Senior Program Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Life insurance

Flexible work schedule

Job summary

Leonardo DRS seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead and execute IRAD initiatives from concept through transition into a program of record at its Goleta, CA site with an option for in-person or hybrid work. You will coordinate across IPTs, Business Development, and Finance to deliver cost, schedule, and technical performance while maintaining strong customer relations.

The role requires 7+ years in technical development, experience with SOWs, risk management, EVM, and cross-functional program

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; Engineering degree preferred.
• 7+ years relevant experience in technical/advanced development environments.
• Experience leading full program lifecycle including proposals, SOWs, subcontract management, and risk management.
• Experience decomposing requirements and creating system/subsystem SOWs and technical specs.
• Ability to manage aerospace/defense programs as prime or subcontractor.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work across finance, contracts, engineering, and supply chain to execute programs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Proposal Manager for R&D proposals, ensuring RFP compliance.
• Support capture and proposal strategies with Business Development.
• Ensure IRAD solutions are executable and aligned with customer needs.
• Lead cross-functional IPT coordination and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage budgets for labor, materials, travel, and services and report status.
• Develop and monitor integrated milestone schedules and CAPEX projects.
• Conduct schedule and cost variance analyses with corrective actions.
• Represent the organization at program reviews and customer engagements.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communications

Proposal development

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Education

Engineering degree preferred

Tools

Earned Value Management (EVM)

Cost accounting

Job description

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 description:

Job ID: 115618

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 escalates 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.

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. #LSY

Profile description:

Leonardo DRS Land Systems division is a recognized world leader in the integration of complex technologies into legacy systems and platforms for military and commercial customers globally. DRS Land Systems offers a diverse portfolio of military products and technologies focused on battlefield reconnaissance and surveillance, survivability, lethality, heavy transport mobility, fuel and water distribution, radar and electronic systems testing. Headquartered in Bridgeton, MO with a 100- acre heavy equipment manufacturing facility in West Plains, MO, and a site in Goleta, CA.

We offer:

• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• Pet insurance
• 401K retirement plan
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Life insurance
• Vacation & Health & Emergency leave
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Student loan repayment
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible work schedule

#INDLSYS