Government Program Manager Jobs in Tempe, AZ (NOW HIRING)

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we’re on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We’re looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

We are looking for a highly driven Government Supply Manager to manage and scale procurements of fully assembled and finished electronic products with contract manufacturers.  The Government Supply Manager is responsible for leading development or new product introduction sourcing, contracting, and supplier management activities, which includes driving supply continuity, cost competitiveness, and production readiness across complex technical programs.

The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with relentless execution and thrives in developmental environments with high ambiguity, aggressive timelines, and rapidly evolving priorities. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, planning, and suppliers to solve difficult supply chain problems and enable production. This role requires strong FAR 15 understanding, management of space rated programs, overall ownership, urgency, and follow-through, as well as the ability to proactively identify supply chain risks before they impact the business. 

Successful candidates are highly organized leaders, action-oriented problem solvers who thrive in fast-paced environments, communicate clearly, and consistently drive issues through resolution.

This role is a remote work arrangement with required residency in Arizona only.

The day-to-day

Manage Supplier Selection, Negotiations and Award

• Own end-to-end procurement strategy across development, qualification, and production phases
• Identify, qualify, and onboard contract manufacturers capable of meeting government program requirements (quality, security, compliance, scalability)
• Lead competitive sourcing events (RFIs, RFPs, RFQs) and evaluate suppliers based on technical capability, cost, capacity, and compliance readiness
• Develop dual-source or contingency strategies for high-risk or sole-source components
• Negotiate pricing, lead times and supply agreements such as program specific agreements (PSAs)

Supply Assurance

• Build and maintain relationships with suppliers while holding them accountable to delivery and performance commitments
• Manage supplier delivery, cost, quality, and lead time performance
• Identify supply chain risks early. Build and execute mitigation plans to prevent production disruptions.
• Resolve supplier issues impacting production schedules or program milestones, including resolving material shortages, late deliveries, allocation issues, and supplier escalations to prevent production impact
• Understand quarterly forecast requirements and translate that into a supply plan with outlined risks and mitigations to plan.
• Monitor supply commitments against build schedules and demand forecasts. Translate demand signals into supplier capacity and ramp plans.
• Develop and execute recovery plans for constrained or underperforming suppliers
• Identify single-source, capacity, and long lead-time risks and implement mitigation plans
• Conduct supplier business reviews and drive corrective actions where performance gaps exist

Drive Supplier Readiness and Product Lifecycle Optimization

• Participate in program reviews, build readiness meetings, and engineering change discussions
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities including supplier onboarding, qualification, and production ramp readiness
• Influence design-for-manufacturability and design-for-supply-chain decisions to reduce cost and risk
• Work with engineering teams to improve component availability, manufacturability, lead times, and cost
• Coordinate with planning and program teams to align material availability with production schedules
• Support engineering changes, alternate part qualifications, and redesign efforts when supply issues arise
• Support transition from prototype to low-rate initial production (LRIP) to full-rate production
• Ensure contract manufacturers are prepared for scale, including tooling, staffing, and process maturity
• Monitor supplier readiness against program ramp schedules
• Manage lifecycle changes including engineering revisions and end-of-life transitions

Drive Execution with Speed & Ownership

• Track and drive closure of critical supply chain actions, open shortages, and escalations
• Make timely decisions in fast-moving environments with incomplete information
• Escalate issues appropriately while maintaining ownership of resolution plans
• Balance tradeoffs between cost, delivery, quality, inventory, and supply risk
• Communicate status, risks, and recovery plans clearly to stakeholders and leadership

Improve Supply Chain Processes & Operational Performance

• Identify and implement process improvements to improve efficiency, visibility, and scalability
• Use ERP, MRP, and supplier performance data to drive prioritization and decision-making
• Develop reporting and tracking tools for shortages, supplier performance, and operational risks
• Support long-term sourcing, dual-source, and supply continuity strategies
• Track cost and drive cost reduction initiatives
• Drive automation and standardization where possible to improve team efficiency and execution

Government Compliance & Contracting

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with applicable federal acquisition regulations (e.g., FAR/DFARS where applicable)
• Partner with contracts, legal and compliance teams to structure contracts and awards that meet government audit and reporting requirements
• Maintain documentation for traceability, cost transparency, and supplier accountability
• Support audits, program reviews, and government reporting requests
• Serve as primary procurement interface for government program stakeholders when required

What you'll need

• 10+ years directly applicable Supply Chain experience

• Experience managing suppliers in a manufacturing, technology, aerospace, or complex operational environment

• Wide range of commodity knowledge

• Working knowledge of Federal and Defense contracting requirements (DFAR/FAR/ITAR)

• Familiarity with MS Office, ERP/MRP systems and supply planning tools

• Bachelor’s Degree with focus in Business, Supply Chain, or related experience

• US citizenship

• Familiarity with space rated government programs desired

• Ability to travel up to 25%, must be able to travel locally and attend onsite meetings, supplier engagements, and other in-person business activities as needed

What will help you on the job

• Experience with contract manufacturers.

• Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and presentation skills including the ability to influence all levels of internal stakeholders.

• Self-starter with the ability to adapt, improve processes, and find solutions.

• Experience managing supply constraints, shortages, or production escalations

• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities in fast-paced environments

• Proven experience with detailed data analysis leading to recommendations and decisions.

• Experience supporting high-rate manufacturing or production ramp environments

• Technical understanding of mechanical, electrical, or electromechanical components

• Experience with NPI

• Experience in aerospace, defense, autonomous systems, or space industries

• Ability to negotiate strong pricing, business, and legal terms

• Ability to logically manage issues and conflicts with suppliers

• Ability to foster a collaborative work environment, influence others, and to act as a change agent

• Ability to adapt and embrace change in a constantly evolving business landscape

• Flexibility to learn and to work in a variety of commodities

Salary range
$99,000.00 - $156,000.00 / annually.For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $123,000.00- $184,000.00/ annually
At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.
EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years directly applicable Supply Chain experience

• Experience managing suppliers in a manufacturing, technology, aerospace, or complex operational environment

• Wide range of commodity knowledge

• Working knowledge of Federal and Defense contracting requirements (DFAR/FAR/ITAR)

• Familiarity with MS Office, ERP/MRP systems and supply planning tools

• Bachelor’s Degree with focus in Business, Supply Chain, or related experience

• US citizenship

• Familiarity with space rated government programs desired

• Ability to travel up to 25%, must be able to travel locally and attend onsite meetings, supplier engagements, and other in-person business activities as needed

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME