Senior Program Manager

Location: Bridgeton

Job  Leonardo DRS Land Systems business is a recognized leader in the design and integration of complex technologies into new and legacy systems and platforms for global military and commercial customers. We are a 6 year running Top Workplace in the Greater St. Louis area.  

Job Summary Leonardo DRS is seeking a full time Senior Program Manager. This position is based out of our Bridgeton, MO office and will have the option to work an in person or hybrid schedule. The Senior Program Manager will direct the daily execution of Internal Research and Development (IRAD) efforts, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance goals are met from concept through demonstration and transition into a program of record.

This position works closely with Engineering on development efforts often involving rapid prototyping and applied research, serves as the primary interface across the Integrated Product Team (IPT), and provides the critical link between Business Development, Capture, Engineering, Operations, Contracts, Finance, and Supply Chain to convert technology investments into executable, fundable programs.

Job Responsibilities Serve as Proposal Manager for R&D‑supported proposals, leading or contributing to bid and proposal activities and ensuring full compliance with RFP requirements.

Support development of capture and proposal strategies in coordination with Business Development.

Ensure IRAD‑developed technical and business solutions are compelling, executable, and aligned with customer needs.

Support customer events, competitive analysis, and teaming strategy discussions.

Lead coordination across the core team and full IPT, ensuring alignment and effective cross‑functional collaboration.

Maintain engagement with Business Development, Engineering, Operations, Contracts, Finance, Supply Chain, and program execution teams.

Resolve conflicts, facilitate communication, and build strong stakeholder relationships to drive program success.

Lead program reporting to senior leadership.

Serve as the primary interface with internal and external customers/partners for all matters related to program execution.

Manage expectations, coordinate deliverables, and own the scope and prioritization of work packages.

Develop and monitor Cap Ex projects and marketing/demo schedules tied to the IRAD plan.

Develop and execute Ahead‑of‑Contract (AOC) projects where applicable.

Allocate and control budgets for labor, material, travel, and purchased services; report financial status to senior leadership.

Conduct schedule and cost variance analysis and implement corrective actions as required.

Lead planning and execution of all demonstration and test events, formal reviews, and external engagements.

Monitor progress across development, manufacturing, and procurement activities.

Develop and manage the integrated milestone schedule.

Identify, assess, monitor, and mitigate risks throughout the program lifecycle using a structured risk management process.

Remove execution barriers and escalate schedule or budget issues requiring leadership intervention.

Evaluate results upon completion, providing insights for improvement and strategic planning.

Ensure effective and timely closeout of completed efforts, including fulfillment of all contractual and documentation requirements.

Support capture and proposal strategy development aligned with the IRAD roadmap.

Identify and pursue new business opportunities in partnership with Business Development.

Identify future opportunities for existing customers and solutions for new customers.

Represent the organization at program reviews, meetings, demonstrations, and business development events.

Maintain strong understanding of customer missions, acquisition strategies, requirements, funding, and…