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Principal Program Manager Jobs in Bolton, MA (NOW HIRING)

Principal Technical Program Manager

Woburn, MA ยท On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

The Role The Principal Technical Program Manager owns end-to-end execution of VEIR product development, from ideation through at-scale production and deprecation, against VEIR's Product Development ...

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McBride Consulting has an exciting opportunity for a Principal FMS Program Manager providing support to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/C3M), Mission Planning Division. The Mission ...

Principal Technical Program Manager

Woburn, MA ยท On-site

$141K - $182K/yr

The Role The Principal Technical Program Manager owns end-to-end execution of VEIR product development, from ideation through at-scale production and deprecation, against VEIR's Product Development ...

Program Manager, Principal - Secret

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$123K - $200K/yr

DCS has an exciting opportunity for a Program Manager SME (Principal) supporting the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/PEO Electronic Systems Directorate (AFLCMC/HB) within the HBU Force ...

Applied Research Solutions is seeking a Principal Acquisitions Program Manager to work at Hanscom AFB in Bedford, MA. Why Work with us? Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class ...

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Showing results 21-40

Principal Program Manager information

See Bolton, MA salary details

$32.1K

$96.3K

$160.2K

How much do principal program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal program manager in Bolton, MA is $96,292.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,800.00 and $110,000.00 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 cities near Bolton, MA are hiring for Principal Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Bolton, MA with the most Principal Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Principal Program Manager job openings in Bolton, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,292 per year, or $46.3 per hour.

Principal FMS Program Manager

Astrion

Hanscom Air Force Base, MA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Overview
Principal FMS Program Manager
LOCATION:Hanscom AFB, MA
Salary Range: $150,000 - $165,000 annually*
*depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications
JOB STATUS: Full-time; salaried
CLEARANCE:Secret clearance required
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Principal FMS Program Manager to directly support the USAF Mission Planning Division (AFLCMC/C3M), which is within the USAF Digital Directorate and located at the Hanscom AFB in Bedford Massachusetts.
The Mission Planning Division leads the development, modernization, and sustainment of enterprise Mission Planning Systems (MPS) supporting all U.S. Air Force aviation platforms. The Division delivers modular, integrated mission planning capabilities that connect operational tasking and intelligence data with aircraft avionics and aircrew mission requirements. By enabling aircrews to electronically receive and process tasking orders, intelligence inputs, target coordinates, and mission-critical flight and weapons data, MPS enhances combat effectiveness, increases sortie generation rates, and improves aircrew readiness and survivability across the Combat Air Forces (CAF) and Mobility Air Forces (MAF).
In parallel with sustaining current mission planning capabilities, the Division is developing the next-generation Joint Mission Planning System Open Mission System (JOMS), a cloud-based, micro-service architecture designed to accelerate planning timelines, enhance collaboration, and deliver containerized services tailored to operational needs. Working closely with program managers, developers, industry partners, and the user community, the team is shaping the future of agile, modern mission planning. Major customers include Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), and Air Education and Training Command (AETC).
Even more specifically, this is a dynamic, fast-paced Foreign Military Sales (FMS) organization supporting partner nations around the world employing the USAF developed and tailored for country Mission Planning Environment supporting their F-16 combat aircraft.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must have and be able to maintain an ative Secret clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:
  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in a related field
  • Years of experience: 20+ years of experience with 12+ years of experience in the DoD

TECHNICAL SKILLS:
  • DoD acquisition program management support across the acquisition lifecycle
  • Knowledge of FAR, DoDI 5000.02, AFI 63-101/20-101, and related acquisition guidance
  • Program risk management and acquisition reporting
  • Cost, schedule, and performance management
  • Development and review of acquisition documentation and milestone packages
  • Experience supporting IPTs, PMRs, and acquisition reviews
  • Familiarity with Agile methodologies, DevSecOps, and cloud-based systems
  • Experience with acquisition and financial systems including CCaR, IDECS, EDA, and Microsoft Office Suite
  • Knowledge of EVM analysis and Integrated Master Schedules (IMS)

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to develop and present briefings to senior leadership
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced acquisition environment
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within Government and contractor teams

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Principal FMS Program Manager will provide acquisition and program management support to Government Program Managers and Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) across the acquisition lifecycle. The position supports program execution activities involving cost, schedule, performance, risk management, acquisition documentation, milestone preparation, contractor coordination, and program reporting in support of Air Force acquisition programs.
More specifically, they will work in a blended F-16 FMS Integrated Product Team (IPT) of Government Civilians and contractor support totaling approximately 11 people. There will be daily interface with other FMS Mission Planning platform IPTs, engineering, finance, and contracting. They will work with platform country Security Assistance Program Manager (SAPM) IPTs, AFSAC, DSCA, SAF/IA, and other system managers to execute development, deployment, and sustainment of the Mission Planning System in support customers.
Duties include, but not limited to:
  • Support Government Program Managers in executing acquisition programs in accordance with FAR, DoDI 5000.02, and applicable Air Force guidance and regulations
  • Plan, research, analyze, and assess acquisition projects to support cost, schedule, and performance objectives
  • Provide acquisition program management support to Program Managers and IPT Leads to maintain acquisition battle rhythm and deliver operational capability
  • Support development and review of acquisition documentation including Acquisition Strategies, APBs, LCSPs, Risk Management Plans, milestone briefings, and other program documentation
  • Assist with preparation and review of acquisition reports including DAES, MARs, APBs, SARs, and other statutory and regulatory documentation
  • Support program risk management activities including risk identification, analysis, handling, monitoring, and execution of risk management boards and working groups
  • Develop and support briefings, schedules, status reports, graphics, and acquisition documentation for senior leadership
  • Support source selection activities including development of evaluation criteria, RFP documentation, CDRLs, SOWs, and source selection support documentation
  • Review acquisition and program documentation to ensure consistency, completeness, and compliance with applicable guidance
  • Support implementation and execution of acquisition and development processes in coordination with Government and contractor personnel
  • Assist with program integration activities, contractor deliverable tracking, and schedule management
  • Support preparation and submission of funding documentation including Purchase Requests, MIPRs, and related acquisition documentation
  • Monitor and support interface control and coordination between program systems and stakeholders
  • Provide guidance on acquisition policies, procedures, and program management best practices
  • Support operational planning, capability development, event integration, analysis, and reporting activities
  • Maintain awareness of DoD acquisition reform initiatives and recommend process improvements where applicable

FMS Components:
  • Extensive foundation in AF and DoW principles, policies, and practices of program management to plan, research, analyze, and assess Mission Planning System Environment acquisition throughout development, production, deployment, sustainment, and case closure based on the FMS total package approach.
  • Formulate execution strategies to accommodate cost, schedule, and performance objectives.
  • Serve as the primary, non-decisional representative for the F-16 FMS IPT to assigned international customers.
  • Lead development and validation of Pricing and Availability (P&A) responses to Letter of Requests (LORs) for Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs).
  • Act as the lead to interface across the highly complex FMS community, including SAF/IA, AFSAC, DSCA, SAPM IPTs, and the Foreign Disclosure Office (FDO).
  • Extensive program management experience with FMS software product development, delivery, and sustainment.
  • Extensive FMS program management experience with hardware procurement, delivery, and sustainment process to support the Mission Planning software deployment.
  • Extensive international stakeholder management and diplomatic etiquette.
  • Highly capable of rapidly and accurately producing P&As in response to country LORs for LOAs.
  • Understanding of differences between standard FMS and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programs.
  • Able to develop and present briefings of various content for supported US Government office or foreign partner presentations.

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