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Principal, Program Management

Nashville, Tennessee
Full Time On-site

The Senior Program Manager will lead execution of international Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (cUAS) programs, with an initial focus on Middle East customers and strategic growth initiatives. This position is responsible for overall program execution, customer satisfaction, financial performance, schedule adherence, risk management, and cross-functional coordination across Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Contracts, and Business Development.

The successful candidate will serve as the primary program execution lead for complex defense programs involving integrated weapon systems, sensors, communications, software, and vehicle-based mission systems. This individual must be capable of operating in a fast-paced environment while engaging directly with international customers, government stakeholders, and strategic partners.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead execution of international cUAS programs from contract award through delivery, fielding, and sustainment.
  • Serve as the primary customer interface for Middle East defense customers and key stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS), cost forecasts, risk registers, and program execution plans.
  • Manage program scope, cost, schedule, and technical performance to achieve contractual commitments and financial objectives.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Test, and Field Operations.
  • Drive risk identification, mitigation planning, and issue resolution across the program lifecycle.
  • Support customer demonstrations, operational evaluations, training events, and fielding activities.
  • Lead program reviews, executive briefings, customer status meetings, and milestone reviews.
  • Monitor subcontractor and supplier performance to ensure delivery commitments are met.
  • Support proposal development, capture activities, Basis of Estimate (BOE) development, and transition from capture to execution.
  • Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, export regulations, security requirements, and company policies.
  • Support strategic growth initiatives and expansion of international cUAS capabilities and product offerings.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 12 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management, or related discipline.
  • Minimum 10 years of program management experience supporting defense, aerospace, or national security programs.
  • Minimum 10 years experience managing complex hardware and software development and production programs.
  • Minimum 10 years experience  executing programs for international customers, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), or Direct Commercial Sales (DCS).
  • Minimum 10 years experience managing programs involving integrated weapon systems, mission systems, sensors, communications, or air defense technologies.
  • Minimum 10 years experience managing cost, schedule, technical performance, and customer relationships simultaneously.
  • Ability to travel internationally and support customer engagements in the Middle East.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Clearance.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Strong executive communication and presentation skills
  • PMP certification.
  • Experience with Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (cUAS), Air and Missile Defense, Integrated Air Defense Systems, or tactical mission systems.
  • Experience supporting Middle East customers, including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or other GCC nations.
  • Familiarity with defense acquisition processes, export compliance, ITAR, and international contracting.
  • Experience transitioning products from development through production and sustainment.
  • Master's Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field.

Desired Leadership Attributes

  • Strong ownership mentality and bias for execution.
  • Ability to operate independently with limited oversight.
  • Effective collaborator across engineering, operations, and business functions.
  • Comfortable engaging executive leadership and international customers.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and rapidly changing priorities.
  • Results-oriented leader focused on delivering customer commitments while driving profitable growth.

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L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

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About L3 Harris

L3 Harris

L3 Harris is one of the largest defense and aerospace companies in the United States, delivering advanced technologies that support missions across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. The company develops communications systems, space payloads, intelligence platforms, electronic warfare capabilities, missile defense technologies, and mission-critical sensors used by the U.S. military, intelligence community, and allied nations around the world.

For job seekers, L3Harris offers opportunities across engineering, software development, cybersecurity, space systems, manufacturing, intelligence, program management, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to veterans, cleared professionals, and engineers who want to work on advanced technologies that directly support national security. With programs spanning tactical communications, ISR platforms, satellite systems, and defense electronics, employees have the opportunity to contribute to some of the military’s most important capabilities.

Unlike companies focused on a single mission area, L3Harris operates across a diverse portfolio of defense technologies, providing employees exposure to a broad range of programs and technical disciplines. Teams work on everything from secure communications and autonomous systems to space-based sensors and electronic warfare platforms, creating opportunities for both specialization and long-term career growth within the organization.

As governments continue investing in modernization, space capabilities, resilient communications, and advanced sensing technologies, L3Harris remains one of the most important employers in the defense industry. For professionals seeking a mission-driven career with strong growth opportunities, technical challenges, and direct impact on global security, L3Harris continues to stand out as a leading destination in aerospace and defense.

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