Level 3 Communications, Inc

Principal Program Manager

Level 3 Communications, Inc$133K — $247K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance required
  • Bachelor's Degree with 12 years of program management experience, or a Graduate Degree with 10 years, or 16 years of relevant experience without a degree
  • Experience managing contracts valued over $25M or serving as deputy on contracts over $50M
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-department teams
  • Experience within the Department of War, Air Force, Space Force, or Intelligence Community preferred
  • Understanding of electro-optical satellite technology and mission products
  • PMP Certification and familiarity with government contracting practices preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead complex space programs from inception to completion
  • Serve as the primary customer contact to enhance relationships and drive engagement
  • Manage program budget, schedule, and technical performance
  • Develop and implement strategic roadmaps aligned with customer needs
  • Guide and mentor cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence
  • Champion competitive pursuits and major program captures
  • Collaborate across functions to ensure program success and strategic alignment

Benefits

  • Health and disability insurance
  • 401(k) match
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Education assistance
  • Parental leave
  • Paid time off
  • Company-paid holidays
Full Job Description
Job Title: Principal Program Manager

Job Code: 42367

Job Location: Rochester, NY

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Job Description:

L3Harris Space Superiority & Imaging Division is looking for a proven Program Manager ready to assume full program leadership of a large, complex space program. This role is ideal for a high-performing program manager who has already demonstrated ownership of cost, schedule, and technical execution, built strong customer trust, and is prepared to lead a >$250M program independently. The position serves as the primary interface to senior customers and internal leadership, ensuring program performance, business growth, and strategic alignment with the National Systems (NS) portfolio within the Exquisite Imaging Systems (XIS) Business Area. The NS portfolio focuses on designing, manufacturing, testing, and delivering electro-optical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) space components, payloads, and satellites for U.S. government, defense, and intelligence customers.

Essential Functions:
• Lead all phases of large, complex programs from inception through completion
• Serve as the primary customer point of contact, strengthening established relationships and driving mission-aligned engagement
• Own program P&L including cost, schedule, technical performance, and alignment to AOP commitments
• Develop and execute strategic roadmaps aligned with customer vision and long-term portfolio growth
• Mentor, direct, and inspire cross-functional teams to deliver execution excellence and organizational performance
• Champion major captures, competitive pursuits, and sole-source proposals
• Collaborate across Business Development, Finance, Contracts, Engineering, and Operations to ensure integrated program success
• Directly influence business strategy using budget insight, customer trends, competitive environment, and investment alignment
• This is the section where you include if they must be able to obtain a U.S. security clearance as a job requirement
• Must be able to travel as necessary

Qualifications:
Must Have an Active Top Secret/SCI clearance
• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 12 years of program management experience; Or, Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior relevant experience; Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 16 years of prior related experience
• Program manager roles for contracts with values >$25M and/or deputy program manager roles for contracts >$50M

Preferred Additional Skills:
• Extensive management and leadership skills to lead cross-department project teams or manage projects across the enterprise
• Experience in program management with the Department of War, Air Force, Space Force, or Intelligence Community
• Track record of effectively using matrix organizations to win business and get results, with a demonstrated ability to lead high-performance teams
• Able to interpret, condense, and present findings to audiences with variable skill sets and experience levels
• Able to provide/reinforce the credibility and commitment of L3Harris at appropriate levels within the customer community
• Understanding of electro-optical satellite, payload, and mission products
• Advanced degree in a technical, business, or applicable policy field
• PMP Certification is preferred
• Familiarity with government contracting practices, Earned Value Management (EVMS), and standard program reporting metrics
• Broad management and leadership experience leading cross-functional project teams

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in New York state is $133,000-$247,000. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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