Director, IRAD Programs (Defense Manufacturing)

Leonardo DRS; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 146,000 - 227,000; Full time

Job summary

Leonardo DRS in Germantown, MD is seeking a Director of IRAD Programs with substantial manufacturing experience in the defense industry. The role oversees full lifecycle program management, from development through sustainment, ensuring cost, schedule, and performance are tracked and optimized.

A DOD security clearance or ability to obtain one is required. The candidate should have a engineering or business degree (master’s preferred) and at least 10 years in program leadership, including lean

Qualifications

• Engineering or business degree required (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in program management.
• Certification in Program Management (PMP) preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of program management tools and procedures.
• Experience managing aerospace/defense programs (prime or sub) for domestic/foreign mili­tary.
• Experience with earned value cost accounting and progress reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead the line of business or company program management across full lifecycle (development, production, sustainment).
• Track cost, schedule and performance against milestones; report status to stakeholders.
• Develop and implement recovery plans for yellow/red programs (schedule, performance).
• Lead reviews, manage inventories, mentor program management staff, and drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with business development, marketing, and sales to expand opportunities with existing and new customers.

Skills

Manufacturing experience

Program management

Leadership & management

Lean Six Sigma

Earned value management

Defense industry experience

Security clearance readiness

Education

Engineering or Business degree

Master’s degree preferred

PMP certification

Tools

Program management tools

Job description

Leonardo DRS in Germantown, MD is seeking a Director of IRAD Programs with substantial manufacturing experience in the defense industry. The role oversees full lifecycle program management, from development through sustainment, ensuring cost, schedule, and performance are tracked and optimized.

A DOD security clearance or ability to obtain one is required. The candidate should have a engineering or business degree (master’s preferred) and at least 10 years in program leadership, including lean