Principal Program Manager

Job ID: 114825Location: Melbourne FLSchedule: 9/80The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (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 airborne platforms. 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 SummaryThe Principal Program Manager is responsible for ensuring successful execution of a portfolio of programs across the full lifecycle, including transition from development into low-rate initial production (LRIP), production, delivery, and sustainment. This role provides leadership in program execution, customer engagement, and continuous improvement.The Principal Program Manager partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Business Development to drive program performance in cost, schedule, technical execution, quality, delivery, and risk management. This role also supports business growth and leads recovery planning for at-risk programs.Job ResponsibilitiesLead a portfolio of defense programs as a prime or subcontractor to domestic or foreign military organizations, across the full lifecycle, including development transition, low-rate initial production, production, delivery, and sustainmentDirect daily execution of multiple programs in accordance with contract requirements to achieve cost, schedule, technical, quality, and delivery objectivesProvide portfolio-level oversight of program performance, including financial results, execution health, customer commitments, risks, and recovery actionsMonitor program status against established milestones and communicate performance, variances, risks, and corrective actions to management and key stakeholdersDevelop and implement recovery plans for at-risk programs, addressing schedule, technical, quality, production, supply chain, and delivery challengesPartner closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Business Development to resolve cross-functional issues and improve program outcomesEnsure successful transition from development into low-rate initial production and full production, including production readiness, material readiness, build execution, delivery performance, and risk reductionLead coordination of engineering changes, configuration updates, corrective actions, and other actions required to maintain program execution and production performanceConduct program and portfolio reviews focused on financial performance, operational execution, trends, root cause analysis, corrective actions, delivery commitments, and continuous improvement opportunitiesSupport business growth through bid and proposal activities, strong customer engagement, identification of follow-on opportunities, and effective management of revenue, margin, cash flow, and forecasts across the portfolioQualificationsRequired QualificationsMinimum of 10+ years of program management experience, with significant experience supporting production programs in aerospace, defense, or a complex manufacturing environmentBachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; degree in Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferredExperience leading programs across the full lifecycle, including proposal development, contract award, development transition, low-rate initial production, production, delivery, and sustainmentExperience providing portfolio-level oversight across multiple programs and leading execution within a business area, program office, or functional organizationStrong knowledge of program management tools, processes, procedures, governance, and performance management practicesExperience with earned value cost accounting and reporting, program metrics, forecasting, productivity analysis, and schedule/cost variance analysisDemonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Business DevelopmentWorking knowledge of MRP/ERP systems, material planning, bills of material, production scheduling, inventory management, and supply chain executionExperience in production and manufacturing environments, including manpower planning, build execution, delivery management, issue resolution, and recovery of at-risk programs.Strong leadership, coaching, mentoring, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skillsPreferred QualificationsKnowledge of DoD contracting requirements and FAR procurement regulationsExperience managing programs as a prime contractor and/or subcontractor for domestic or foreign military customersExperience supporting transition from development into low-rate initial production and full-rate productionExperience in electro-mechanical assembly operations or other complex defense manufacturing environmentsExperience improving production performance through yield improvement, throughput improvement, rework reduction, and production flow optimizationExperience implementing engineering changes and configuration updates in a production environmentExperience influencing inventory strategy, material readiness, and supply chain performance to support production schedules and delivery commitmentsExperience leading structured root cause analysis, corrective action, and execution recovery efforts for underperforming programsKnowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or related operational excellence disciplinesProgram Management certification preferred, such as PMP or DAUActive 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 onlyLeonardo 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:IntegrityAgilityExcellenceCustomer FocusCommunity & RespectInnovationWe strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.Nearest Major Market: Melbourne