Derek Rocha
Aerospace & Defense | Program Leadership | P&L & Portfolio Management | People & Strategy
- Role
- Senior Manager, Program Management Space & Mission Networks at L3Harris Technologies
- Location
- Melbourne, FL, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Derek Rocha
Senior Aerospace and Business Operations Leader with 14+ years of experience delivering complex aerospace, defense, and satellite communications programs. Currently manage a $500M+ global portfolio spanning product development, FAA certification, OEM linefit and airline retrofit integration, full-scale production, and long-term sustainment across commercial aviation markets.Extensive background in inflight connectivity (IFC), satellite communications (SATCOM), and avionics systems, with expertise leading cross-functional teams across engineering, supply chain, certification, and operations. Specialize in customer engagement, subcontractor management, strategic planning, and financial performance, with a proven ability to scale programs from development through sustainment.Partnered directly with a wide range of global airlines — including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, Virgin Australia, and Japan Airlines — as well as major OEMs such as Airbus, Boeing, and Bombardier, and multiple regulatory authorities (FAA, EASA, TCCA, CAAC and others) to deliver cutting-edge satellite connectivity solutions for commercial aviation.
Experience
Senior Manager, Program Management Space & Mission Networks
Aug 2025 — Present · Melbourne, FL, US
Education
University of Illinois Chicago
Master of Business Administration - MBA
Auburn University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering
2010
Skills
- Project Management
- International Logistics
- Team Leadership
- Aircraft
- Problem Solving
- Avionics
- Leadership
- Communication
- Contract Management
- Program Management
- Systems Engineering
- Microsoft Office
- Sales
- Management
- Aviation
- Customer Satisfaction
- Engineering
- Aerospace
- Vendor Management
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