Principal Portfolio Manager

Leonardo DRS; Melbourne (FL); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking a Principal Program Manager in Melbourne, FL to own a portfolio of programs with P&L accountability and senior-level responsibility. The role requires driving strategic initiatives, shaping product roadmaps, and leading lifecycle planning across multiple programs to ensure growth and competitive execution year after year.

You will oversee risk management, stakeholder communication, and portfolio performance against financial and operational KPIs, while advancing the Line

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field.
• 10+ years of program management across full lifecycle.
• Active DoD Secret clearance required.
• Experience with EVM and program metrics.
• Proven P&L leadership in defense contracting.

Responsibilities

• Own portfolio-level program performance across multiple programs.
• Drive customer satisfaction and senior stakeholder reporting.
• Shape strategy, roadmaps and lifecycle planning for portfolio.
• Lead risk management and recovery plans.
• Develop talent within the program management function.

Skills

Portfolio management

P&L accountability

EVM experience

DoD security clearance

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor/Master degree in Engineering/Finance/Business

Tools

DoD FAR regulations

Job description

Location: Melbourne, FL, US, 32935

Job ID:115525

Business Unit: Land Electronics
Location: Melbourne, FL
Career Functional Area: Program Management
Telework Type: Hybrid
Type: Full-time Employee
Schedule: 9/80
Shift: 1st

The Leonardo DRS Land Electronics business provides C4I Network computing and integrated situational awareness, as well as state-of-the-art embedded diagnostics, vehicle power management and combat vehicle integration products and services.

Job Summary

Every program in a portfolio carries its own risks, its own customers, and its own path to mission success, and someone has to see all of it at once. Leonardo DRS is looking for a Principal Program Manager to own a portfolio of programs in Melbourne, FL, with accountability that goes beyond running individual schedules and budgets. This role sits above the day-to-day execution of any single program, driving customer satisfaction, executing strategic initiatives, and delivering results against financial, operational, and key performance indicators across the entire portfolio. You will get ahead of risk instead of reacting to it, spotting issues and opportunities across multiple programs before they become problems on any one of them. Beyond program execution, you will help shape Line of Business (LOB) strategy, influence product roadmaps, and lead lifecycle planning so the portfolio keeps growing, stay competitive, and executes successfully year after year. This is a role for someone ready to operate at the portfolio level with real P&L accountability and the trust to lead beyond a single program's boundaries.

Our Mission

At Leonardo DRS Land Electronics, we build rugged, cutting-edge electronic systems that keep our warfighters connected, protected, and dominant on every battlefield. From advanced vehicle electronics and power management to tactical communications and sensor integration, our gear is engineered for the harshest environments – and the highest stakes. We move fast, innovate relentlessly, and deliver solutions that turn technology into tactical advantage. Join us and own the edge where innovation meets mission.

Essential Functions

• Own portfolio-level program performance; cost, schedule, and technical execution across multiple programs, not just a single contract.
• Drive customer satisfaction across the portfolio, serving as the senior point of accountability for customer relationships and turning feedback into action.
• Execute strategic initiatives that advance Line of Business (LOB) priorities and translate leadership direction into portfolio-level results.
• Deliver program performance against financial, operational, and key performance indicators (FOP/KPIs), reporting status to senior management stakeholders.
• Proactively identify, assess, and manage risk and opportunity across the assigned portfolio, developing recovery plans for programs trending off track.
• Shape LOB and influence product roadmaps, bringing a portfolio-wide view to decisions that affect multiple programs at once.
• Lead full lifecycle planning development through production and sustainment to ensure sustained growth, competitiveness, and successful execution across the portfolio.
• Build organizational talent within the program management function through coaching, mentoring, and team development.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 10+ years of program or project management experience, including full lifecycle work from development through production and sustainment.
• Prior direct responsibility for profit‑and‑loss (P&L) performance, with a demonstrated record of organizational leadership within the defense contracting discipline.
• Experience across the program lifecycle, including proposal development, requirements decomposition, and generation of statements of work and subcontracts.
• Experience with earned value management (EVM) and program metrics for assessing cost, schedule, productivity, and variance.Ability to manage aerospace/defense programs as a prime or subcontractor to a domestic or foreign military customer.
• Strong oral, written, and executive-level presentation skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• Must currently possess an active DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven portfolio management experience with successful P&L accountability across multiple programs.
• PMP certification or equivalent (e.g., DAU) preferred.
• Experience shaping strategy and influencing product roadmaps at a portfolio level.
• Background in process improvement methodologies such as Lean Six Sigma.
• Working knowledge of DoD FAR procurement regulations.

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.

Only candidates that meet the qualifications set forth above are eligible to be contacted for further information. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

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. #LEL

Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

• - Integrity
• - Agility
• - Excellence
• - Customer Focus
• - Community & Respect
• - Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.