What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Program Manager - Production position at Leonardo DRS?
Job ID: 115033
Location: Melbourne FL
Schedule: 9/80
The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms. We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.
Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.
Job Summary
The Senior Program Manager – Production Programs is responsible for the successful execution of production programs and programs transitioning from development into low-rate initial production (LRIP) and follow-on production as the prime or as a subcontractor. This role leads cross-functional teams to ensure program objectives for cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and delivery are achieved.
The Senior Program Manager manages programs across the full contract lifecycle, including customer RFP support, proposal development, contract award, production planning and execution, product delivery, and program closeout. This role partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Contracts to resolve build issues, improve manufacturability, optimize yield, improve production flow, and ensure successful execution of customer commitments.
Job Responsibilities
- Lead day-to-day execution of multiple production programs to achieve cost, schedule, technical, quality, and delivery objectives
- Manage programs across the full contract lifecycle, including proposal support, contract award, production planning, execution, delivery, and closeout
- Serve as the primary interface with customers and internal stakeholders on program status, risks, delivery commitments, and overall performance
- Lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Test to ensure successful execution
- Support new business through leading bid and proposal efforts for new awards, follow-on production, and contract modifications
- Manage program budgets, forecasts, and performance reporting, including labor, material, purchased services, and variance analysis
- Oversee transition from development into LRIP and production, ensuring alignment across functions and readiness for execution
- Drive resolution of production issues, including material shortages, test failures, nonconformances, engineering changes, and schedule disruptions
- Identify, monitor, and mitigate program risks; escalate significant issues and implement corrective action or recovery plans as needed
- Lead customer reviews, program reviews, and internal management reviews, while driving continuous improvement in planning and production execution
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 7 years of program management experience, with significant experience supporting production programs in aerospace, defense, or a complex manufacturing environment
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; degree in Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred
- Demonstrated experience managing complex production programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and delivery across the full program lifecycle
- Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving execution across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, contracts, and operations
- Working knowledge of program financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and performance reporting
- Experience supporting proposals, contract execution, change management, and customer communications throughout the program lifecycle
- Strong understanding of production execution, including production planning, material availability, build schedules, quality performance, and on-time delivery
- Proven ability to identify and resolve program and production issues, manage risk, and implement corrective and recovery actions.
- Strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present program status to customers and senior management.
- Experience supporting transition from development into LRIP and production
- Experience with earned value cost accounting and reporting, program metrics, productivity analysis, and schedule/cost variance analysis
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of DoD contracting requirements and FAR procurement regulations
- Experience with electro-mechanical assembly operations and complex defense manufacturing environments
- Experience with yield improvement, rework reduction, throughput improvement, and production flow optimization
- Experience implementing engineering changes and configuration updates in a production environment
- Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or related process improvement disciplines
- Program Management certification preferred, such as PMP or DAU
- Active DOD security clearance preferred
U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.