Summary of the role
The Vice President of the Space Systems team is a visionary, forward-thinking leader responsible for providing thought-leadership on future constellations, collaboration across business units, and the execution authority for all satellite procurement programs. Strategic level activities include: Migrating long-term business requirements into satellite requirements; developing long term budgets, schedules, and risk assessments; constantly balancing program risk (cost, schedule, performance); ensuring satellite performance matches the corporate strategy and business model; procuring launch services; and advising DigitalGlobe executives of program performance.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Migrates business requirements into satellite requirements.  Leads the team in development of Request For Proposals including Statements of Work and Satellite Requirements.
• Leads an engineering staff of 20+ including coaching, mentoring, succession planning and performance management.
• Develops independent cost and schedule estimates.  Supports Long Range Planning and Risk Assessment at the business level.
• Negotiates Satellite and Launch Vehicle procurement contracts with support from Finance and Legal.
• Leads the Space Systems team through the entire procurement/development process constantly balancing program risk (cost, schedule, performance).  Must excel at resolving complex, technical design, manufacturing, test and operational problems, and driving the team to a decision.
• Working with the Legal Dept, supports all government licensing efforts including the NOAA, FCC, and NSA.  Directs the execution of analyses and conops required to support the licenses.
• Coordinates all development activities with the Satellite Operations Group and Ground System Development.  Develops overall mission conops and defines space-to-ground interfaces.
• Supports procurement of satellite launch and on-orbit insurance.  Leads the team to develop technical briefings for underwriters and informs underwriters of development challenges and risks. 
• Partners closely with Export Compliance to ensure all satellite procurement, launch, and insurance activities follow U.S. law, especially regarding ITAR and EAR regulations.
• Manages the department budget and is accountable for variances in the expenditures.  
• Monitors competitors and technology advances for emerging threats and opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering or physics.
• Minimum of 20 years of progressive responsibility in satellite design, manufacturing, test, and launch; including at least 5 years leading a team responsible for development and launch of a new satellite design.
• Knowledge of both common satellite development processes and new technologies and how they might be leveraged in future constellations.
• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legal and regulatory requirements, such International Traffic in Arms (ITAR) regulations, FCC licensing process, and NSA licensing process.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal and collaborative skills, and the ability to communicate mission performance, satellite performance, and risk-related concepts to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• High level of personal integrity, as well as the ability to professionally handle confidential matters, and show an appropriate level of judgment and maturity in high-pressure, high-stress situations.
• Exhibit excellent analytical skills, the ability to manage multiple projects under strict timelines, as well as the ability to work well in a demanding, dynamic environment and meet overall objectives.
• Innovative thinking and leadership.
• Experience in leading a small, high performance technical team. Demonstrated competency in hiring, coaching and mentorship to enable each member of this team to grow professionally.
• Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams to achieve tactical and strategic goals.
• Experience with contract and vendor negotiations and management.
• Possession or ability to receive a US Government security clearance at the TS/SCI level. 
• As such, the position requires U.S. Citizenship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in engineering or business management
• Current SSBI desirable.

DigitalGlobe offers a generous compensation package including a competitive salary; choice of medical plan; dental, life, and disability insurance; a 401(K) plan with competitive company match; paid holidays and paid time off.