Senior Program Manager

Leidos Holding$116K — $210K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • U.S. Citizen with active DOW clearance at SECRET level or higher
  • Bachelor's in science, engineering, or business with 12+ years of experience or Master's with 10+ years of experience
  • Experience in a program management role for programs worth over $30M annually
  • Track record in leading development and delivery of Department of War systems
  • On-site work required in Albuquerque, NM

Responsibilities

  • Lead program teams in design, development, integration, and testing of Direct Energy systems
  • Plan, track, and execute complex tasks within technical, schedule, and budget constraints
  • Build and maintain strong customer relationships through regular communication and collaboration
  • Set expectations and guide internal team direction with clear communication
  • Develop growth strategies and staffing plans in collaboration with team leads and Division leaders
  • Create detailed schedules and financial budgets for program execution
  • Manage risks and ensure timely and cost-effective program execution through collaboration and resource mobilization

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
  • Paid time off and holiday pay
  • Professional development and training opportunities
  • Flexible working policy including potential for remote work
Full Job Description

Primary Responsibilities

As a Senior Program Manager, the individual will lead a program team involved with design, development, integration, and test of novel Direct Energy systems. The position will have responsibility for planning, tracking, and execution of complex tasking within technical, schedule, and budget constraints. The Senior Program Manager will be the primary interface with the customer and will also be responsible for customer relationships.  Additionally, the Senior Program Manager will be a critical member of proposal teams responsible for follow-on business and on contract growth.

  • Communicate regularly with government and prime customers and other external stakeholders to build and maintain strong relationships founded on trust, transparency, and collaboration.  Such communications include regular status updates as well as growth and strategy collaborations.  These interactions include one-on-one interactions with senior leadership to large formal program management reviews with participants from the team.
  • Through clear, frequent and compelling communication, set expectations and guide the direction of work of the internal team.
  • Develop and implement execution and growth strategies for the program, leveraging the best available resources.
  • Work with program team leads and Division leaders to develop staffing plans to execute the needed work.
  • Work with program team leads, program finance analysts, and Division leaders to develop financial budgets, metrics and targets to successfully execute the required work.  This must be done on a recurrent basis as the program evolves.
  • Work with customers, collaborators, vendors, program team leads, matrixed scheduling staff, and Division leaders to develop detailed schedules to successfully execute the required work.  This must be done on a recurrent basis as the program evolves.  Use of EV-Lite type planning and monitoring.
  • Provide regular, detailed, internal reporting in the form of Monthly Reports, Integrated Program Reviews, weekly status reports, etc. as required.
  • Communicate frequently with Division leaders to maintain their awareness of program needs and performance expectations and seek resources or guidance to best achieve optimal program performance.
  • Leveraging all available resources and collaborating with program staff, Division leaders, customers, team-members and stakeholders, work to aggressively mitigate all risks to consistent, on-time, on-cost, successful program execution.
  • Travel (up to 25%) for test events and technical interchange meetings to various test locations or collaborator performance sites.

Basic Qualifications

  • Must be a U.S Citizen
  • Must have an active DOW clearance at the SECRET level or higher
  • Bachelors Degree in science, engineering, or business with 12+ years of prior relevant experience or Masters with 10+ years of prior relevant experience.
  • Prior experience in a program management or deputy program management role for a program with more than $30M in annual value.
  • Prior experience leading programs or tasks involving the development, prototyping, and delivery of systems for Department of War applications.
  • This position is located on-site in Albuquerque, NM.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience leading programs or tasks focused on Directed Energy systems to include HPM and lasers.
  • Advanced degree in business, science, or engineering
  • Active DoW Top Secret Clearance.
  • Strong understanding of hardware development, manufacturing, procurement, production, and integration in an AS9100 environment
  • Proven experience developing, maintaining, and managing to detailed program schedules, leveraging matrixed scheduling staff
  • Proven experience developing, maintaining, and managing to detailed financial plans, leveraging matrixed program finance staff
  • Proven experience leading through dynamic, program start-up or substantial program growth phases
  • Proven experience communicating with senior company leadership regarding program status as well as expectation management and strategy shaping.
  • Proven experience growing and maintaining solid customer and external stakeholder relationships based on trust, transparency, and demonstrated results
  • Demonstrated ability to thrive in a highly dynamic program environment with shifting priorities, requirements, and funding allocations.
  • Consistent track record of achieving success through communication, transparency, and collaboration
  • Demonstrated willingness and ability to be flexible and learn on the job from colleagues in new environments or when encountering new circumstances or requirements.

Original Posting:
September 11, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:
Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos Holding

Leidos Holding Careers

Joining Leidos Holding presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance one's career with a leader in innovation and technology. The company offers a plethora of job opportunities aimed at fostering professional growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Explore Career Opportunities

Leidos Holding is actively seeking skilled professionals who are passionate about leveraging their expertise to drive innovation and leadership in their fields. With a variety of open positions, Leidos Holding provides a platform for individuals to challenge themselves in a dynamic work environment.

Innovation and Professional Growth

At Leidos Holding, innovation is at the core of everything they do. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and push boundaries. The company supports this drive for innovation through comprehensive professional development and diversity training programs that are designed to enhance skills and foster leadership.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Leidos Holding is committed to creating a workplace where diversity is not only recognized but celebrated. With a culture that values and promotes diversity, Leidos Holding ensures that all team members have the opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow.

Internship Programs

For those starting their career, Leidos Holding offers internship programs that provide a robust foundation in the industry. Internships are a great way to develop essential skills, gain valuable work experience, and build professional networks.

Benefits and Culture

Employees at Leidos Holding enjoy a range of benefits designed to support their professional and personal lives. The company culture is built on a foundation of respect and integrity, providing a supportive and collaborative environment where every team member is valued.

Join the Team

Leidos Holding is hiring! Explore job opportunities that match your skills and interests. Leidos Holding looks for driven, curious, and innovative individuals to join their team. Positions are available across various disciplines and experience levels.

Stay Connected

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and company news from Leidos Holding. Subscribe to receive updates and be the first to know about new job opportunities, company developments, and more.

Prepare for Your Interview

To prepare for an interview at Leidos Holding, candidates should familiarize themselves with the company's missions and values, update their resumes, and be ready to discuss how their background and skills align with the position they are applying for.

Networking and Career Advancement

Leidos Holding encourages its employees to engage in networking within the company to discover new opportunities for career advancement. The leadership team at Leidos Holding is dedicated to supporting employees in their career paths with ample opportunities for networking and growth.

Explore Leidos Holding Jobs and Careers

Discover the exciting career opportunities at Leidos Holding today. With a commitment to employee growth, innovation, and diversity, Leidos Holding is the perfect place to advance your career. Check out the latest job listings and find your perfect fit at Leidos Holding.

SEARCH LEIDOS HOLDING JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Leidos Holding. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await in your professional journey.
Learn more about Leidos Holding

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Leidos Holding

More Aerospace & Defense Jobs

Find similar Senior Program Manager jobs: