Program Manager, RF & Radar Systems

HRL Laboratories•Calabasas, CA

6d•$172,900 - $221,600

About The Position

HRL Laboratories is seeking a Program Manager to lead diverse technical teams on programs focused primarily on radar product development, along with related communications and sensing research and development. The role works closely with scientists and engineers to develop specifications for radar and/or communications front-end and back-end components and apertures. It also involves solving customer problems, briefing customers, participating in proposal activities, and helping market HRL’s expertise. The Program Manager leads multiple government and/or industry prime programs through design, development, integration, test, and production. As the primary customer point of contact, the role is accountable for program execution and customer communication, as well as cost, schedule, and performance. The position develops and manages program plans, schedules, and milestones; monitors performance; identifies and mitigates risks; supports proposal and capture efforts and customer growth; and collaborates with line managers on employee feedback, development, and mentoring. The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline and substantial experience in engineering or manufacturing, program management on U.S. government contracts, defense systems, and RF and photonics subsystems. The position is based in California for compensation-range purposes; the work location and workplace type are not otherwise specified. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance are required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical discipline.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and interfacing with government customers.
At least 7 years of general experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
At least 5 years of program or project management experience on U.S. government contracts valued at $5 million to $10 million or more.
Experience with advanced development of defense systems, including RF and photonics subsystems in radar, communications, and sensing.
Experience leading in a matrixed organization and ability to collaborate and influence.
Strong background in systems engineering and hardware development lifecycles, including transition from R&D to production.
Professional experience in proposal development, business development, and marketing.
Hands-on experience with EVMS, CAM, variance analysis, and EAC management.
Strong understanding of U.S. government solicitations, proposal submission requirements, and the acquisition process.
U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Ability to interact professionally with managers, coworkers, and customers; willingness to travel and work with engineers on complex projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; sufficient mobility to work in confined spaces; and adequate visual and hearing acuity.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree.
Experience on classified programs and familiarity with security requirements.
PMP/PgMP, INCOSE CSEP, or equivalent certification.
Knowledge of AS9100, Lean/Six Sigma, and supplier quality management.
Knowledge of systems engineering, particularly requirements management and verification/validation.
Active U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead diverse technical teams in executing multiple government and/or industry prime programs through design, development, integration, test, and production.
Serve as the primary customer point of contact and customer-facing program manager, responsible for program execution, customer communication, cost, schedule, and performance.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with government customers and large defense prime contractors, supporting customer satisfaction, trust, and alignment.
Lead proposal efforts, support capture activities, and manage customer growth opportunities.
Ensure programs meet cost, schedule, and performance requirements.
Collaborate with project teams to establish plans and milestones and monitor execution against them.
Develop and manage program plans, schedules, and milestones; monitor performance; identify risks and issues; and implement mitigation strategies.
Support line managers in employee development by providing performance feedback, identifying program growth opportunities, and mentoring.
Work with scientists and engineers to develop specifications for radar and/or communications front-end and back-end components and apertures.
Solve customer problems, brief customers, participate in proposal activities, and support marketing HRL expertise.