Business Segment Director – Space Mission Systems
📍 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
🏢 Work Model: Onsite
💼 Employment Type: Full-Time
🔐 Security Clearance Required: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary: $240,000 – $260,000 – Negotiable Depending on Experience and Qualifications
Full benefits package
Relocation assistance available for ideal candidates
Interview travel reimbursed
🚀 Overview
A leading defense and aerospace organization is seeking a Business Segment Director to lead a portfolio of advanced space and national security programs focused on:
Data networking
Data transport
Cybersecurity
High-assurance cryptography
Mission-critical space systems
This executive leadership role oversees high-value development and production programs supporting national security missions worldwide. The Director will drive operational execution, customer satisfaction, strategic growth, and financial performance across a complex portfolio of classified programs.
The ideal candidate is a proven defense industry leader with deep expertise in space systems, avionics, cryptographic technologies, or embedded mission systems, combined with strong program leadership and business development capabilities.
🔧 Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Growth
Lead and grow a portfolio of mission-critical national security programs
Develop and execute short- and long-term strategic growth plans
Identify, pursue, and capture adjacent and new business opportunities
Drive business development efforts and maintain trusted customer relationships
Program & Operational Management
Oversee successful execution of complex, high-value development and production programs
Ensure achievement of financial, operational, and customer satisfaction goals
Manage program risks, schedules, budgets, and delivery performance
Balance speed, process, and customer mission requirements effectively
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as a senior leader and primary interface with government and defense customers
Build and maintain strong relationships within:
Space systems communities
Cryptography organizations
Networking and avionics sectors
Certification authorities
Communicate effectively with technical and executive stakeholders
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Lead and mentor highly skilled engineering and program teams
Drive organizational alignment, collaboration, and accountability
Lead through change management and business transformation initiatives
Foster an inclusive, forward-thinking, high-performance culture
Technical & Mission Leadership
Support programs involving:
Satellites
Space missions
Secure networking
High-assurance security systems
Cryptographic solutions
Collaborate with internal and external partners to deliver mission value
Support Agile development environments and innovation initiatives
Identify opportunities to leverage AI for continuous improvement
✅ Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required
15+ years of demonstrated leadership experience in defense contracting or related environments
Proven leadership experience managing:
Complex development programs
Production programs
Large business segments or portfolios
Strong experience with:
Space systems
Satellites
Cryptography
Cybersecurity
Networking solutions
National security systems
Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph required at time of hire
U.S. Citizenship required
⭐ Preferred Experience
Embedded systems or avionics experience
Experience with compartmented programs
Agile development environments
Established relationships within defense and aerospace communities
Experience navigating complex matrix organizations
Strong financial and operational management expertise
🛠️ Core Skills
✔ Business Development
✔ Strategic Planning
✔ Program Execution
✔ Space Systems Leadership
✔ Cryptographic Solutions
✔ Cybersecurity
✔ Customer Relationship Management
✔ Financial Management
✔ Change Management
✔ Team Leadership
✔ Defense Contracting
✔ Agile Development
🎯 Ideal Candidate
Executive-level leader with deep aerospace/defense industry expertise
Strong technical and operational understanding of space mission systems
Proven ability to lead high-performing organizations through growth and transformation
Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities
Trusted customer-facing leader with excellent communication and negotiation skills
Able to thrive in highly classified, fast-moving environments
🌟 Why Join
Lead mission-critical national security programs supporting global defense initiatives
Work with cutting-edge technologies in space systems, cybersecurity, and cryptography
Join a highly respected defense and aerospace organization
Significant executive visibility and strategic influence
Opportunity to shape the future of secure space mission technologies
📋 Additional Details
Occasional travel required
Director-level leadership role
Relocation support available for exceptional candidates
Candidates must already possess active TS/SCI Poly clearance