Senior Program Manager, Infrared Sensors

About the role

You will own the end-to-end execution of high-visibility infrared sensor programs for aerospace and defense customers. This role requires you to act as the primary customer-facing leader, driving alignment between HRL's Vision Systems Laboratory and government stakeholders. You will manage complex development-to-production transitions while ensuring strict adherence to cost, schedule, and technical performance targets. Your leadership will coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams across the entire program lifecycle, from initial requirements to fielded systems. You will establish and maintain strategic relationships with defense prime contractors and program offices to ensure mission success. This position demands a proactive approach to risk and opportunity management, translating technical challenges into actionable mitigation plans. You will ultimately be responsible for delivering world-class sensor systems that enhance national homeland security capabilities.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Serve as the primary customer point of contact, owning overall program execution, customer communication, cost control, schedule adherence, and technical performance for infrared sensor initiatives.
• Develop and sustain strategic working relationships with government customers and large defense prime contractors to maximize customer satisfaction, trust, and long-term alignment on program objectives.
• Lead diverse technical teams through all phases of the hardware lifecycle, including design, development, integration, test, and production deployment for government and industry prime programs.
• Create, manage, and control comprehensive program plans, schedules, and milestones while monitoring performance metrics and proactively implementing risk mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate cross-functional and cross-portfolio activities to ensure seamless alignment among engineering, operations, business development, and customer stakeholders.
• Direct the work of functional leads and administrative staff assigned to multiple concurrent programs, providing guidance and oversight to ensure resource optimization.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise program status reports, risk assessments, and executive updates to senior management, customers, and government officials.
• Lead proposal capture efforts and manage customer growth opportunities, translating commercial and government needs into compelling technical and program solutions.
• Ensure strict compliance with all applicable federal regulations, contractual requirements, and company policies, including adherence to FAR, DFARS, and export control regulations.
• Apply advanced systems engineering principles and hardware development lifecycle methodologies to guide projects from research transition to production readiness.
• Utilize earned value management, schedule analysis, and technical performance metrics to drive informed decision-making and program predictability.
• Champion continuous improvement by identifying best practices, lessons learned, and process enhancements across the sensor development and manufacturing domains.

Requirements

• Possess 10+ years of increasing responsibility in program or project management within defense, aerospace, or semiconductor hardware environments.
• Demonstrate proven experience serving as the primary customer interface and program manager for government and large defense prime customer engagements.
• Show a strong background in systems engineering and hardware development lifecycles, specifically managing the transition from research and development into production.
• Have direct experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams and coordinating execution across engineering, operations, and supply chain functions.
• Exhibit proficiency in risk and opportunity management practices, including the use of formal risk registers and the development of mitigation plans.
• Hold hands-on experience with Earned Value Management Systems, Cost Accounting Manpower, Issue-Based Reviews, variance analysis, and Estimate at Completion management.
• Maintain excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills to influence diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and scheduling tools such as Microsoft Project or Primavera for comprehensive program control.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a related technical discipline; an advanced degree is preferred for this senior role.
• Be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Ensure compliance with all export control regulations and requirements as part of regular job duties.

Nice to have

• Bring experience specific to infrared sensors, focal plane arrays, or semiconductor fabrication and test environments to the role.
• Show prior experience working on classified programs and a solid understanding of associated security requirements.
• Hold professional certifications such as PMP, PgMP, INCOSE CSEP, or equivalent program management credentials.
• Possess knowledge of AS9100 standards, Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, and supplier quality management practices.

Practical notes

This is a regular full-time position based in Camarillo, California. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment screening process, including a drug test. The role requires U.S. citizenship and the ability to maintain a government security clearance. Travel may be required as part of job duties.