Description

Leidos is seeking a Senior Project Manager to support execution on a large, complex defense program of strategic importance to the company. This role is designed for an experienced project leader who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, influence execution planning, and drive alignment across cross-functional teams.

This position carries significant responsibility and visibility and requires sound judgment, execution rigor, and the ability to partner effectively with senior program and functional leadership.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead execution of multiple complex projects supporting a major defense program.
• Define and influence the integrated execution plan that underpins project schedules, cost baselines, and performance commitments, working closely with scheduling and project controls teams.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, contracts, quality, logistics, and finance to ensure aligned execution.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks and issues; develop, track, and drive mitigation actions to closure.
• Monitor project performance using schedule, cost, and risk indicators; ensure emerging issues are surfaced early with clear recommendations.
• Prepare concise project status briefings, metrics, and decision-support materials for program and PMO leadership.
• Support PMO governance, standardization, and continuous improvement initiatives across the program portfolio.
• Provide informal leadership and mentoring to other project managers and execution leads.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or a related discipline.
• 7–12 years of project or program management experience supporting defense, aerospace, or other highly complex technical programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead execution across matrixed, cross-functional organizations.
• Strong understanding of project execution fundamentals, including cost, schedule, risk, and performance management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interface effectively with senior leaders and technical teams.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Army or DoD programs of record.
• Familiarity with earned value management, integrated master schedules, or production execution environments.
• PMP or equivalent project management certification.

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:

January 8, 2026

Pay Range:

Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.