Christopher Leslie
Ventura,CA
Summary
Highly successful, dedicated Program Management Professional with proven success in Design and Development for the Aerospace and Defense industry. Hands on, working manager with broad knowledge and ability to communicate with all engineering disciplines and other functional teams to accomplish program objectives. Successfully managed each phase of product design and development from bids and proposals, requirements definition, design and development, qualification, and sustainment phases. Focused on needs of internal and external customers and meeting program objectives and milestones in an efficient manner. Experienced with earned value and performance tracking and reporting to senior management. Creative problem solver with a team engaging and collaborative management style. Strong work ethic combined with a commitment to excellence in achieving short- and long-term corporate objectives.
Program management professional with proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and driving project success. Skilled in strategic planning, risk management, and resource allocation. Known for adaptability, problem-solving, and fostering collaboration to achieve results. Proficient in optimizing processes and aligning initiatives with organizational objectives.
Experienced with coordinating and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Utilizes effective communication and organizational skills to ensure seamless project execution. Track record of implementing process improvements and achieving project milestones.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Deputy Director
US Navy
San Diego, CA
09.2023 - 09.2026
- Engaged with external DoW, Intelligence Center, and Defense Industrial Base stakeholders to establish partnerships that support organizational objectives and enhance community relations.
- Led 6 cross-functional project teams of technical experts in executing high-priority projects and lines of effort, ensuring timely and actionable information products for customer stakeholders.
- Fostered a positive work environment by promoting collaboration, transparency, and open communication among team members.
- Streamlined reporting processes, enhancing accuracy and reducing turnaround time for critical operational reports.
- Conducted risk assessments and developed mitigation strategies.
Executive Officer
US Navy
El Salvador
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Led 36 Sailors and 52 Contractors providing direct support to over 45 air missions and support operations.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance operational effectiveness across various departments.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, driving process optimization efforts.
- Oversaw establishment of safety management program and multifold improvement in inspection scores.
Research and Development Manager
US Navy
Ventura, CA
10.2019 - 09.2022
- Led development of innovative technologies for naval applications, enhancing operational effectiveness.
- Managed cross-functional teams to execute R&D projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to define project scopes and timelines, facilitating successful project delivery.
- Conducted thorough market analysis to identify emerging trends and inform future R&D direction.
- Managed a diverse portfolio of projects, balancing priorities to achieve timely completion and desired outcomes.
Program Manager
Dept of the Army Programs (Contractor), Defense and Aerospace Design and Development and Production Programs
04.2014 - 02.2019
- Program Management of Defense systems development and production programs with responsibility for management of Customer Relationships, Scope, Schedule, and Budget.
- Managed programs up to 20M dollars. Gained significant follow on business from satisfied customers of successful programs in the form of follow on programs and scope changes for additional capabilities and hardware.
- Primary Customer interface POC. Excellent communications skills.
- Proficient with Program Management Tools. Tracked Program Schedule and Budget Performance with Earned Value (EV) metrics in an efficient manner. Proficient with MS Project, MS Office, and SAP. Experienced with EV tools.
- Software Project Management: Trained in and Utilized Agile methodologies Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, SAFE, JIRA
- Experience with various military system product programs for military ground vehicles and targeting systems.
- Business development and proposal experience on captures up to 20M. Experienced with FAR compliant proposal packages as well as commercial and international proposals. Significant experience with scope change proposals.
Technical Program Manager / Sr. Project Engineer
Meggitt Defense Systems
08.2013 - 04.2014
- Successfully managed multiple safety and flight critical aircraft generator and alternator design and development programs. Led Multi-Disciplined, International, and Multi-Functional Projectized Matrix teams. Smoothly worked with functional areas such as Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Customer Service, Sales, Finance, and OpEx.
- Actively managed technical deliverables, risk management, and technical solutions for aircraft power generation on military helicopters such as the OH-58F Kiowa and MQ-8 Firescout as well as commercial aircraft platforms.
- Experience with Aerospace environmental and electrical/EMI qualification testing for safety and flight critical hardware including generator and alternator flame test, custom vibration, and abnormal over speed electrical tests.
- Utilized risk management methodology such as Design for Six Sigma, FMECA/PFMEA, DOE, FEA, Thermal, Electrical Simulations, and Design Validation Testing to mitigate schedule and cost risk to the programs.
- Proficient with Program Management Tools. Tracked Program Schedule and Budget Performance with Earned Value metrics in an efficient manner. Proficient with MS Project, MS Office, and SAP.
- Primary Customer interface POC. Excellent communications skills both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Cost reduction measures such as manufacturing yield improvement or vendor quality process management.
- Experience with both military and commercial contracts and subcontracts and associated deliverables.
Technical Program Manager
Eaton Corp.
Costa Mesa, CA
05.2007 - 08.2013
- Successfully managed multiple complex cockpit system design and development programs to completion. Led and coordinated Multi-Disciplined, International, and Multi-Functional Projectized Matrix teams. Smoothly worked with functional areas such as Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Customer Service, Sales, Finance, and OpEx.
- Actively managed each phase and milestone of product development. Managed all major program milestones including RFI response, Bids and Proposals, NBR, PDR, CDR, Design Reviews, TRR, QTP, QTR/QSR, Ground Test Light Off, Flight Test, Production Launch, Contract Scope Changes, Sustainment.
- Extensive experience with Aerospace environmental and electrical/EMI qualification testing per DO-160, DO-178 software, DO-254, and all environmental Mil Standards 810, 461 etc. Experienced with military night vision lighting development.
- Coordinated Labview Based Test Equipment Designs and Build Activities. Understanding of COTS Test Equipment
Aerospace Engineer
US Navy Reserves
Ventura, CA
04.2021 - Current
- Commissioned Engineering Officer US Navy Reserves Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer
- Extensive experience in systems, engineering, flight test, and project management on military developmental test programs for unmanned aerial systems / vehicles UAS / UAV and other aviation support systems.
- Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom Veteran. Prior Enlisted Service Expeditionary Logistics / Air Wing.
Joint Program Deficiency Reporting Database and Process Projects Technical Project Manager
DOD
05.2004 - 05.2007
- FRACAS/DRACAS Aircraft Maintenance Data and Deficiency Resolution Management
Military Missile Programs Test Engineer
United Technologies
07.1999 - 02.2002
- Executed environmental and stress testing of military missile components.
High Volume Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing Associate Manufacturing Engineer
Solectron
06.1997 - 09.1998
- Six Sigma Statistical Process Control. Good understand of PCB documentation and manufacturing processes which was reinforced throughout career with projects that included circuit board subassemblies. This experience has continued to contribute to my work with electronics over my career and I now have a fairly advanced understanding of managing risk of electronic PCB design and manufacturing challenges.
Education
MS - Systems Engineering
Naval Post Graduate School
01-2015
MBA - undefined
Keller Graduate School of Management
01-2010
Space Systems - Aerospace Engineering
Naval Post Graduate School
Monterey, CA06-2021
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical / Aeronautical Engineering / Japanese minor
University of California
Davis, CA01-1999
PMP - Project Management Professional - Project Management
Boston University
Boston, MA09-2005
Skills
- Increased Cost Savings and Profit Contributions: On several programs, refined program execution strategies vs original proposal assumptions to allow for more efficient execution and higher returns
- High Performance Team Coaching: Worked with other managers and greater organization to help foster high performance teams by aligning individual goals with program goals and taking team input to improve processes
- Program Customer Milestone Critical Delivery: Division Level Recognition and Bonus Award received for taking ownership of and meeting a major customer milestone on a troubled program where previous program manager had resigned Worked 3 weeks straight with project team to implement technical solution to pull in development schedule and support internationally publicized ARJ-21 Jet customer first flight First flight occurred on schedule and our company avoided penalties and received positive feedback from customer executive leadership
- Successful Support of Post Aircraft Incident Investigation: Provided research and analysis that confirmed that Meggitt generator was damaged via secondary effects from failure of gearbox and was not the root cause
- Successful Bid on up to 20 Million Dollar Contracts: Key participant in proposal team for multiple bids on military programs both for direct to government and prime contractor programs Winning bids provided strategic market position for our company Proposed and executed both Firm Fixed Price and Cost Plus programs
- Military Program Turnaround: Over the course of 9 months, increased customer score card rating by 100% on critical military helicopter cockpit control panel program where previous program manager and project engineer had resigned Led project team to expedited resolution of product qualification challenges to support critical customer ground test activities
- Contract Scope Change Management: Supported design and implementation of late breaking customer changes of scope Implemented changes in a timely manner that supported customer system certification milestones Negotiated scope change cost impact proposals to customer that resulted in significant revenue for additional Non-Recurring Engineering work
- Joint Service DOD Project Management Introduced and managed a joint system for the Air Force and Navy program offices to prioritize aircraft hardware and software problems on shared aircraft platforms Improved system to regularly to have defense contractor suppliers best allocate resources for priority issues
- Military Leadership: Received performance recognition for leadership and technical accomplishments while serving as a Commissioned Engineering Officer on Defense Technology Development Programs and as a Non-Commissioned Officer with combat expeditionary logistics team during operations in Iraq
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Detail-oriented
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership
- MS office applications
- Team leadership and direction
- Interpersonal skills
- Program reviews
- Project lifecycle
- Scope management
- Cost management
- Agile projects
- Risk analysis and management
- Vendor management
- Contract development
- Cost estimates & budgets
- Proposal development
- Business systems
- Product development
- Electronic and communication systems
- P&L management
- Resource allocation
- Systems optimization
Affiliations
- Project Management Institute
Certification
- Space Systems Certification at Naval Post Graduate School 2021. Passed Space Cadre board and VS6 AQD training
- PMP Certification from Project Management Institute / Boston University (Schedule, Cost, Scope, Risk, EV Mgt.) 2005
- Formal Technical training in Flight Test Engineering at National Test Pilot School 2002. Pilot License 2003.
- Military Reserve Officer with formal leadership, technical, and team development training. 20+ years’ experience.
- Acquisition Certifications (DAWIA): Program Management LvL 2, Engineering LvL 2, Test and Evaluation LvL 2
- Software Project Management: Trained in Agile methodologies Scrum, Kanban, Lean, XP, SAFE, JIRA.
- Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) Certification 2008
Languages
Language Skills – Japanese, English, and Spanish
Interests
- Hiking
- Volunteer Travel
- Martial Arts
- Adventure Travel
- Environmental Stewardship
- Environmental Conservation Projects
Timeline
Deputy Director
US Navy
09.2023 - 09.2026
Executive Officer
US Navy
10.2022 - 03.2023
Aerospace Engineer
US Navy Reserves
04.2021 - Current
Research and Development Manager
US Navy
10.2019 - 09.2022
Program Manager
Dept of the Army Programs (Contractor), Defense and Aerospace Design and Development and Production Programs
04.2014 - 02.2019
Technical Program Manager / Sr. Project Engineer
Meggitt Defense Systems
08.2013 - 04.2014
Technical Program Manager
Eaton Corp.
05.2007 - 08.2013
Joint Program Deficiency Reporting Database and Process Projects Technical Project Manager
DOD
05.2004 - 05.2007
Military Missile Programs Test Engineer
United Technologies
07.1999 - 02.2002
High Volume Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing Associate Manufacturing Engineer
Solectron
06.1997 - 09.1998
MBA - undefined
Keller Graduate School of Management
MS - Systems Engineering
Naval Post Graduate School
Space Systems - Aerospace Engineering
Naval Post Graduate School
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical / Aeronautical Engineering / Japanese minor
University of California
PMP - Project Management Professional - Project Management
Boston University