Program Manager

Leonardo DRS

. Manage and ensure timely completion of contract requirements for production programs from start to completion .

Posted 9/21/2026full-timeFort Walton Beach • Florida • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in program management, including contract execution, risk management, and compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Proficient in leading cross-functional teams, managing budgets, and ensuring timely completion of production programs.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program Management Certification (PMP or DAU)Earned Value Management ReportingAerospace/Defense Program ManagementContract/Subcontract NegotiationLean Six Sigma Process Improvement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program Management ToolsCost Variance AnalysisBudget ControlRisk ManagementSchedulingProposal DevelopmentRequirements DecompositionManufacturing OperationsSupply Chain ManagementElectro-Mechanical Assembly Operations

Soft Skills

Leadership SkillsProblem-Solving SkillsStrong Communication SkillsPresentation SkillsCustomer Interface Skills

Tools & Technologies

MRP/ERP SystemsProduction Engineering ToolsContract Management Software

Certifications & Qualifications

Program Management Professional (PMP)Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Certification

Industry Keywords

Federal Acquisition RegulationsDoD Program ManagementProduction ReadinessContinuous ImprovementBusiness Development

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AssemblyERPPMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage and ensure timely completion of contract requirements for production programs from start to completion
Ensure costs, schedules, lead times, capacity, and goals are met in coordination with Operations and Supply Chain
Provide contractual interface, communication, and coordination with internal and external customers
Research, plan, communicate, and achieve objectives through program/project teams
Facilitate Operations input to assure production readiness for new programs and awards
Engage in production engineering decisions during new product integration
Direct daily execution of contract requirements and ensure cost, schedule, and performance goals are met
Lead or support meetings and integrated product/project teams from kick-off through project close
Participate in bid and proposal activities and ensure request-for-proposal requirements are met
Seek new business opportunities with Business Development
Represent management at program reviews, meetings, and seminars
Prepare for and participate in contract/subcontract negotiations while adhering to government regulations
Develop and implement contract/subcontract execution plans and schedules
Allocate and control budgets for labor, material, travel, and purchased services
Report program status to senior management
Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks throughout the program lifecycle
Resolve schedule and budget problems and develop corrective action plans
Perform schedule and cost variance analysis, including earned value management reporting
Serve as primary customer interface for contract execution and coordinate resolution of contractual problems
Coordinate with Contracts Administration on requirements, changes, and interpretations
Ensure contract requirements comply with regulations and company policies, including federal acquisition regulations
Lead program/project teams, promote communication and cooperation, and resolve conflicts
Ensure timely program closeout and proper recording of program documentation
Develop and execute program corrective-action strategies and planning/process improvements
Manage leading and lagging indicators, cash-flow principles, and Lean Six Sigma process-improvement principles
Support and reinforce the organization’s mission, values, and culture

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of relevant experience
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, or Business degree may be preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience depending upon the job discipline
Knowledge of program management tools and procedures
Solid leadership and management skills
Exposure to program lifecycle from development through sustainment, including proposal development, requirements decomposition, system and subsystem statements of work and subcontracts, risk management, and continuous improvement
Exposure to earned value cost accounting and reporting, metrics for assessing and reporting program progress, productivity, and variance analysis
Exposure to finance, contracting, export regulations, engineering, logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain management
Strong customer interface skills
Solid problem-solving skills
Strong presentation skills
Exposure to manpower planning, project reviews, scheduling, and budget control
Ability to manage aerospace/defense programs as a prime or subcontractor to a domestic or foreign military organization
Strong oral and written communication skills
Program Management certification such as PMP or DAU preferred
May require 5+ years in DoD program and/or materials management and production manufacturing operations utilizing MRP/ERP
May require knowledge of DoD FAR procurement regulations
May require knowledge of MRP/ERP, electro-mechanical assembly operations, bills of material, demand material planning, and supply chain purchasing processes

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Company contribution to a health savings account
Telemedicine
Life and disability insurance
Legal insurance
401(k) savings plan
Wellness programs focused on physical, emotional, and financial well-being
Career-growth, professional development, and skill-enhancement programs and activities
Flexible work schedules through the 9/80 program
Competitive vacation
Health/emergency leave
Paid parental leave
Community service hours