Program Manager - Ports and Borders

Leidos•Vista, CA

About The Position

Leidos Security Enterprise Solutions (SES) is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the execution and delivery of complex Ports & Borders inspection and detection equipment programs throughout North America. The Program Manager serves as the primary leader responsible for ensuring Ports & Borders security screening, inspection, and detection systems are manufactured, delivered, installed, commissioned, and accepted in accordance with customer requirements, contractual commitments, and business objectives. This role owns program execution from proposal support and contract award through customer acceptance and transition to the Service organization. Success in this role requires strong leadership, customer engagement, financial acumen, and the ability to coordinate cross-functional teams across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, Installation, and Service organizations. The Program Manager will drive schedule performance, operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and program profitability while serving as the primary interface between Leidos and government customers, customs agencies, border organizations, contractors, and other key stakeholders. This position is ideal for leaders who have successfully managed complex equipment manufacturing, delivery, installation, systems integration, infrastructure, construction, industrial automation, transportation, security technology, or defense programs in highly regulated environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Civil Engineering), Construction Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Project Management, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree, including significant experience leading complex programs, construction projects, infrastructure deployments, capital equipment delivery, or technical operations.
10+ years of experience leading complex programs, projects, product delivery initiatives, construction projects, infrastructure deployments, or large-scale customer implementations.
Demonstrated success managing cross-functional teams within manufacturing, engineering, technology, construction, infrastructure, industrial, defense, transportation, security technology, or systems integration environments.
Experience managing customer-facing programs involving multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and significant operational complexity.
Strong understanding of program financial management, forecasting, budgeting, profitability, earned value principles, and business performance metrics.
Experience coordinating manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, construction, installation, commissioning, and customer acceptance activities.
Strong negotiation, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
Proven ability to influence and lead within a matrixed organization without direct authority.
Experience working in regulated industries or environments with strict compliance requirements.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and modern project management tools.
Understanding of manufacturing operations, MRP/ERP systems, and configuration management principles.
Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.
Ability to obtain required customer and site access credentials, including U.S. Public Trust eligibility and customer security vetting requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.
PMP (Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified Construction Manager), or equivalent project/program management certification.
Experience delivering Ports & Borders inspection systems, cargo inspection equipment, vehicle screening systems, X-ray imaging systems, radiation detection equipment, industrial automation systems, or other complex capital equipment.
Experience supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), international customs agencies, border security organizations, or similar government customers.
Experience leading infrastructure, transportation, port, border crossing, airport, or government-funded projects.
Knowledge of installation, commissioning, service, warranty, and lifecycle support operations.
Experience obtaining permits, licenses, certifications, and customer approvals required for complex equipment deployments.
Experience supporting proposal development, contract execution, and business growth initiatives.
Experience leading international projects and working within highly matrixed organizations.
Understanding of global business operations within highly regulated markets.

Responsibilities

Lead execution of complex Ports & Borders equipment delivery programs from contract award through customer acceptance and operational handoff.
Serve as the primary customer interface and trusted advisor throughout the program lifecycle.
Own program cost, schedule, technical performance, risk management, and overall customer satisfaction.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, partners, and internal stakeholders.
Create and manage integrated program plans that align Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Installation, Quality, Finance, and Service activities.
Partner closely with Manufacturing and Production teams to ensure equipment is built, tested, and delivered according to program schedules and customer commitments.
Coordinate logistics, site readiness, installation, commissioning, customer acceptance, and final project closeout activities.
Lead cross-functional teams in executing contractual obligations and achieving program milestones.
Ensure products are manufactured, tested, delivered, installed, and accepted according to customer commitments and contractual requirements.
Manage program budgets, forecasts, profitability, and financial performance while maintaining ownership of program P&L.
Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks while driving timely resolution of issues impacting delivery.
Support business development activities, proposal efforts, contract negotiations, and growth opportunities with existing and prospective customers.
Develop executive-level program status reports and present performance updates to customers and senior leadership.
Monitor program readiness and proactively adjust plans to maintain schedule, cost, and quality objectives.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance delivery performance, customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and program execution.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, integrity, and execution excellence.
Ensure compliance with contractual, regulatory, quality, and safety requirements.
Lead program execution through final customer acceptance and payment milestones.