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Acquisition Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Program Manager (GCC Operate Phase)

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$175K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Demonstrated experience supporting or leading large programs with having GCC Build-Operate-Transfer expertise or M&A expertise as a plus Proven track record managing large-scale, cross-functional ...

Senior Program Manager (GCC Operate Phase)

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$175K - $250K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Demonstrated experience supporting or leading large programs with having GCC Build-Operate-Transfer expertise or M&A expertise as a plus Proven track record managing large-scale, cross-functional ...

Senior Program Manager (GCC Transfer Phase)

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$175K - $255K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Senior Program Manager, GCC Transfer Phase Location and Work Model Four day onsite ... Talent acquisition and onboarding Compensation, payroll, and statutory readiness Technology ...

Senior Program Manager (GCC Transfer Phase)

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$175K - $255K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Senior Program Manager, GCC Transfer Phase Location and Work Model Four day onsite ... Talent acquisition and onboarding Compensation, payroll, and statutory readiness Technology ...

Manager Talent Acquisition

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Position Summary The Manager Talent Acquisition leads the organization's recruiting strategy and ... Proven experience building and executing strategic recruiting programs. * Strong business acumen ...

Manager Talent Acquisition

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$102K - $125K/yr

The Talent Acquisition Manager will provide recruitment expertise and impact the continued ... Ability to lead and have ownership over programs and processes with minimal supervision * Excellent ...

The Talent Acquisition Manager will provide recruitment expertise and impact the continued ... Ability to lead and have ownership over programs and processes with minimal supervision * Excellent ...

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Showing results 41-60

Acquisition Program Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.8K

$89.5K

$154.6K

How much do acquisition program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for acquisition program manager in Chicago, IL is $89,489.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,700.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an acquisition program manager?

Acquisition Program Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the procurement and lifecycle of products, services, or systems within an organization, often in government or defense sectors. They coordinate project timelines, budgets, and requirements to ensure successful delivery and compliance with regulations. Their role involves working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and mitigating risks throughout the acquisition process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an acquisition program manager?

To thrive as an Acquisition Program Manager, you need strong project management skills, knowledge of procurement regulations, and typically a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with acquisition management systems, federal contracting tools, and certifications like DAWIA or PMP are highly valued. Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership abilities help build consensus among stakeholders and manage complex projects effectively. These skills ensure successful program delivery, regulatory compliance, and efficient use of resources in acquisition environments.

What are some common challenges acquisition program managers face when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Acquisition Program Managers often work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including engineers, finance specialists, and contract officers, which can present challenges in aligning priorities and communication styles. Balancing the needs of various departments while ensuring program timelines and budgets are met requires strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. Additionally, adapting to shifting requirements and regulatory changes is a frequent challenge, making flexibility and proactive problem-solving important qualities for success in the role.

What is the difference between Acquisition Program Manager vs Contract Specialist?

AspectAcquisition Program ManagerContract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's degree, often with contracting certifications like FAC-C or DAWIA
Work EnvironmentOversees large acquisition projects, collaborates with multiple teamsFocuses on contract development, negotiation, and compliance
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, defense, aerospaceGovernment agencies, defense, federal contracting
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in acquisitionsUnderstanding contract management roles in acquisitions

The Acquisition Program Manager and Contract Specialist roles both operate within government and defense sectors, but the Program Manager oversees entire acquisition projects, while the Contract Specialist focuses on contract details and compliance. Both require related certifications and work environments, making them common points of comparison for professionals in procurement and acquisition fields.

What are popular job titles related to Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Acquisition Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Acquisition Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Acquisition Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Acquisition Program Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,489 per year, or $43 per hour.

Manager Programs 2

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$153K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman's Mission Systems sector is looking for a Program Manager 2 to support the Electronic Warfare & Targeting business unit onsite in Rolling Meadows, IL. A successful candidate works well in a fast-paced environment and enjoys the opportunity to define possible.

The primary responsibility will be the delivery of all contractual requirements on cost and on schedule, while achieving all technical requirements and creating customer intimacy to support value creation strategies and actions. The individual will lead a cross-functional organization aligned to common program performance goals.

What You'll Get To Do

Program Managers are responsible for managing all phases of the program life cycle from inception (proposal development) through startup, execution, and completion (contract closeout). Primary responsibilities are the management of cost, schedule, and technical performance of company programs or subsystems and include, but are not limited to:

  • Cultivating customer relationships and intimacy to develop further opportunities within the customer community
  • Developing new business opportunities through long term strategic planning, capture planning, and development of proposals and business plans
  • Leading and directing cross-functional Integrated Program Teams (IPT) to meet program cost, schedule and technical performance objectives
  • Measuring and reporting program performance
  • Delivering presentations to customers, executive management, and other program stakeholders
  • Participating in the negotiation of contracts, contract changes, specifications, operating budgets, schedule milestones, and key terms and conditions
  • Establishing design concepts, criteria, and engineering efforts for product research, development, integration and test
  • Creation, review and finalization of the program Statement of Work
  • Identification, distribution, tracking, and completion of program requirements
  • Development and adherence to budget baselines utilizing Earned Value Management (EVM) or similar cost & schedule control methodologies and tools
  • Identifying, allocating and managing program resources, including workforce planning
  • Managing Government/customer supplied property or information (GFE, CFE, etc.)
  • Managing suppliers to meet program objectives
  • Adherence to all internal processes, policies, and applicable industry standards
  • Ensuring program team understands and adheres to contract scope, and manages change through control board activities
  • Development and adherence to master plans and schedules
  • Conducting thorough risk & opportunity management practices including identification, mitigation and realization

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree and 8 years of experience OR a Master's degree and 6 years of experience supporting U.S. Government contracts and customers and/or project management in other industries. In lieu of a degree, 12 years of relevant experience will be
  • 3 years of experience leading the technical performance of tasks on schedule, at cost, and achieving all requirements as either project lead, integrated program team lead or cost account manager
  • Experience with Earned Value Management (EVM) methodologies and tools
  • Demonstrated ability to plan for, identify, estimate, cost, acquire, schedule, and retire resources needed to satisfy program requirements within organizational constraints.
  • A current/active DoD Secret clearance is required

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in engineering or similar field
  • Experience leading RF product development and production
  • Experience managing various contract types to include CPFF, FPIF, FFP
  • Experience with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS)
  • Active/current DoD Top Secret clearance
  • Demonstrated ability to obtain additional clearances such as SAP or SCI
Primary Level Salary Range: $153,800.00 - $230,800.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939