Director Of Program Operations Jobs in Wayzata, MN

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation

At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from R&D to flight testing. If you are passionate about pushing technological boundaries in a dynamic environment, we invite you to join us.

Position Overview:

At North Wind, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. We are seeking a highly analytical and technically proficient Director of Program Management to co-lead the development, infrastructure build-out, and operational stand-up of a greenfield hypersonic ground test and data evaluation facility. This facility is slated to be a premier hub for next-generation defense aerospace initiatives, including advanced R&D and testing environments for hypersonic technologies.

The Director of Program Management will serve as a trusted strategic and operational partner to the Vice President of Program Management, supporting the successful execution and oversight of programs across the organization. They will ensure all phases of the project lifecycle adhere strictly to established program management best practices. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of program management expertise, rigorous risk mitigation strategies, and advanced technical aptitude in building data tracking solutions to monitor multi-layered project schedules and budgets.

Responsibilities:

• Direct all phases of program from inception through completion
• Responsibility for the cost, schedule and technical performance of individual capabilities 
• Act as customer contact for program activities, lead program review sessions with customers to discuss cost, schedule, and technical performance
• Establish milestones and monitors adherence to master plans and schedules, identifies program problems and obtains solutions, such as allocation of resources or changing contractual specifications
• Direct the work of employees assigned to the program from technical, manufacturing and administrative areas
• Serves as the operational hub for the program, driving the daily execution rhythm across engineering, finance, and project teams to protect schedule and margin
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks (e.g. technical, cost, schedule, legal, security)
• Maintain risk register and ensure corrective actions are tracked and closed
• Strategically manage Program and NCTA budgets (B&P and M&S) with financial rigor and predictability

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of related experience, OR a Master’s degree and 6 years of related experience
• At least 6 years of experience leading large scale programs / projects and driving performance against a schedule and budget
• Experience in government project management/execution and closeout
• Extensive experience in program finance, complex cost-reimbursable and FFP structures, and enterprise financial and planning tools to include experience with EVM (EV) in an applicable system
• Demonstrated experience commanding or directing complex, cross-functional organizational units, with an emphasis on establishing rigorous operational cadences and personnel management
• Design / Build program experience
• Must be a U.S citizen 
• Ability to acquire US security clearance at Secret / Top Secret level

Preferred Qualifications:

• Supply Chain Management experience
• Subcontract Management experience
• Functional and/or assignment manager experience
• 6 years of experience with Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles and application or as a Cost Account Manager (CAM)
• PMP Certificate
• Costpoint workforce management experience
• Attention to detail and delegation of tasks and budgets to CAMs and / or other stakeholders
• EAC definition, reporting, and management
• Outstanding verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks
• Demonstrated ability to interact effectively across all levels of the organization and with outside organizations
• Executive presence and comfort in communications at that level
• Experience building strong customer and supplier relationships.
• Experienced people leadership that includes performance management, career development, staffing, and merit planning

Additional Information:

• This position’s standard work schedule is 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
• Relocation assistance may be available
• Travel: Up to 25% of the time

North Wind is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. North Wind supports safe and drug free workplace through pre-employment background checks and drug testing.

The salary range provided is a general guideline. Actual pay will depend on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and other applicable qualifications. North Wind is committed to pay transparency in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

All candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.