Senior Program Manager

Senior Program Manager

Location:

Melbourne, FL, US, 32935

The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms. We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.

Employing the world’s brightest. Supporting the world’s bravest.

The Senior Program Manager – Production Program sis responsible for the successful execution of production programs and programs transitioning from development intolow-rate initial production (LRIP) and follow-on production as the prime or as a subcontractor. This role leads cross-functional teams to ensure program objectives forcost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and deliveryare achieved.

The Senior Program Manager manages programs across the full contract lifecycle, including customer RFP support, proposal development, contract award, production planning and execution, product delivery, and program closeout. This role partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, and Contracts to resolve build issues, improve manufacturability, optimize yield, improve production flow, and ensure successful execution of customer commitments.

• Lead day-to-day execution of multiple production programs to achieve cost, schedule, technical, quality, and delivery objectives
• Manage programs across the full contract lifecycle, including proposal support, contract award, production planning, execution, delivery, and closeout
• Serve as the primary interface with customers and internal stakeholders on program status, risks, delivery commitments, and overall performance
• Lead cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Contracts, and Test to ensure successful execution
• Support new business through leading bid and proposal efforts for new awards, follow-on production, and contract modifications
• Manage program budgets, forecasts, and performance reporting, including labor, material, purchased services, and variance analysis
• Oversee transition from development into LRIP and production, ensuring alignment across functions and readiness for execution
• Drive resolution of production issues, including material shortages, test failures, nonconformances, engineering changes, and schedule disruptions
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate program risks; escalates significant issues and implement corrective action or recovery plans as needed
• Lead customer reviews, program reviews, and internal management reviews, while driving continuous improvement in planning and production execution

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 7+ years of program management experience, with significant experience supporting production programs in aerospace, defense, or a complex manufacturing environment
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; degree in Engineering, Finance, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing complex production programs with responsibility for cost, schedule, technical performance, quality, and delivery across the full program lifecycle
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving execution across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, contracts, and operations
• Working knowledge of program financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, and performance reporting
• Experience supporting proposals, contract execution, change management, and customer communications throughout the program lifecycle
• Strong understanding of production execution, including production planning, material availability, build schedules, quality performance, and on-time delivery
• Proven ability to identify and resolve program and production issues, manage risk, and implement corrective and recovery actions.
• Strong communication, leadership, and collaboration…