Principal Program Manager

L3Harris Technologies; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 133,000 - 247,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) match

Flexible spending accounts

Education assistance

Parental leave

Paid time off

Company-paid holidays

Job summary

L3Harris Space Superiority & Imaging Division seeks a proven Principal Program Manager to lead a large, complex space program with >$250M in value. You will own cost, schedule, and technical performance, interfacing with senior customers and leadership to ensure program success.

The role requires an active TS/SCI clearance, strong leadership, and the ability to travel. Location is Rochester, NY with a 9/80 work schedule and direct responsibility for strategic portfolio growth within NS/XIS.

Qualifications

• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required.
• Bachelor’s Degree with 12+ years PM experience (or graduate degree with 10+ years).
• PM roles for contracts >$25M and deputy PM roles for contracts >$50M.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of large, complex programs from inception through completion.
• Serve as primary customer contact and drive mission-aligned engagement.
• Own program P&L including cost, schedule, and technical performance.

Skills

Program management

Leadership

Customer relationships

Cross-functional teamwork

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field

Graduate Degree

16 years experience in lieu of degree

Tools

EVMS

PMP Certification

Government contracting

Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers’ mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Principal Program Manager

Job Code: 42367

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Job Description:

L3Harris Space Superiority & Imaging Division is looking for a proven Program Manager ready to assume full program leadership of a large, complex space program. This role is ideal for a high‑performing program manager who has already demonstrated ownership of cost, schedule, and technical execution, built strong customer trust, and is prepared to lead a >$250M program independently. The position serves as the primary interface to senior customers and internal leadership, ensuring program performance, business growth, and strategic alignment with the National Systems (NS) portfolio within the Exquisite Imaging Systems (XIS) Business Area. The NS portfolio focuses on designing, manufacturing, testing, and delivering electro‑optical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) space components, payloads, and satellites for U.S. government, defense, and intelligence customers.

Essential Functions:

• Lead all phases of large, complex programs from inception through completion
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact, strengthening established relationships and driving mission‑aligned engagement
• Own program P&L including cost, schedule, technical performance, and alignment to AOP commitments
• Develop and execute strategic roadmaps aligned with customer vision and long‑term portfolio growth
• Mentor, direct, and inspire cross‑functional teams to deliver execution excellence and organizational performance
• Champion major captures, competitive pursuits, and sole‑source proposals
• Collaborate across Business Development, Finance, Contracts, Engineering, and Operations to ensure integrated program success
• Directly influence business strategy using budget insight, customer trends, competitive environment, and investment alignment
• This is the section where you include if they must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance as a job requirement
• Must be able to travel as necessary

Qualifications:

• Must Have an Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 12 years of program management experience; Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience; Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 16 years of prior related experience
• Program manager roles for contracts with values >$25M and/or deputy program manager roles for contracts >$50M

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Extensive management and leadership skills to lead cross‑department project teams or manage projects across the enterprise
• Experience in program management with the Department of War, Air Force, Space Force, or Intelligence Community
• Track record of effectively using matrix organizations to win business and get results, with a demonstrated ability to lead high‑performance teams
• Able to interpret, condense, and present findings to audiences with variable skill sets and experience levels
• Able to provide/reinforce the credibility and commitment of L3Harris at appropriate levels within the customer community
• Understanding of electro‑optical satellite, payload, and mission products
• Advanced degree in a technical, business, or applicable policy field
• PMP Certification is preferred
• Familiarity with government contracting practices, Earned Value Management (EVMS), and standard program reporting metrics
• Broad management and leadership experience leading cross‑functional project teams

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $133,000-$247,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location.

L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including:

• health and disability insurance
• 401(k) match
• flexible spending accounts
• EAP
• education assistance
• parental leave
• paid time off
• company-paid holidays

The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug‑free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.