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Graduate Development Program Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Senior Principal Program Manager

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$107K - $108K/yr

Work outcomes may encompass product development, services or both. Manages and ensures the timely ... Bachelor's degree in STEM related field required (graduate degree in STEM-related/Finance e.g., or ...

Work outcomes may encompass product development, services or both. Manages and ensures the timely ... Bachelor's degree in STEM related field required (graduate degree in STEM-related/Finance e.g., or ...

This one-year rotational development program is designed to cultivate future operations leaders ... Graduated within the past 12 months or expected to graduate soon * Supply Chain, Logistics ...

This one-year rotational development program is designed to cultivate future operations leaders ... Graduated within the past 12 months or expected to graduate soon * Supply Chain, Logistics ...

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Development Program information

See Florida salary details

$23.9K

$89.7K

$149.5K

How much do graduate development program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate development program in Florida is $89,719.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,500.00 and $106,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Development Program position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Graduate Development Program, candidates typically need a relevant bachelor's degree, a strong academic record, and enthusiasm for learning in a professional environment. Familiarity with industry-specific software, data analysis tools, or project management systems can be beneficial depending on the sector. Excellent communication, adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help individuals stand out in this rotational, mentorship-driven setting. These skills and qualifications are vital for successfully integrating into diverse teams, learning quickly, and maximizing the opportunities these programs offer for early-career development.

What kinds of career advancement opportunities can I expect after completing a Graduate Development Program?

Graduate Development Programs are designed to fast-track participants into roles of greater responsibility by providing exposure to multiple business areas and structured mentorship. Upon completion, graduates may transition directly into specialized positions within the organization, often with clearer pathways to leadership or management roles. Many programs also offer ongoing professional development, networking opportunities, and support from senior leaders to help alumni continue growing their careers. The skills and insights gained throughout the program make graduates highly competitive for a wide range of future opportunities within the company or industry.

What is a Graduate Development Program job?

A Graduate Development Program (GDP) is an entry-level job designed for recent graduates to gain structured training and hands-on experience in a specific industry or company. These programs typically last from one to three years and include rotations across different departments, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. The goal is to equip graduates with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for long-term career growth within the organization.

Infographic showing various Graduate Development Program job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,719 per year, or $43.1 per hour.
Senior Principal Program Manager

Senior Principal Program Manager

Leonardo DRS

Melbourne, FL • On-site

$107K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Leonardo DRS rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 535 rated manufacturers


Job description

Job ID: 114828
Location: Melbourne FL
Schedule: 9/80

The Electro Optical Infrared Systems (EOIS) line of business within DRS has locations in Dallas and Austin, TX, Melbourne, FL, and Cypress, CA. EOIS develops, manufactures, and supports infrared and electro-optical solutions for soldiers, ground vehicles and airborne platforms. We offer an exciting and challenging work environment, a competitive salary and benefits package, and a business culture that rewards performance.
Employing the world's brightest. Supporting the world's bravest.
Job Summary
Works closely with Line-of-Business Program Leadership and Engineering to manage a development program or a project, or new product development project portfolio for a product line. May need to intercede with Engineering Management or other functional management to accomplish objectives. Work outcomes may encompass product development, services or both. Manages and ensures the timely completion of specific, defined technical programs or projects within the product line. Oversee a team or portion of a program to plan, track and execute project plans from start to completion using specific technical knowledge.
Job Responsibilities
  • Manage and direct the daily execution of multiple programs/product line within contract requirements to ensure that cost, schedules and performance goals are met
  • Responsible for leading new product development within the product line
  • Ensures proper methods are followed to track program cost, schedules and performance across product line
  • Track all program cost, schedules and performance against established program milestones; reporting the status to management stakeholders on a regular basis
  • Develop and implement recovery plans for yellow and red programs (i.e. schedule, technical performance)
  • May be required to ensure the overall execution of material on schedule and on budget for a business area
  • May be required to collaborate on various tasks with various project teams
  • May be required to various tasks/team/project/Engineering changes
  • Ensures program methodologies and the program management directives are followed
  • Work closely with existing customers, and obtain feedback on the company's performance
  • Work closely with business development, marketing and sales to enhance the business portfolio
  • Manage inventory effectively
  • Manage internal research and development programs within the product line
  • Develop internal relationships with management stakeholders
  • Manage Program Management development to include coaching, teaching, retaining, attracting, and mentoring
  • Lead monthly program reviews for the product line
  • Conducts program reviews that identify root-cause and corrective action as well as continuous improvement and financial performance
  • Work closely with Business Development to provide future opportunities for existing customers and solutions for new customers, assisting Line-of-Business Campaign Lead with product and technology strategy development for responsible product line
  • Understand and develop methodologies that allow program managers to apply leading verses lagging indicators
  • Develop processes for identifying, assessing, monitoring and mitigating risk throughout the program lifecycle
  • May partner with various stakeholders on planning process and system improvements
  • Develop and understand cash flow management principles
  • Support, communicate, reinforce and defend the mission, values and culture of the organization

Qualifications
  • 15+ years of relevent experience
  • Bachelor's degree in STEM related field required (graduate degree in STEM-related/Finance e.g., or MBA desired)
  • Advanced knowledge of program management tools and procedures
  • Leadership and management skills, particularly "influence management" and "conflict resolution"
  • Significant experience managing product development efforts to include proposal development, requirements decomposition, generation of system and subsystem statements of work and subcontracts, risk management, and continuous improvement efforts including implementation for cost reduction and performance improvement efforts
  • Experience managing products through rapid prototyping and transition to production (desired)
  • Experience with earned value cost accounting and reporting; experience with metrics for assessing and reporting program progress, productivity and variance analysis
  • Experience in finance, contracting, export regulations, engineering, logistics, manufacturing and supply chain management
  • Advanced problem solving skills
  • Excellent presentation skills
  • Demonstrated success in managing manpower planning, project reviews, scheduling and budget control
  • Ability to manage aerospace/defense programs as a prime or subcontractor to a domestic or foreign military organization
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Program Management certification preferred (i.e. PMP or DAU)

U.S. Citizenship required. This position requires an active DOD security clearance or the ability to obtain such clearance within a reasonable time after commencement of employment.
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Our Vision. To be the leading mid-tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
- Integrity
- Agility
- Excellence
- Customer Focus
- Community & Respect
- Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.

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