Program Manager

DRS RADA, a global pioneer of radar systems for active military protection, counter-drone applications, critical infrastructure protection, and border surveillance, is looking for an experienced Program Manager to join our team.

The Program Manager has primary responsibility for managing development and production programs, ensuring that program objectives (technical, financial, and schedule) are fully met.

This role covers all stages from marketing support (responding to RFIs/RFPs, engaging with potential customers, and expanding offerings for current customers), through product development to production deliveries, successful installation and implementation in the field, including transition from development to mass production.

Responsibilities:

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams—working closely with System Engineers, Quality, Production, Delivery, and business development teams
• LOB strategy planning & execution; participate in strategic planning and product roadmap development
• Manage development and production programs within the LOB
• Develop and implement program plans (goals, scope, technical, financial, schedule requirements)
• Schedule preparation and monitoring, budget management, risk and opportunity analysis, and bottleneck monitoring
• Coordinate prototypes production, testing and integration (lab & field tests), release to production, first production batch, and handshake with production line managers
• Lead Integrated Program Teams (IPT) to ensure successful execution
• Monitor and control program progress according to goals, quality, budget, and schedule
• Lead responses to RFIs/RFPs and negotiate with customers; support pre-sale activities
• Foster relationships with customers, strategic partners, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders
• Support configuration control, RCCA and PRB meetings with decision authority
• Coordinate production planning and execution, from kick-off to completion of deliveries
• Support customer activities, including integration, testing, training preparation and execution
• Work with legal on contractual terms; manage subcontractors and third-party vendors
• Ensure compliance with export control and information security requirements

Requirements:

• BA/BSc degree in a relevant engineering field; MBA is an advantage
• At least 3 years of experience as an R&D engineer
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in program/project management roles, developing complex, multidisciplinary products aimed for mass production (defense industry – advantage)
• Proven experience transitioning from development to production
• Ability to lead in a matrix organizational environment with multiple interfaces
• Strong customer orientation and excellent interpersonal skills
• Comfortable making decisions under dynamic and uncertain conditions
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, thorough and methodical approach
• Hands-on, “can-do” attitude
• In-depth understanding of radars – advantage
• Experience with OEM products – advantage
• Excellent English verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to travel globally