Senior Production Programs Manager - Aerospace & Defense

Leonardo DRS; Melbourne (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan

Flexible 9/80 schedule

Wellness programs

Job summary

Leonardo DRS in Melbourne, FL, invites a Senior Program Manager – Production Programs to lead production programs from development through LRIP and into full production, guiding cross-functional teams to achieve cost, schedule, technical performance, quality and delivery goals.

You will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance and Contracts to resolve build issues, improve manufacturability, optimize yield, and ensure on-time customer commitments.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of program management experience in aerospace/defense or complex manufacturing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Business, or related field.
• Experience managing complex production programs across lifecycle.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving execution across functions.
• Working knowledge of program financial management (budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis).
• Experience supporting proposals, contracts, change management, and customer communications.
• Strong understanding of production execution and on-time delivery.
• Experience with earned value cost accounting and program metrics.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day execution of multiple production programs to achieve cost, schedule, technical, quality, and delivery objectives
• Manage programs across the full contract lifecycle, including proposal support, contract award, production planning, execution, delivery, and closeout
• Serve as the primary interface with customers and internal stakeholders on program status, risks, delivery commitments, and overall performance
• Lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Test to ensure successful execution
• Support new business through leading bid and proposal efforts for new awards, follow-on production, and contract modifications
• Manage program budgets, forecasts, and performance reporting, including labor, material, purchased services, and variance analysis
• Oversee transition from development into LRIP and production, ensuring alignment across functions and readiness for execution
• Drive resolution of production issues, including material shortages, test failures, nonconformances, engineering changes, and schedule disruptions
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate program risks; escape significant issues and implement corrective action or recovery plans as needed
• Lead customer reviews, program reviews, and internal management reviews, while driving continuous improvement in planning and production execution

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Leonardo DRS in Melbourne, FL, invites a Senior Program Manager – Production Programs to lead production programs from development through LRIP and into full production, guiding cross-functional teams to achieve cost, schedule, technical performance, quality and delivery goals.

You will partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance and Contracts to resolve build issues, improve manufacturability, optimize yield, and ensure on-time customer commitments.