Title:  Sr Manager - R&D and Technology

Job Title: Sr Manager - R&D and Technology

Job Code: 30544

Job Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days – totaling 80 hours worked – and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris’ Broadband Communication Systems sector is currently seeking a Sr. Manager, R&D and Technology to join our team. This position will be based at our Salt Lake City, UT facility. 

This position will lead a portfolio of R&D projects and steer technology strategy for the Sector. Responsible for a family of IRAD projects, the spending, reporting and investment gate decision process (also known as Checkpoint). This position plays a pivotal role in shaping technology investments, ensuring alignment between product roadmaps, customer needs, and sector growth objectives.

Reporting to the Director of Product Management / IRAD, this leader serves as the primary interface between Sector leadership and the IRAD portfolio. Works with a diverse set of functions (e.g. engineering, finance, program management, facilities etc.) to shape and execute the internal investments required for the sector to realize its differentiating technology roadmaps while balancing innovation with disciplined financial management. This leader will drive the portfolio’s execution, investment rigor, and alignment to strategic priorities, ensuring every dollar spent advances competitive differentiation and market relevance. Briefs senior leadership and instill discipline and accountability within a $40M+ R&D portfolio.

Essential Functions:

• Own the IRAD investment portfolio, overseeing program performance, financials, and technical outcomes
• Partner with Product Line, Engineering, Finance, and Program Management to prioritize R&D investments that align with product strategy and business goals
• Lead the investment gate and checkpoint process, ensuring accountability, transparency, and return on investment
• Translate long-term business and technology strategy into actionable, measurable R&D initiatives
• Drive integration between Product Line and IRAD teams to ensure technology development supports product lifecycle and commercialization plans
• Establish consistent governance, reporting, and communication frameworks across all IRAD activities
• Present IRAD status, performance metrics, and recommendations to senior leadership with clear risk and opportunity framing
• Build cross-functional collaboration and influence decisions that maximize technical innovation and cost efficiency
• Serve as a thought partner to Product Line leaders, ensuring alignment between R&D priorities and product differentiation

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree with 12 years prior experience, Graduate Degree with 10 years prior experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in R&D management, technology investment, or product development
• Active US Secret Security Clearance

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Demonstrated success leading cross-functional technology portfolios in aerospace, defense, or adjacent industries
• Proven ability to connect technology strategy to business value through disciplined investment and execution
• Experience managing $10M–$50M R&D portfolios, including reporting, cost control, and investment justification
• Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, engineering development, and technology transition processes
• Active Secret Clearance (TS/SCI preferred)
• Exceptional communication, collaboration, and influencing skills, with the ability to engage at multiple organizational levels
• Demonstrated experience driving change, standardization, and process improvement within complex matrixed environments
• Experience interfacing with DoD and international customers on technology roadmaps or funded R&D
• Strong financial and analytical acumen related to IRAD investment optimization
• Prior exposure to product management, sustainment, or program execution
• Experience guiding engineering innovation from concept through production transition
• Ability to lead through influence, fostering accountability without direct authority