Thermal Protection System Deputy Program Manager

Overview

Thermal Protection System Deputy Program Manager role dos Defense Systems Sector is seeking a Thermal Protection System Deputy Program Manager to join our team. The Deputy Program Manager will assist the Program Manager in leadership of all program management functions related to special funded efforts under our Thermal Protection System Program. The position will have responsibility for planning, tracking, and execution of complex tasking within technical, schedule, and budget constraints.

The program involves advanced high temperature and composite materials manufacturing, characterization, and testing. The program also involves management complexity related to performance by a group of subcontracted team members, interactions with multiple government organization as part of a “badge-less” team, several geographically dispersed places of performance, and a complex multi-agency customer set including AvMC, Sandia National Labs, Navy, and Army.

Our mission is to deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business. If this sounds like the kind of environment where you can thrive, keep reading.

Leidos Defense Systems Sector provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace for customers worldwide. Our solutions include enterprise and mission IT, hypersonic weapon system solutions, large-scale intelligence systems, command and control, geospatial and data analytics, cybersecurity, logistics, training, and intelligence analysis and operations support.

Are you ready to make an impact? Share your resume with us today.

Compensation and Posting Details — Original posting January 6, 2026. For U.S. positions, the posting may remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date. Pay range provided below is a general guideline; actual compensation will reflect factors such as responsibilities, education, experience, and other applicable considerations.

• A strong technical background in high temperature materials and/or composite systems with at least 5 years of experience in managing testing, planning, and scheduling in support of complex technical programs.
• Evaluate and guide daily execution activities in support of the program manager
• Lead IPT meetings and set expectations for project team
• Routinely evaluate program technical and programmatic metrics to ensure successful execution
• Manage risk and identify opportunities at the IPT level including working with the IPT to develop mitigation strategies and plans to realize opportunities
• Identify capability or process gaps and provide recommendations for improvement
• Actively participate in change management including developing business cases for changes recommended by the IPT, assessing supply chain vulnerability related to contemplated changes and incorporating changes approved by the Change Control Board
• Coordinate program activities across multiple functional activities
• Foster intra-project coordination and communication
• Aid program manager in mitigating cost, schedule, and technical risks related to materials used on the program
• Plan and execute a hardware centric project
• Creates project plans
• Maintains project objectives
• Define tasks and required resources
• Assist with assembling and managing project team
• Work with program schedulers to maintain schedule
• Oversight of the technical scope under the assigned control accounts
• Oversight of the control account budgets and schedules:
  • Variance analysis (SPI/CPI/TCPI)
  • Schedule analysis (BEI/CEI)
  • BCR submittals
  • Status of work package tasks under assigned control account
  • Validation of actual costs charged to the assigned control accounts
  • Development and implementation of corrective actions
  • Generation of timely Estimated to Completes (ETC)
• Coordinating release of work authorizations to team members
• Development, management, and coordination of various informational products to…