Program Director - Unmanned Systems (USV/UxV)

About the role

Rheinmetall Barzan Advanced Technologies (RBAT), a Qatar-based joint venture between Barzan Holdings and Rheinmetall AG, develops and integrates defense and security technologies including unmanned systems. It is looking for a Program Director to lead the end-to-end delivery of complex unmanned systems programs, from contract award through final acceptance, driving performance across technical, contractual, financial, schedule, integration and customer requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead overall program delivery, governance, performance and customer relationships.
• Develop and manage integrated program plans, milestones, budgets, resources and delivery strategies.
• Manage major subcontractors and technology suppliers across platforms, autonomy, payloads, mission systems and specialist technologies.
• Coordinate engineering, procurement, manufacturing, system integration, testing, training and final delivery.
• Oversee integration of unmanned surface vessels (USVs), autonomous systems, mission payloads and command-and-control capabilities.
• Manage program risks, issues, dependencies, changes and recovery plans.
• Lead customer reviews, subcontractor meetings and internal management reporting.
• Ensure contractual compliance, commercial performance, delivery commitments and acceptance criteria are met.
• Establish program KPIs, governance frameworks, reporting mechanisms and escalation processes.
• Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned and production feedback.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10-15 years of relevant experience, including leading complex defense, maritime, unmanned systems or technology integration programs.
• Proven end-to-end program delivery experience covering budgets, schedules, risks, subcontractors, system integration, testing and customer acceptance.
• Experience managing international suppliers, defense contractors, government customers and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• PMP, MSP or an equivalent project/program management certification preferred.

Required skills

• Strong understanding of USVs, autonomous systems, mission payloads and command-and-control architectures.
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, negotiation, communication and decision-making skills.