Director of Programs

Katalyst Description:

We build robotic spacecraft that enable dynamic space operations, creating a future where maneuvering, upgrading, refueling, and exploration are as routine as they are on Earth. Getting to space and overcoming the gravity well is only half the story. What you do there is the future. We are not building the trains. We are building the machines that lay down the tracks. By developing the foundational capabilities that make sustained, responsive operations possible, we enable a new era of space activity that strengthens national security and ensures freedom of action in an increasingly contested domain.

Katalyst Culture:

Working at Katalyst is intense, hands-on, and deeply rewarding. You’ll take real ownership and see your work move from concept to operations in an environment where the problems are hard and the impact is real. We value humility, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder. You’ll work closely with thoughtful, driven teammates who push each other to do their best. 

What You’ll Do

1. Establish and own clear, executable program plans, including schedules, budgets, risks, and decision points. 
2. Working with the vertical VP, implement a program roadmap aligned with company strategic goals and customer mission needs.  
3. Lead a comprehensive overhaul of the program management framework, designing processes, dashboards, and coordination mechanisms to support effective parallel execution across multiple initiatives. 

What We’re Looking For

1. Leadership & culture: You can effectively manage up and across the organization. You set a clear tone through actions and expectations, modeling quality and rigor in their work product and maintaining high expectations across the team.
2. High-level of ownership & pride in work: You treat programs as personal responsibility. You drive outcomes rather than just tracking results. You take pride in quality, rigor, and clarity of the work delivered. You understand that the details matter and that work outputs should be visually polished.
3. Adaptive & humble: You constantly seek feedback and adjust to new information and inputs.
4. You thrive in creating structure from ambiguity: You're able to create structure and clear direction from evolving inputs, limited resources, and dynamic requirements. You keep the chaos organized.
5. Deep technical intuition: You don't have to be an engineer, but you're deeply technically literate and can challenge assumptions, ask the right questions, and maintain credible and commanding presence in technical discussions.  

Your Ideal Background

1. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field or equivalent practical experience
2. 7+ years leading complex, technical programs
3. Experience in space, aerospace/defense, robotics, or other deep-tech systems, preferably in new-space or modern technology companies rather than traditional defense primes
4. Background in scaling organization with limited structure and high ambiguity 
5. Previous end-to-end ownership of hardware + software development programs 
6. Deep technical fluency across spacecraft systems, software, and mission operations 
7. Previous experience working across parallel programs with short deadlines 
8. Experience designing and building systems and dashboards for risk tracking, decision logs, and coordination 

Additional Requirements: Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Compensation and Benefits: Your base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $150,000 - $200,000 annually.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.

At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.