HRL
aerospace and defense
SeniorProgramManager,InfraredSensors
Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.
“Senior Program Manager, Infrared Sensors at HRL. Skills: program management, customer interface, government contracting, defense/aerospace/semiconductor environments, risk management, EVMS. manage complex programs. drive strategic initiatives”
What You'll Achieve.
successful management of complex programs; drive strategic initiatives; end-to-end accountability for cost, schedule, technical performance, and contractual compliance; high levels of customer satisfaction, trust, and alignment; successful execution of programs; ensure compliance with all applicable federal regulations, contractual requirements, and company policies
Industry & Context.
risk and opportunity management practices; proactively implement mitigation strategies
US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance, Compliance with export controls, pre-employment substance abuse testing
What They're Looking For.
Must Have
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, 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 field
Nice to Have
advanced degree, 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
What You'll Do.
manage complex programs
drive strategic initiatives
lead cross-functional teams
end-to-end accountability for cost
technical performance
and contractual compliance
primary customer-facing lead for high-visibility efforts
Serve as the primary customer point of contact and customer-facing program manager responsible for overall program execution
customer communication
Develop and maintain working relationships with government customers and large defense prime contractors
Lead diverse technical teams in executing multiple government and/or industry prime programs through all phases of design
Develop and manage program plans
and monitor program progress
identify risks and proactively implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution
Coordinate cross-functional and cross-portfolio activities to ensure alignment across engineering
and customer stakeholders
Direct the work of functional leads and administrative staff assigned to programs
Prepare and present program status
and execution updates to senior management
and government officials
Lead proposal efforts
support capture activities
and manage customer growth opportunities
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal regulations
contractual requirements
including FAR and DFARS
How You'll Work.
Team & Collaboration
lead cross-functional teams; 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; Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and coordinating execution across engineering, operations, and supply chain
Communication Scope
customer communication; Prepare and present program status, risks, and execution updates to senior management, customers, and government officials; Excellent communication skills
Process & Methodology
program management, project management, program plans, schedules, risk management, opportunity management, EVMS, CAM, IBRs, variance analysis, EAC management
Full Job Description
## Description 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 functiona
Applying for this Senior Program Manager, Infrared Sensors role?
Most applicants get filtered before a human reads their resume. See if yours makes the cut.
How to Apply on Lever
- Lever uses a streamlined one-page form — apply in under 5 minutes.
- LinkedIn import works well; review parsed data before submitting.
- The cover letter field is optional but visible to reviewers — use it to differentiate.
- Referral codes from employees can significantly boost visibility of your application.
ANONYMOUS · UNFILTERED
What do employees actually say about HRL?
Real rants from real employees. Read before you apply.