Program Manager, RF & Radar Systems

HRL Laboratories, an IBM company, pioneers the next frontiers of physical and information science. Delivering transformative technologies in automotive, aerospace and defense, HRL advances the critical missions of its customers to help them remove limitations and create competitive advantage. HRL then transitions the work back to customers – ready for real-world application. For more than 70 years, HRL’s rich portfolio of scientific discoveries and engineering innovations continues to build on each other — often in unexpected, profound and far-reaching ways. As a private company owned by IBM, HRL prioritizes purpose over profit, significantly advancing the state of the art.

HRL Laboratories develops radiofrequency, millimeter-wave and electro-optical sensors using state-of-the-art materials and device fabrication processes to deliver agile, mission-ready systems. Our high-performance solutions are highly integrated, architecturally low cost, and optimized for size, weight and power efficiency while leveraging commercial, custom and novel mixed-signal innovations.

We are seeking a Program Manager who will lead diverse technical teams in executing programs primarily focused on Radar product development, as well as related Communication and Sensing R&D programs. Work closely with scientists and engineers to develop specifications for radar and/or communication frontend and backend components and apertures. Additional responsibilities include solving customer problems, briefing customers, participating in proposal activities, and supporting efforts to market HRL expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead diverse technical teams in executing multiple government and/or industry prime programs through all phases of design, development, integration, test, and production
• Familiarity with both product development and next generation Radio Frequency (RF) R&D with emphasis on Radar architectures, components, and supporting technologies
• 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 proposal efforts, support capture activities, and manage customer growth opportunities
• Responsible for meeting cost, schedule, and performance requirements and overall program execution
• Collaborate with project teams to establish plans and milestones and monitor execution against those plans
• Develop and manage program plans, schedules, and milestones; monitor program performance; identify risks and issues; and proactively implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution
• Support line managers in employee development by providing performance feedback, identifying growth opportunities within the program, and mentoring

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Physics, Math, or related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and interfacing with government customers is essential
• Minimum 7 years of general experience in an engineering or manufacturing environment
• Minimum 5 years of program or project management experience on U.S. government contracts ($5M to $10M+)
• Experience with advanced development of defense systems, including RF and Photonics subsystems in Radar, Communications, and Sensing
• Experience leading in a matrixed organization, with the ability to collaborate and influence
• Strong background in systems engineering and hardware development lifecycles, including transition from R&D to production
• Professional experience in proposal development, business development, and marketing
• Hands-on experience with EVMS, CAM, variance analysis, and EAC management
• Strong understanding of U.S. government solicitations, proposal submission requirements, and the acquisition process

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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
• Knowledge of systems engineering, particularly requirements management and verification/validation

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to interact professionally with managers, co workers, and customers
• Must be willing to travel, work with highly skilled engineers on complex projects, and operate in a fast paced, deadline driven environment
• Must be sufficiently mobile to work within confined spaces and possess adequate visual and hearing acuity

Special Requirements:
• U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance
• Active U.S. Security Clearance is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Pay Range: $172,900 - $221,600
• Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location (California). The range displayed on each job posting reflects the target range for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

• Benefits: HRL offers a generous and very competitive total compensation and benefits package. Our Regular/Full Time benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K match, gym facilities, PTO, Sick time, upward mobility, and an exciting and challenging work environment.
• For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:

Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At HRL, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

If you would like more information about Equal Employment Opportunity as an applicant under the law, please go to Employees & Job Applicants | U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

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