Job ID: 114947 Job SummaryThe Principal Program Manager leads a portfolio of high-value, technically complex defense programs within the Power Conversion product line, from contract award through delivery and closeout. This role owns cost, schedule, technical, and quality performance across assigned programs; serves as the senior customer interface; and acts as a mentor and execution standard-setter for other program managers in the product line. The Principal PM partners with the Product Line Lead on capture strategy, proposal development, and portfolio health, driving cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Finance to deliver power conversion solutions for mission-critical Navy and defense applications.
Job Responsibilities- Own execution of a portfolio of assigned programs across the full lifecycle, delivering to contractual cost, schedule, technical, and quality baselines.
- Lead proposal development, basis-of-estimate (BOE) generation, contract negotiation support, and program startup for follow-on and new business within the product line.
- Serve as the primary customer interface, managing contractual commitments, issue resolution, and ongoing customer relationships.
- Maintain credible budgets, estimates at completion (EACs), forecasts, and cash flow projections; deliver complete, on-time program review packages in accordance with the business rhythm.
- Own the program risk and opportunity register; drive mitigation plans and corrective actions to closure.
- Analyze and report program performance, including schedule, cost, and earned value metrics; present results and recovery plans to senior leadership.
- Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, government regulations, and company policies and procedures.
- Provide leadership to cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Contracts.
- Drive material execution and resource planning; lead program closeout, including contract closure and lessons-learned capture.
- Represent the organization in customer meetings, program reviews, and executive briefings.
- Mentor and develop program managers within the product line, promoting consistent execution standards and supporting PM onboarding.
- Act as delegate for Director of Program in program reviews and customer engagements as required.
- Manage contract baseline changes, including identification of out-of-scope work and recovery through contract modification.
Qualifications- Minimum of 10 years of progressive defense program management experience, including cost and schedule accountability for complex development and production programs.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management or related field
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance
- Strong leadership and management skills, prior people leadership experience is preferred
- Experience throughout the program lifecycle from development through sustainment to include: proposal development, requirements decomposition, generation of system and subsystem statements of work and subcontracts
- Demonstrated success in risk management and continuous improvement, including cost reduction and performance improvement initiatives
- Proficiency in earned value management (EVM), cost accounting, and reporting, including metrics for assessing program progress, productivity, and variance analysis
- Experience in finance, contracting, export regulations (ITAR/EAR), engineering, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain management
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent program management certification preferred
- Experience with Navy/maritime power systems and NAVSEA or prime shipbuilder customers preferred
U.S. Citizenship required. This position may require 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.
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