Director, IRAD Programs

Job description

Job ID: 114057 DRS RADA Technologies, a subsidiary of Leonardo DRS, is focused on proprietary radar solutions and legacy avionics systems supporting the defense industry globally. The company is a global pioneer of AESA tactical radars for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance. Job Summary Program Management is a strategic driver of innovation, ensuring Internal Research and Development investments translate into impactful technologies and long-term business value. As Director, IRAD Programs, you will lead a critical function that connects technical vision, portfolio discipline, and cross-functional execution to advance high-priority initiatives from concept to capability. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, influence future product and technology direction, and shape programs that position RADA for continued growth in an evolving defense environment Job Responsibilities Responsible for leading the line of business (LOB) and/or Company (CO) program management function. This includes full life cycle management (development, production, and sustainment) of the LOB and/or CO. Ensure proper methods are followed to track program cost, schedules and performance across LOB and/or CO Track all program cost, schedules and performance against established program milestones; reporting the status to management stakeholders on a regular basis Develop and implement recovery plans for yellow and red programs (i.e. schedule, technical performance) Ensure program methodologies for the LOB and/or CO and the program management directives are followed Work closely with existing customers, and obtain feedback on the company’s performance Work closely with business development, marketing and sales to enhance the business portfolio May lead all meetings and the integrated product team (kick-off through project close) Manage inventory effectively Manage internal research and development programs within LOB and/or CO Develop internal relationships with management stakeholders Manage Program Management development to include coaching, teaching, retaining, attracting, and mentoring Lead monthly program reviews for the Company or LOB Conduct program reviews that identify root-cause and corrective action as well as continuous improvement and financial performance Work closely with Business Development to provide future opportunities for existing customers and solutions for new customers Understand and implement lean and process improvement principles (i.e. Lean Six Sigma) Understand and develop methodologies that allow program managers to apply leading verses lagging indicators Develop processes for identifying, assessing, monitoring and mitigating risk throughout the program life cycle Support, communicate and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization Qualifications Engineering or business degree required. Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 10 years relevant experience. Certification in Program Management preferred (i.e. PMP or DAU level 3) Advanced knowledge of program management tools and procedures Leadership and management skills, particularly “influence management” and “conflict resolution” Significant 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, risk management, and continuous improvement efforts including implementation for cost reduction and performance improvement efforts Experience with earned value cost accounting and reporting; experience with metrics for assessing and reporting program progress, productivity and variance analysis Experience in finance, contracting, export regulations, engineering, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain management Excellent customer interface skills Advanced problem solving skills Excellent presentation skills Demonstrated success in managing manpower planning, project reviews, scheduling and budget control Must have a successful track record in managing complex aerospace/defense programs such as a prime or sub contractor to a domestic or foreign military organization Must have excellent leadership and oral and written communication skills Must have a portfolio of programs in which financial objectives (profit, cash flow, revenue, bookings) were achieved Experience with turnaround programs in which recovery was successful preferred U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment. The salary range for this position is $146,497/year- $227,436/year. This range reflects the good faith estimate of pay the employer is willing to offer at the time of posting. Several factors can influence the pay scale, including but not limited to: Federal contract labor categories and contract wage rates, collective bargaining agreements, geographic location, business considerations, scope, and responsibilities of the position, local or other applicable market conditions, and internal equity. Other factors include the candidate’s qualifications such as prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education/training, and certifications. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for: annual performance-based bonuses, equity awards, and overtime pay (for non-exempt employees as applicable. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), employer matching 401(k) retirement plan, paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave (including ant state-mandated paid sick leave), parental leave benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development support, and life and disability insurance coverage. 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. *Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.