Senior Program Manager - Production

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

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Location:

Melbourne, FL, US, 32935

The Electro Optical InfraredSystems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborneplatforms. We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.

Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.

Job Summary

TheSenior Program Manager – Production Programsis responsible for the successful execution of production programs and programs transitioning from development intolow-rate initial production (LRIP)and follow-on production as the prime or as a subcontractor. This role leads cross-functional teams to ensure program objectives forcost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and deliveryare achieved.

The Senior Program Manager manages programs across the full contract lifecycle, includingcustomer RFP support, proposal development, contract award, production planning and execution, product delivery, and program closeout. This role partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Contracts to resolve build issues, improve manufacturability, optimize yield, improve production flow, and ensure successful execution of customer commitments.

Job 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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 7+ years of program management experience, with significant experience supporting production programs in aerospace, defense, or a complex manufacturing environment
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; degree in Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing complex production programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and delivery across the full program lifecycle
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving execution across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, contracts, and operations
• Working knowledge of program financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and performance reporting
• Experience supporting proposals, contract execution, change management, and customer communications throughout the program lifecycle
• Strong understanding of production execution, including production planning, material availability, build schedules, quality performance, and on-time delivery
• Proven ability to identify and resolve program and production issues, manage risk, and implement corrective and recovery actions.
• Strong communication, leadership, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and present program status to customers and senior management.
• Experience supporting transition from development into LRIP and production
• Experience with earned value cost accounting and reporting, program metrics, productivity analysis, and schedule/cost variance analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of DoD contracting requirements andFARprocurement regulations
• Experience with electro-mechanical assembly operations and complex defense manufacturing environments
• Experience with yield improvement, rework reduction, throughput improvement, and production flow optimization
• Experience implementing engineering changes and configuration updates in a production environment
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such asLean,Six Sigma, or related process improvement disciplines
• Program Management certification preferred, such as PMP or DAU
• Active DOD security clearance preferred

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.

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.

Our Vision

To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.

Our Values

The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:

• Integrity
• Agility
• Excellence
• Customer Focus
• Community & Respect
• Innovation

We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.