Principal Program Manager

About L3Harris Technologies

L3Harris is committed to attracting and nurturing high-performing professionals driven by passion and mission dedication. We foster an inclusive and engaging workplace that supports employee empowerment and balance between work and life. Our core values, commitment to communities, and pursuit of excellence define our culture. As a trusted innovator in defense technology, our teams provide comprehensive solutions connecting various operational domains to support national security.

Role Overview

The Principal Program Manager spearheads the execution of international Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (cUAS) initiatives, primarily focusing on clientele in the Middle East and targeting strategic expansion opportunities. This role oversees all facets of program delivery including customer satisfaction, fiscal outcomes, schedule adherence, risk management, and multidisciplinary coordination across departments such as Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Contracts, and Business Development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead cUAS program execution internationally, from contract award through delivery, deployment, and ongoing support.
• Act as the main liaison for Middle East defense clients and key stakeholders.
• Create and manage Integrated Master Schedules, cost projections, risk logs, and program plans.
• Oversee all aspects of program scope, cost control, scheduling, and technical results to meet contractual and financial goals.
• Facilitate coordination among cross-functional teams including Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Testing, and Field Operations.
• Identify risks and lead mitigation and issue resolution efforts throughout the program lifecycle.
• Support activities like customer demos, operational testing, training, and product fielding.
• Conduct program reviews, executive presentations, customer updates, and milestone assessments.
• Supervise subcontractor and supplier performance to ensure contractual delivery standards.
• Contribute to proposal efforts, capture planning, Basis of Estimate development, and transition from capture to program execution.
• Ensure adherence to all contractual, export, security, and corporate compliance requirements.
• Drive strategic growth initiatives expanding international cUAS capabilities and offerings.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Program Management or related field, with 12+ years of relevant experience; or Graduate degree with 10+ years; or at least 16 years of relevant experience without a degree.
• Fluency in both Arabic and English, spoken and written.
• At least 10 years of program management experience in defense, aerospace, or national security sectors.
• Extensive experience managing complex hardware and software development and production.
• Proven capability executing programs for international markets including Foreign Military Sales or Direct Commercial Sales.
• Expertise managing integrated weapon systems, mission systems, sensors, communications, and air defense technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage cost, schedule, technical, and customer relationship factors.
• Experience engaging Middle East customers such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other GCC nations.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally for customer support and engagement.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain required security clearances.

Preferred Skills and Certifications

• Strong executive communication and presentation skills.
• PMP certification is an advantage.
• Familiarity with Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Air and Missile Defense systems, Integrated Air Defense Systems, or mission-critical tactical systems.
• Knowledge of defense acquisition processes including export control regimes like ITAR and international contracting.
• Experience guiding products from development stages through production and sustainment phases.

Leadership Qualities Desired

• Ownership mindset with a strong drive for execution.
• Capability to function independently with limited supervision.
• Effective collaboration skills across engineering, operational, and commercial teams.
• Comfort and proficiency in engaging senior leadership and international stakeholders.
• Adaptive leadership in ambiguous or rapidly evolving environments.
• Results-driven focus on fulfilling customer obligations while advancing profitable growth.