Senior Defense Program Lead — IRAD & Cross-Functional

Leonardo DRS; Bridgeton (MO); Hybrid; USD 117,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K plan

Stock Purchase Plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Flexible schedule

Student loan repayment

Job summary

Leonardo DRS seeks a Senior Program Manager in Bridgeton, MO to direct IRAD efforts from concept to transition into a program of record. This role interfaces across IPTs and business functions to convert technology investments into funded programs, with an option for in-person or hybrid work.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in technical program management, strong leadership, and experience in aerospace/defense programs, EVM, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• 7+ years relevant experience in a technical/advanced development environment.
• Experience leading full program lifecycle, from proposal to execution.
• Ability to manage aerospace/defense programs as prime or subcontractor.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Proposal Manager for IRAD proposals, ensuring RFP compliance.
• Lead cross-functional IPT coordination to align scope, schedule and cost.
• Monitor program performance metrics and provide senior leadership reporting.
• Develop and manage CapEx and demonstration schedules tied to IRAD plans.
• Identify and mitigate risks; manage budgets for labor, materials and travel.
• Represent the organization at reviews, meetings and business development events.
• Coordinate with contracts, finance, engineering, operations and supply chain.

Skills

Program management

Proposal development

Requirements decomposition

SOW development

Subcontract management

Risk management

Earned value management

Cost accounting

Variance analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Engineering degree preferred

Finance, Supply Chain, or Business degree considered

Job description

Leonardo DRS seeks a Senior Program Manager in Bridgeton, MO to direct IRAD efforts from concept to transition into a program of record. This role interfaces across IPTs and business functions to convert technology investments into funded programs, with an option for in-person or hybrid work.

The ideal candidate brings 7+ years in technical program management, strong leadership, and experience in aerospace/defense programs, EVM, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration.