Job Opportunities API

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. Position Summary: 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. Essential Duties: •    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. Required Qualifications: •    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 lifecycles, 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. Preferred Qualifications: •    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. S