Senior Program Manager

Leonardo DRS, Inc. • Goleta, CA

8d • $134,332 - $181,349 • Hybrid

About The Position

Leonardo DRS is seeking a full time Senior Program Manager. This position is based out of our Goleta, CA office and will have the option to work an in person or hybrid schedule. The Senior Program Manager will direct the daily execution of Internal Research and Development (IRAD) efforts, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance goals are met from concept through demonstration and transition into a program of record. This position works closely with Engineering on development efforts often involving rapid prototyping and applied research, serves as the primary interface across the Integrated Product Team (IPT), and provides the critical link between Business Development, Capture, Engineering, Operations, Contracts, Finance, and Supply Chain to convert technology investments into executable, fundable programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; Engineering degree preferred; Finance, Supply Chain, or Business degree considered depending on discipline
• 7+ years relevant experience, perferably in a technical/advanced development environment
• Experience with: Leading the full program lifecycle, including proposal development, requirements decomposition, SOW generation, subcontract management, and risk management
• Experience with: Decomposing requirements and developing system/subsystem Statements of Work (SOWs), technical specifications, and subcontract documentation
• Experience with: Identifying, assessing, and managing program risks, and driving mitigation strategies that support schedule, cost, and performance objectives
• Experience with: Earned value management (EVM), cost accounting, variance analysis, and the development and reporting of program performance metrics
• Experience with: Collaborating with finance, contracting, export compliance, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain organizations to ensure integrated program execution
• Ability to manage aerospace/defense programs as a prime or subcontractor to a domestic or foreign military organization
• Solid leadership and management skills
• Ability to motivate and guide team members
• Strong problem-solving with a strategic and analytical mindset
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage and influence stakeholders at multiple organizational levels
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Flexibility to adapt approach as needed

Responsibilities

• Serve as Proposal Manager for R&D‑supported proposals, leading or contributing to bid and proposal activities and ensuring full compliance with RFP requirements.
• Support development of capture and proposal strategies in coordination with Business Development.
• Ensure IRAD‑developed technical and business solutions are compelling, executable, and aligned with customer needs.
• Support customer events, competitive analysis, and teaming strategy discussions.
• Lead coordination across the core team and full IPT, ensuring alignment and effective cross‑functional collaboration.
• Maintain engagement with Business Development, Engineering, Operations, Contracts, Finance, Supply Chain, and program execution teams.
• Resolve conflicts, facilitate communication, and build strong stakeholder relationships to drive program success.
• Lead program reporting to senior leadership.
• Serve as the primary interface with internal and external customers/partners for all matters related to program execution.
• Manage expectations, coordinate deliverables, and own the scope and prioritization of work packages.
• Develop and monitor CapEx projects and marketing/demo schedules tied to the IRAD plan.
• Develop and execute Ahead‑of‑Contract (AOC) projects where applicable.
• Allocate and control budgets for labor, material, travel, and purchased services; report financial status to senior leadership.
• Conduct schedule and cost variance analysis and implement corrective actions as required.
• Lead planning and execution of all demonstration and test events, formal reviews, and external engagements.
• Monitor progress across development, manufacturing, and procurement activities.
• Develop and manage the integrated milestone schedule.
• Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks throughout the program lifecycle using a structured risk management process.
• Remove execution barriers and escalate schedule or budget issues requiring leadership intervention.
• Evaluate results upon completion, providing insights for improvement and strategic planning.
• Ensure effective and timely closeout of completed efforts, including fulfillment of all contractual and documentation requirements.
• Support capture and proposal strategy development aligned with the IRAD roadmap.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in partnership with Business Development.
• Identify future opportunities for existing customers and solutions for new customers.
• Represent the organization at program reviews, meetings, demonstrations, and business development events.
• Maintain strong understanding of customer missions, acquisition strategies, requirements, funding, and competitive environments to shape feasible technical and commercial solutions.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, FAR regulations, and company policies.
• Coordinate with Contracts Administration on contract interpretations, changes, and negotiations.
• Participate in contract and subcontract negotiations while protecting company interests.
• Support and reinforce the mission, values, and culture of the organization.

Benefits

• comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• employer matching 401(k) retirement plan
• paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave)
• parental leave benefits
• tuition reimbursement
• professional development support
• life and disability insurance coverage
• company contribution to a health savings account
• telemedicine
• legal insurance
• 401(k) savings plan
• wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being
• programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement
• flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program
• competitive vacation
• health/emergency leave
• paid parental leave
• community service hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior