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Lieutenant Colonel Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Quantico, VA · On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Retired Marine Corps Colonel (O-6) or Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) with significant MEF or TECOM experience. * Former MSTP, MAGTFTC, TECOM, MEF G-3/G-37, MOCTT, or equivalent leadership experience.

Lieutenant Colonel information

See Virginia salary details

$42.6K

$81K

$131.9K

How much do lieutenant colonel jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for lieutenant colonel in Virginia is $81,027.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $107,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lieutenant colonel?

A Lieutenant Colonel is a senior field-grade military officer rank, typically just above Major and below Colonel. In most armed forces, a Lieutenant Colonel commands a battalion or regiment, which can include several hundred to over a thousand personnel. They are responsible for leading operations, managing subordinate officers, and planning missions. This rank requires significant leadership experience and a strong track record of performance. Promotion to Lieutenant Colonel is competitive and involves both time in service and demonstrated capability.

What are the key leadership challenges faced by a lieutenant colonel in managing field operations and administrative responsibilities?

A Lieutenant Colonel often balances commanding units in dynamic operational environments while also overseeing significant administrative tasks such as personnel management, training schedules, and resource allocation. One of the main challenges is maintaining clear communication and cohesion across diverse teams, especially in high-pressure situations. Additionally, the role requires adapting leadership styles to support both junior officers and enlisted personnel, ensuring mission success while fostering professional development. Effective delegation and time management are crucial to juggle these varied responsibilities successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lieutenant colonel?

To thrive as a Lieutenant Colonel, you need extensive leadership experience, a strong understanding of military strategy, and typically a bachelor's degree alongside completion of advanced military education such as Command and General Staff College. Familiarity with military planning systems, operational management software, and secure communications platforms is essential. Strong decision-making, adaptability, and interpersonal skills are crucial for leading diverse teams and managing complex missions. These competencies ensure effective unit leadership, mission success, and the ability to operate in high-pressure environments.

What is the difference between Lieutenant Colonel vs Major?

AspectLieutenant ColonelMajor
Required CredentialsMilitary commission, officer training, advanced leadership experienceMilitary commission, officer training, leadership experience
Work EnvironmentMilitary units, command roles, strategic planningMilitary units, operational roles, tactical planning
Employer & Industry UsageArmy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy (as a senior officer)Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy (as a mid-level officer)

Lieutenant Colonels and Majors both serve as officers in the military, often in leadership roles. The main difference lies in their rank and level of responsibility, with Lieutenant Colonels typically overseeing larger units and strategic planning, while Majors focus on operational and tactical tasks. Both roles require similar credentials and are integral to military command structures.

What can a Lieutenant Colonel do?

A Lieutenant Colonel is a senior military officer responsible for commanding battalions or units, overseeing operations, training, and personnel management. They often serve in leadership roles within their branch, make strategic decisions, and may specialize in areas such as logistics, intelligence, or combat tactics. The position typically requires extensive experience, leadership skills, and relevant military certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Lieutenant Colonel jobs in Virginia?

For Lieutenant Colonel jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Lieutenant Colonel job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,027 per year, or $39 per hour.

Program Manager

Threat Tec, LLC

Quantico, VA • On-site

$145K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Threat Tec, LLC, a rapidly growing Veteran-Owned Business, is the leader of Operational Environment (OE) replication and Threat Emulation/Wargaming solutions. Threat Tec brings innovative thinking and extensive experience to complex challenges for public and private sector customers. We work alongside our nation's defenders, developing solutions that drive success and protect our future. Join a team that is embodied by an unwavering commitment to professionalism, honesty, and innovation.

Position Summary 

Threat Tec is seeking a senior Program Manager to lead execution of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Staff Training Program (MSTP) Support Services contract. The Program Manager serves as the senior corporate representative responsible for overall contract execution, customer engagement, workforce management, quality assurance, and successful delivery of support across the full Exercise Life Cycle. 

The ideal candidate is a retired senior military officer or experienced defense contractor with extensive Marine Corps operational planning and exercise experience, capable of serving as a trusted advisor to MSTP leadership while leading a multidisciplinary contractor workforce.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Serve as the primary interface with PM TRASYS, the Contracting Officer, COR, and MSTP leadership.  

  • Lead all aspects of contract execution, workforce management, quality assurance, and customer engagement.  

  • Direct a multidisciplinary workforce supporting Exercise Design, Modeling & Simulation, MAGTF Analytics, Documentation, Security, Knowledge Management, and Communications & Information Systems.  

  • Oversee staffing, recruiting, retention, subcontractor integration, and transition activities.  

  • Ensure timely delivery of all CDRLs, reports, and program management requirements.  

  • Support planning conferences, Exercise Life Cycle events, and major MEF, MEB, Joint, and Combined training exercises.  

  • Manage contract risks, schedule, budget, and performance while rapidly responding to changing operational requirements.  

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent military experience.  

  • 15+ years of progressively responsible leadership supporting Marine Corps, Joint, or Combatant Command operations or training.  

  • 5+ years managing large DoD programs or complex professional services contracts.  

  • Experience leading geographically dispersed teams supporting operational exercises.  

  • Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility.  

Highly Desired Qualifications
  • Retired Marine Corps Colonel (O-6) or Lieutenant Colonel (O-5) with significant MEF or TECOM experience.  

  • Former MSTP, MAGTFTC, TECOM, MEF G-3/G-37, MOCTT, or equivalent leadership experience.  

  • Experience supporting the full Exercise Life Cycle, including planning conferences, FINEX, and after-action activities.  

  • Experience leading contractor support for Marine Corps staff training or command post exercises.  

  • PMP certification. 

$145,000 - $175,000 a year
This position is contingent upon contract award, funding, and/or customer approval. The anticipated salary range is $145,000-$175,000 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on the awarded labor category, work location, candidate qualifications, security clearance, certifications, internal equity, and applicable contract requirements.
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Threat Tec, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employers (EEO/AA). All employment and hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, nationality, gender, ethnic origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and/or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request assistance by contacting [email protected] or calling 757-240-4305.

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