Sr. Program Manager, R&D & Defense Programs

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

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,