Saumil Shah

About Saumil Shah

Executive Director | 28+ Years in Aerospace, Satellite Ops & Launch SupportI am an Aerospace Executive with a dual track record of technical excellence and organizational leadership. With nearly three decades of experience, I navigate the complexities of both Commercial and Government sectors to deliver high-stakes satellite and engineering programs.Core Value Proposition-Executive Leadership: Currently directing Program Development with a history of managing teams of up to 40 specialized professionals over the last 7 years-Technical Authority: Subject Matter Expert in Satellite Operations, Launch Support, and Systems Engineering-Sector Versatility: Proven ability to operate effectively within both agile commercial markets and rigorous government frameworks.I build teams that deliver. I invite connections from professionals across the aerospace and defense industry.

Experience

1. Executive Director - Program Development (National Security Missions)

   Iridium

   Sep 2025 — Present · Wayne, PA, US

   Led and developed a high-performing team of project and program managers, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence to consistently achieve program objectives-Directed strategic program planning and led the end-to-end execution of major initiatives, providing direct oversight of project and program managers across all phases, including planning, staffing, budgeting, and process definition-Provided comprehensive financial oversight for the program portfolio, managing expense priorities and directing teams in the effective allocation and stewardship of multimillion-dollar budgets-Authored and executed resource allocation strategies, led diverse program teams, and resolved critical conflicts to ensure alignment with the organization\'s mission and goals-Accountable for the successful resolution of all significant program risks and issues, ensuring uninterrupted progress toward and alignment with company-wide strategic objectives-Developed and oversaw program execution strategy, defining key gates, milestones, and deliverables while also directing acquisition strategy, including make-or-buy and subcontracting decisions-Proactively identified and mitigated project risks, minimizing impact on timelines, budgets, and overall program success-Instituted proactive communication protocols to provide senior management with transparent and timely updates on program status, financial health, and key issues-Supported and participated in pricing and contract negotiations, ensuring clear communication of customer requirements and securing favorable outcomes.

Education

• Penn State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering

  1993 — 1997

Skills

• Aerospace Engineering
• Security Clearance
• Configuration Management
• Requirements Analysis
• Spacecraft
• Aerospace
• Software Engineering
• Satellite
• Aviation
• Dod
• Software Development
• Earned Value Management
• Operations Management
• Aircraft
• Aircraft Maintenance
• User Acceptance Testing
• Systems Engineering
• Analysis
• Project Management
• Requirements Management
• Simulations
• Space Systems
• Avionics
• Satellite Systems Engineering
• Integration
• Testing
• Training
• Process Improvement
• Management