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Principal Program Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Program Manager will serve as the principal interface with the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer's Representative, PFPA leadership, corporate management, subcontractors, and other ...

PROGRAM MANAGER

Chesapeake, VA ยท On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

The Program Manager provides executive leadership across all aspects of program execution ... Act as the principal liaison between Government customers, military leadership, subcontractors ...

The Program Manager will serve as the principal interface with the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer's Representative, PFPA leadership, corporate management, subcontractors, and other ...

Program Manager-ICF

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$63K/yr

Principal Duties and Responsibilities: * Manages the program budget. * Responsible for quality of facility and equipment. * Serves as initial point of contact and agency liaison for families of ...

New

Serving as the principal point of contact with Federal law enforcement customer leadership and the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), the Program Manager will oversee all aspects of program ...

Program Manager

Quantico, VA ยท On-site

$198K - $331K/yr

Serving as the principal point of contact with Federal law enforcement customer leadership and the Contracting Officer Representative (COR), the Program Manager will oversee all aspects of program ...

Program Control Principal

Chantilly, VA ยท Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

Business Management Subcategory: Program Control Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: No ... This principal-level position requires deep government contracting knowledge, strong problem ...

The Program Manager serves as the primary interface with the Contracting Officer's Representative ... The principal place of performance will be EOIR Headquarters located in Falls Church, VA.

The Program Manager serves as the primary interface with the Contracting Officer's Representative ... The principal place of performance will be EOIR Headquarters located in Falls Church, VA.

The Program Manager serves as the primary interface with the Contracting Officer's Representative ... The principal place of performance will be EOIR Headquarters located in Falls Church, VA.

Program Manager

Falls Church, VA ยท On-site

$120 - $190/hr

The Program Manager serves as the primary interface with the Contracting Officer's Representative ... The principal place of performance will be EOIR Headquarters located in Falls Church, VA.

Program Control Principal

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

This role is responsible for developing, managing, and analyzing program budgets, forecasts, cost ... This principal-level position requires deep government contracting knowledge, strong problem ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Program Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$108.5K

$180.4K

How much do principal program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal program manager in Virginia is $108,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $123,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal program manager?

A Principal Program Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing large, complex projects or programs within an organization. They set strategic direction, coordinate cross-functional teams, and ensure that projects align with business goals. Principal Program Managers often manage budgets, timelines, and stakeholder communications, leveraging their experience to resolve issues and drive successful outcomes. Their work is critical in guiding both the execution and vision of major initiatives.

How does a principal program manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive complex projects forward?

A Principal Program Manager regularly partners with engineering, product, design, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and deliverables. They facilitate communication between teams, identify and mitigate roadblocks, and help set clear priorities, often acting as a bridge between technical and non-technical groups. This role also involves influencing decision-making at higher organizational levels and mentoring junior program managers to build a cohesive and effective team environment. Strong collaboration and leadership skills are essential, as Principal Program Managers are responsible for orchestrating the efforts of diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Program Manager, you need expertise in program management methodologies, strong leadership abilities, and typically a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, Agile frameworks, and certifications such as PMP or PgMP are highly valuable. Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and strategic thinking are essential soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for delivering complex programs successfully, aligning teams, and achieving organizational goals.

What is the difference between Principal Program Manager vs Program Manager?

AspectPrincipal Program ManagerProgram Manager
CredentialsTypically requires 8+ years of experience, PMP or similar certifications often preferredUsually 3-7 years of experience, often with relevant project management certifications
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-functional leadership, high-level project oversightProject execution, team coordination, day-to-day management
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, manufacturing, and large corporations for senior project rolesCommon across various industries for managing individual projects

The Principal Program Manager typically handles strategic, high-impact projects and leads multiple teams, requiring extensive experience and advanced certifications. In contrast, the Program Manager focuses on executing specific projects, managing teams, and ensuring project delivery. Both roles are vital but differ mainly in scope, responsibility, and seniority.

What are popular job titles related to Principal Program Manager jobs in Virginia?

For Principal Program Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Principal Program Manager jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Program Manager jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Principal Program Manager jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Principal Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Program Manager job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,454 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Program Manager

Nalu Federal

Falls Church, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Nalu Federal is a subsidiary company of the Kanaka Foundation - An NHO who's mission is to support Native Hawaiians.
You will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Annual membership to Costco or Sam's
  • 401K
  • ...and much, much more!

Position Summary:
The Program Manager serves as the senior contractor representative responsible for the successful performance of a large, complex, multi-site armed and unarmed security program supporting the Pentagon Force Protection Agency.
The Program Manager has overall responsibility for contract execution, workforce readiness, staffing, operational performance, customer engagement, regulatory compliance, quality, training, security-clearance administration, equipment accountability, financial performance, and subcontractor coordination.
The selected individual must be capable of directing continuous security operations across multiple PFPA facilities throughout Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. The Program Manager will serve as the principal interface with the Contracting Officer, Contracting Officer's Representative, PFPA leadership, corporate management, subcontractors, and other Government stakeholders.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Direct all contract operations and ensure continuous, compliant performance of armed and unarmed security services.
  • Maintain executive oversight of approximately 24/7/365 security operations at multiple National Capital Region facilities.
  • Ensure every security post is staffed with qualified, trained, licensed, medically cleared, physically capable, and appropriately cleared personnel.
  • Exercise authority over program management, staffing, scheduling, recruiting, training, logistics, quality control, security administration, and emergency response.
  • Serve as the primary contractor point of contact for the Contracting Officer and COR.
  • Remain available, or ensure an authorized alternate is available, for urgent Government consultation outside normal duty hours.
  • Lead the 30-day contract phase-in and transition from the incumbent contractor without interruption of security services.
  • Oversee incumbent workforce engagement, right-of-first-refusal activities, Collective Bargaining Agreement coordination, onboarding, credentialing, and personnel retention.
  • Develop, implement, and maintain the Project Management Plan, Management Plan, Staffing Plan, emergency recall plan, and other required contract plans.
  • Ensure the contractor maintains adequate relief personnel, reserve staffing, and surge forces without degrading permanent-post coverage.
  • Direct the recruiting, onboarding, qualification, and retention of Contract Security Officers, supervisors, screeners, training personnel, logisticians, and administrative personnel.
  • Monitor labor utilization, staffing levels, overtime, leave coverage, employee turnover, vacancies, and workforce readiness.
  • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local armed-security licensing requirements in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.
  • Coordinate with the Facility Security Officer to ensure compliance with the DD Form 254, NISPOM, DISS, CAC, Interim Secret, Secret, and TS/SCI requirements.
  • Ensure no employee begins productive performance without the required clearance, suitability, licensing, training, medical, physical, and weapons qualifications.
  • Oversee firearms, ammunition, radios, vehicles, uniforms, body armor, accountable property, and other contractor-furnished equipment.
  • Ensure implementation of the Quality Control Plan and timely correction of identified deficiencies.
  • Conduct recurring reviews of contract performance, staffing risk, customer concerns, employee conduct, safety, and operational readiness.
  • Lead monthly progress meetings with the Government and ensure agendas, minutes, action items, and required reports are delivered on time.
  • Ensure all contract deliverables are complete, accurate, timely, and compliant.
  • Coordinate and control subcontractor performance and ensure seamless integration across the entire contract team.
  • Maintain strict separation between Government and contractor supervisory responsibilities under this non-personal services contract.
  • Immediately elevate performance, security, safety, personnel, licensing, staffing, labor-relations, or financial risks that may affect mission performance.
  • Promote employee retention, professional conduct, accountability, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Mandatory Qualifications:
  • Final, adjudicated Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information eligibility.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Common Access Card.
  • Master's degree in security management, criminal justice, business administration, public administration, management, emergency management, or a closely related field.
  • Current Project Management Professional certification.
  • Current ASIS Physical Security Professional or Certified Protection Professional certification.
  • At least 10 years of experience in military physical security, law enforcement, armed-security operations, force protection, or a closely related field.
  • At least five years of experience managing large, complex security contracts.
  • At least three years managing a contract in direct support of the Department of Defense or a military customer.
  • Demonstrated experience managing multi-site, high-consequence, continuously staffed security operations.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of armed-security licensing, training, firearms qualification, use-of-force programs, quality control, clearance administration, emergency response, and workforce management.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and electronic contract-management, scheduling, reporting, and personnel-tracking systems.

Highly Desired Experience:
  • Experience supporting PFPA, the Pentagon, a military headquarters, or another high-security federal facility.
  • Experience transitioning a large incumbent federal workforce.
  • Experience managing unionized employees and Collective Bargaining Agreements.
  • Experience managing more than 200 armed-security personnel.
  • Experience administering FFP and labor-hour contract line items.
  • Experience with federal guard-force contracts involving Secret or TS/SCI requirements.
  • Experience managing subcontractors and similarly situated entities on a federal set-aside contract.

Conditions of Employment:
  • Must be a United States citizen.
  • Must successfully satisfy all Government suitability, background, access, and security requirements.
  • Must be able to work on-site in the National Capital Region.
  • Must be available for emergencies and urgent Government consultation outside normal working hours.
  • Must consent to use of the candidate's resume and execute a proposal commitment letter.
  • Employment is contingent upon contract award, Government approval, and verification of all qualifications.
  • The successful candidate is expected to remain in the position for at least 180 days following Government approval.

Kanaka Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information (family medical history), or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws. EEO/AA employer/Vet/Disabled.