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Director of Programs

Job details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.

Reference number

2025-162480

Job details

Domain

Programs / Customer Relations

Job field / Job profile

Programs - Program manager level 3

Job title

Director of Programs

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

IDD Aerospace, a Safran Company, designs and manufactures flight deck control panels, integrated switch panels and lighted panels for the flight deck. IDD is the world leader in high volume, high mix, lighted panels and we are a major global player in the supply of control panels, integrated switch panels, keyboards and Cursor Control devices.

Our primary customers include the major OEMs including; BAE, Boeing, COMAC, Embraer, Gulfstream, Honeywell, SpaceX, and Sikorsky to name a few. IDD Aerospace has two locations, one in Redmond, WA and one in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Position Description

This position is located at IDD Aerospace based in Redmond, Washington. IDD Aerospace is part of the Avionics Division of Safran Electronics & Defense (SED). This position reports locally to the head of IDD Aerospace and globally to the Global Product Line Program Director based in SED, France.

Job Description

Within Safran, Program Management is expected to drive P&L performance, work cross-functionally to execute and ensure program's performance, effectively communicate updates/status to external and internal customers, provide input into strategic business decisions, and work on continuous improvement projects for the business. In this role, you will work closely with local (Redmond) & regional (Chihuahua MX) colleagues, but also collaborate with Safran's global organization on key initiatives and holistic customer programs. As a Director of Programs, you'll lead IDD business aspects of Program Management, including but not limited to, new product development, production and sustainment, industrial transfers, and business integration with Safran's Global Cockpit Solutions Global Product Line.

Key Responsibilities

• End-to-End Program Leadership

Responsible for the financial, schedule and technical performance of assigned programs/projects: Leads a cross-functional team through all phases of programs/projects from inception through completion. Guides and controls the establishment of scope, schedule, development and financial plans that will facilitate successful program execution.

• Sustaining Programs Management

Responsible for delivering, as assigned, on the execution and management of existing production programs with a strong drive to maintain OTD & quality performance. This includes leading across several departments in a matrixed environment to i) Communication with the customer for delivery lines of balance, ii) mitigate part shortages or production delays, iii) recover past due backlogs with root cause/corrective action, iv) work with customers on prioritization and PO management.

• Contract & Compliance Management

Support the Sales Departments' lead of RFP/RFI proposal development and contract negotiations. This role will be responsible to work with Safran Legal & Compliance Teams to manage and document compliance with FAR/DFARS, and ITAR/EAR export controls.

But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)

• Technical and Operational Oversight

Work with the Program IPT to ensure scope, schedule and budget performance remains on-track to program baselines. This role requires strong decision making capabilities, and ability to understand input from engineering, manufacturing. Lead cross-functional teams to ensure proper root-cause analysis, corrective action plans are being followed.

• Financial and Risk Management

Maintain program financial health of assigned programs via budgeting, as well as monitor & control execution to budget. This can include putting cost control actions in place as necessary, variance reporting, risk/opportunity mitigation and gross margin optimization. The role requires understanding of contract scope and terms, with the ability to drive customer scope assertions and claims as well as negotiate them for optimal business outcomes.

• Customer & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as company interface with assigned customers. Lead program reviews, line of balance reviews, status updates, and issue escalation sessions.

• Cross-Functional Leadership

Drive operational excellence by coordinating with supply chain, operations, quality, engineering and other shared resources as necessary to ensure program execution.

• Team Leadership & Continuous Improvement

Mentor peers and emerging project managers to foster continuous improvement, setting measurable goals and reinforcing best practices across the team.

Candidate skills & requirements

Required Competencies:

Education / Experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems, or Business – or equivalent experience (min. 6yrs)

- Minimum 5+ years in aerospace program management, preferably as a Tier-1/2 systems or components supplier to airframers

- Preferrable: Proven track record on OEM programs (i.e., Boeing, Airbus, etc.) , including hands-on experience with project financial reporting, contract compliance, and customer negotiations for pricing or scope changes.

Skills and Abilities:

Technical & Business Acumen

- Experience with electromechanical systems or aircraft systems

- Proficiency in program tracking tools (IMS, MS Project, ERP systems)

- Financial skills in budgeting, cost tracking, reliability, and margin improvement

Leadership & Communication

- Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills

- Effective in diverse environments: office, onsite, and remote—travel up to 25%

- Able to manage and prioritize an active list of actions across multiple programs

- Excellent verbal and written communicator with both technical and senior audiences

Certifications & Security:

- PMP, Lean, or Six Sigma certifications are a strong plus

- U.S. citizen with eligibility for obtaining U.S. government clearances, if needed (not currently required)

Physical Requirements:

- Primary Environment: Office-based work, typically requiring sitting, movement around the building to coordinate with key stakeholders, and operating a keyboard or other office equipment.

- Mobility Needs: Frequently reach with hands and arms, occasionally stand or walk—primarily for meetings or accessing shared workspaces

- Light Material Handling: Occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull items (e.g., laptops, documents)—up to 10 lbs (4.5 kg).

- Vision & Hearing: Close vision required for reading screens/documents; hearing clarity essential for in-person and virtual communication.

- Noise Level: Generally quiet office setting with normal ambient noise.

- Travel Requirements: Travel expected to be ad hoc, but must be available for travel (up to 25%), including visits to customer sites, key suppliers, and partner facilities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Annual salary

$165K-$200K

Job location

Job location

North America, United States, Washington

City (-ies)

18225 NE 76th St WA - 98052 Redmond

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 8 years