Senior Program Manager

Leonardo DRS; Goleta (CA); Hybrid; USD 134,000 - 181,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

9/80 work schedule

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development support

Job summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking a full-time Senior Program Manager based in Goleta, CA, with an option for in-person or hybrid work. You will direct IRAD efforts to meet cost, schedule, and technical goals from concept to program transition, coordinating with IPTs and multiple functions to convert technology investments into funded programs.

Responsibilities include leading proposal efforts, developing capture plans, aligning technical and business solutions with customer needs, and managing budgets,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years relevant experience in technical/advanced development environments.
• Experience with program lifecycle, proposals, SOWs, risk management, and EV/cost metrics.
• Ability to manage aerospace/defense programs and lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Proposal Manager for R&D‑supported proposals and manage bid activities.
• Support development of capture and proposal strategies with Business Development.
• Ensure IRAD‑developed solutions are aligned with customer needs and executable.
• Lead coordination across the IPT and maintain engagement with cross‑functional teams.
• Manage budgets, schedule, and scope; report progress to leadership.

Skills

Program management

Proposal development

SOW generation

Risk management

Earned value management

Cost accounting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Engineering degree preferred

Job description

Job ID: 115618 The Leonardo DRS Land Systems business is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. We are a 6 year running Top Workplace in the Greater St. Louis area.

Job Summary

Leonardo DRS is seeking a full time Senior Program Manager. This position is based out of our Goleta, CA office and will have the option to work an in person or hybrid schedule. The Senior Program Manager will direct the daily execution of Internal Research and Development (IRAD) efforts, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance goals are met from concept through demonstration and transition into a program of record. This position works closely with Engineering on development efforts often involving rapid prototyping and applied research, serves as the primary interface across the Integrated Product Team (IPT), and provides the critical link between Business Development, Capture, Engineering, Operations, Contracts, Finance, and Supply Chain to convert technology investments into executable, fundable programs.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as Proposal Manager for R&D‑supported proposals, leading or contributing to bid and proposal activities and ensuring full compliance with RFP requirements.
• Support development of capture and proposal strategies in coordination with Business Development.
• Ensure IRAD‑developed technical and business solutions are compelling, executable, and aligned with customer needs.
• Support customer events, competitive analysis, and teaming strategy discussions.
• Lead coordination across the core team and full IPT, ensuring alignment and effective cross‑functional collaboration.
• Maintain engagement with Business Development, Engineering, Operations, Contracts, Finance, Supply Chain, and program execution teams.
• Resolve conflicts, facilitate communication, and build strong stakeholder relationships to drive program success.
• Lead program reporting to senior leadership.
• Serve as the primary interface with internal and external customers/partners for all matters related to program execution.
• Manage expectations, coordinate deliverables, and own the scope and prioritization of work packages.
• Develop and monitor CapEx projects and marketing/demo schedules tied to the IRAD plan.
• Develop and execute Ahead‑of‑Contract (AOC) projects where applicable.
• Allocate and control budgets for labor, material, travel, and purchased services; report financial status to senior leadership.
• Conduct schedule and cost variance analysis and implement corrective actions as required.
• Lead planning and execution of all demonstration and test events, formal reviews, and external engagements.
• Monitor progress across development, manufacturing, and procurement activities.
• Develop and manage the integrated milestone schedule.
• Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks throughout the program lifecycle using a structured risk management process.
• Remove execution barriers and elevate schedule or budget issues requiring leadership intervention.
• Evaluate results upon completion, providing insights for improvement and strategic planning.
• Ensure effective and timely closeout of completed efforts, including fulfillment of all contractual and documentation requirements.
• Support capture and proposal strategy development aligned with the IRAD roadmap.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities in partnership with Business Development.
• Identify future opportunities for existing customers and solutions for new customers.
• Represent the organization at program reviews, meetings, demonstrations, and business development events.
• Maintain strong understanding of customer missions, acquisition strategies, requirements, funding, and competitive environments to shape feasible technical and commercial solutions.
• Ensure compliance with contract requirements, FAR regulations, and company policies.
• Coordinate with Contracts Administration on contract interpretations, changes, and negotiations.
• Participate in contract and subcontract negotiations while protecting company interests.
• Support and reinforce the mission, values, and culture of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; Engineering degree preferred; Finance, Supply Chain, or Business degree considered depending on discipline
• 7+ years relevant experience, perferably in a technical/advanced development environment
• Experience with:
• Leading the full program lifecycle, including proposal development, requirements decomposition, SOW generation, subcontract management, and risk management
• Decomposing requirements and developing system/subsystem Statements of Work (SOWs), technical specifications, and subcontract documentation
• Identifying, assessing, and managing program risks, and driving mitigation strategies that support schedule, cost, and performance objectives
• Earned value management (EVM), cost accounting, variance analysis, and the development and reporting of program performance metrics
• Collaborating with finance, contracting, export compliance, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain organizations to ensure integrated program execution
• Ability to manage aerospace/defense programs as a prime or subcontractor to a domestic or foreign military organization
• Solid leadership and management skills
• Ability to motivate and guide team members
• Strong problem-solving with a strategic and analytical mindset
• Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Ability to manage and influence stakeholders at multiple organizational levels
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Flexibility to adapt approach as needed

The salary range for this position is $134,332.00/year- $181,349.00/year for the state of California. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage.

• annual performance-based bonuses
• equity awards
• overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable.
• comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• employer matching 401(k) retirement plan
• paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave)
• parental leave benefits
• tuition reimbursement
• professional development support
• life and disability insurance coverage

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.

• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• a company contribution to a health savings account
• telemedicine
• life and disability insurance
• legal insurance
• a 401(k) savings plan
• 9/80 program
• competitive vacation
• health/emergency leave
• paid parental leave
• 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. #LSY