management and product collaboration software (MS Project, Jira).

Ability to travel up to 20% of the time during certain phases of the program lifecycle.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

US Citizenship required.

What will help you on the job

Master’s degree in Business or Technical field, or equivalent experience.

ERP software tools with strong preference for Oracle experience.

A deep understanding of supply chain operations, quality systems, and product lifecycle management (PLM).

PMP or equivalent program management certification (or ability to gain PMP certification).

Experience supporting programs applying outsource manufacturing strategies to deliver high-reliability communications hardware.

Responsibilities

• Provides day-to-day direction to a multi-functional team including representatives from manufacturing, test engineering, sourcing, production planning, and quality assurance.
• Manages all aspects of production program requirements.
• During development and prototype phases, the OPM works closely with multi-functional teams and engineering. They ensure the product is manufacturable and that all critical processes and suppliers, including contract manufacturers, are production ready. They also identify and address all key risk mitigation factors.
• Leads and directs regular core team meetings, attends and reports at program reviews, ensures product line forecasts are translated into a build plan, manages updates and adjustments, and plans/manages Manufacturing labor forecasting to Program.
• Collaborates with external customers to present updates on Viasat manufacturing and logistics status.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in an Engineering field (e.g. Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial).
• 5+ years of experience in roles such as program management, product operations, or engineering (a mix of these in a hardware focused environment is highly preferred).
• Strong knowledge and demonstrated application of program management methodologies, practices, and techniques.
• Ability to lead a complex project with Operations focus from new product development through fulfillment of mature products.
• Ability to implement, track, and manage cost controls to meet targets
• Ability to communicate program status, including risks and recovery plans, to executive leadership clearly and confidently.
• Ability to partner with engineering to influence product design, focusing on manufacturability, testability, cost, and scalability.
• Ability to drive and monitor continuous improvement by applying Lean Six Sigma tools and initiatives.
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills, problem-solving ability, and high attention to detail.
• PC literacy with competency in MS Office, project management and product collaboration software (MS Project, Jira).
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time during certain phases of the program lifecycle.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
• US Citizenship required.