Senior Program Manager, Infrared Sensors

Organization Overview

Within HRL’s Vision Systems Laboratory, we are dedicated to advancing the United States’ homeland security through the development of world‑class infrared sensor systems for aerospace and defense. Our mission‑driven team tackles complex engineering challenges, delivering solutions that enhance national capabilities. Combining cutting‑edge research with a commitment to excellence, we transform emerging requirements into mission‑ready, high‑performance products.

Senior Program Manager will successfully manage complex programs, drive strategic initiatives, and lead cross‑functional teams. This role provides end‑to‑end accountability for cost, schedule, technical performance, and contractual compliance, and serves as the primary customer‑facing lead for high‑visibility efforts. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in government contracting, development‑to‑production transitions, and managing multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast‑paced aerospace/semiconductor environment.

• Serve as the primary customer point of contact and customer‑facing program manager responsible for overall program execution, customer communication, cost, schedule, and performance.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with government customers and large defense prime contractors, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction, trust, and alignment.
• Lead diverse technical teams in executing multiple government and/or industry prime programs through all phases of design, development, integration, test, and production.
• Develop and manage program plans, schedules, and milestones; monitor program performance; identify risks and issues; and proactively implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate cross‑functional and cross‑portfolio activities to ensure alignment across engineering, operations, business development, and customer stakeholders.
• Direct the work of functional leads and administrative staff assigned to programs.
• Prepare and present program status, risks, and execution updates to senior management, customers, and government officials.
• Lead proposal efforts, support capture activities, and manage customer growth opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal regulations, contractual requirements, and company policies, including FAR and DFARS.

• 10+ years of increasing responsibility in program/project management in defense, aerospace, or semiconductor hardware environments.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a primary customer interface and/or program manager for government and large defense prime customers.
• Proven experience as the primary customer interface with government program offices and/or major defense primes.
• Strong background in systems engineering and hardware development life cycles, including transition from R&D to production.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating execution across engineering, operations, and supply chain.
• Proficiency in risk and opportunity management practices, including formal risk registers and mitigation plans.
• Hands‑on experience with EVMS, CAM, IBRs, variance analysis, and EAC management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient with MS Office and scheduling tools (MS Project or Primavera).
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, math, or related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.

• Experience in infrared sensors, focal plane arrays, or semiconductor fabrication/test environments.
• Experience on classified programs and familiarity with security requirements.
• Certifications:
  
  PMP/PgMP, INCOSE CSEP, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of AS9100, Lean/Six Sigma, and supplier quality management.

• US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance.
• Compliance with export controls.

Pay Range: $193,700 - $248,250

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the…