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Principal Program Manager information

See Bowie, MD salary details

$35.2K

$105.6K

$175.7K

How much do principal program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal program manager in Bowie, MD is $105,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,100.00 and $120,700.00 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 Bowie, MD are hiring for Principal Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Bowie, MD with the most Principal Program Manager job openings:

Principal Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Program Manager job openings in Bowie, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,612 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Principal Program Manager (PEG Chief)

Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd.

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Position Summary
Odyssey Systems has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Program Manager providing support to the Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management Division (C3BM).
Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (C3BM) has been tasked with delivering an integrated Department of the Air Force (DAF) Battle Network providing resilient decision advantage and enabling the USAF, USSF, Joint, and Coalition Force to win against the pacing challenge. C3BM supports execution in many different focus areas. C3BM's main efforts are Architecture and Systems Engineering (ASE), Operational Response Team (ORT), and multiple mission integration teams such as Air, Maritime and multiple acquisitions consisting of both the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) and Space.
The DAF BATTLE NETWORK is the integrated system-of-systems fusing sensors, effectors, and sustainment grids to build situational awareness, make operational decisions, and direct the force to create needed lethal and nonlethal effects in support of the Joint Force Commander's scheme of maneuver. The DAF PEO C3BM has the responsibility of technically and programmatically integrating the DAF's larger system-of-systems architecture needed to deliver an integrated Command and Control (C2) core function for the DAF, Joint, and Coalition forces, by teaming with all other DAF PEOs, as needed.
This is a full time position located at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), Washington, DC and is 100% onsite.
Responsibilities
We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Program Manager to provide comprehensive support to Government Program Managers across a variety of acquisition programs. This position requires expert knowledge of the FAR, DoDI 5000.02, AFI 63-101/20-101, AFPAM 63-128, and other applicable regulations. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in acquisition reporting, program strategy development, and life cycle program execution to ensure compliance and mission success for special interest programs designated by the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA).
Duties include but not limited to:
  • Conduct planning, research, analysis, and assessments to formulate strategies that meet program cost, schedule, and performance goals.
  • Support efforts to reduce cost and schedule for acquisition and development programs.
  • Deliver program-level acquisition support to Program Managers and Integrated Product Team (IPT) Leads to maintain acquisition rhythm and deliver warfighter capability.
  • Analyze program execution and provide actionable insights to maintain cost, schedule, and performance metrics.
  • Develop and support briefings, schedules, and status updates for senior leadership.
  • Contribute program management input to RFPs, including system specs, SRDs, SOWs, and CDRLs.
  • Review and comment on acquisition documentation such as ADMs, LCSPs, APBs, Risk Management Plans, PMRs, and milestone decision briefings.
  • Prepare statutory and regulatory acquisition reports and milestone documentation per DoDI 5000.02.
  • Implement and execute acquisition and development processes with government and contractor stakeholders.
  • Provide non-technical acquisition program guidance aligned with DoDD 5000.1, DoDI 5000.02, NSSAP 03-02, and relevant DoD/AF/AFMC/AFLCMC policies.
  • Identify policy disconnects and interpret acquisition policy for effective execution.
  • Advise Program Managers on best practices to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • Assist in developing and evaluating acquisition strategies, technical approaches, risk assessments, and requirements.
  • Support both Urgent Capability Acquisitions (UCAs) and Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) activities per DoDI 5000.80 and 5000.81.
  • Coordinate with program scheduling personnel and support scheduling activities.
  • Develop and maintain program risk management plans per RI3 Guidebook and facilitate program risk reviews.
  • Support the development of acquisition reports such as MARs, SARs, DAES, APBs, and others required for ACAT I-III programs.
  • Utilize tools like Microsoft Office, IDECS, EDA, CCaR, and other DoD/OSD systems to manage documentation and reporting.
  • Prepare and submit funding documentation such as Purchase Requests, MIPRs, and Purchase Orders; requires familiarity with CCaR.
  • Assist in the preparation of acquisition-related briefings, graphics, and reports.
  • Provide critical support across Life Cycle Logistics and operational supportability efforts.
  • Evaluate program alignment by comparing direction and planning documents.
  • Monitor prime contractor deliverables, schedules, integration plans, and IT system interfaces.
  • Draft contractual correspondence related to program management issues.
  • Assist with source selection strategy development, including evaluation criteria and RFP support.
  • Stay current on acquisition reform policies and advise on impacts to programs, including RDC, Spiral, and Incremental Development.
  • Support mission execution through operational planning, analysis, event integration, execution, and post-event reporting.
  • Ensure MPE systems support capability demonstrations, test events, and meet OFP schedule requirements.
  • Support MPE program documentation such as BCRDs, APBs, ADMs, MARs, RDOCs, and obligation/spend plans.
  • Ensure MPEs meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives and align with MAJCOM operational needs.
  • Prepare and evaluate ECPs and RFPs for MPEC DOs and provide technical recommendations.
  • Develop key incentive clause criteria for MPEC-II DOs.
  • Correlate EVM cost performance data with monthly IMS CDRLs and support risk evaluations.
  • Provide guidance on DoD directives and AFIs including 5000.1/2, 62-601, 63-101, 63-124, 63-1201, AFPD 62-6, and others.
  • Bring experience in Mission Planning Independent Validation, Verification & Evaluation, FQT, and software development evaluations.
  • Identify and address policy gaps across acquisition and sustainment projects.

Qualifications
Citizenship: Must be a US citizen
Minimum Required Qualifications
Clearance: Must have and be able to maintain a Top Secret Level Clearance
Preferred Qualifications
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
  • Familiar with cloud-based systems, including management and projection of cost and performance
  • Familiar with agile methods and CI/CD, DevSecOps and DevOps principals
  • Comprehensive knowledge of principles, policies and practices of systems acquisition and program management, as defined in DoDI 5000.02 and 5000.75, as well as knowledge of roles and relationships within the DoD and the Air Force
  • Possess knowledge of qualitative and quantitative techniques for gathering, analyzing, and measuring the effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of acquisition programs
  • Possesses the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing, providing quality acquisition and program documentation including but not limited to briefings, documents, and plans.

Technical Skills
  • Deep understanding of DoDI 5000.02, AFI 63-101/20-101, AFPAM 63-128, and relevant policy guidance
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CCaR, IDECS, EDA, and other acquisition systems
  • Experience with EVM, IMS, MAR, SAR, DAES, and milestone documentation
  • Expertise in risk management methodologies and frameworks
  • Familiarity with OFP development, MPE fielding, and mission planning systems

Interpersonal Skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication abilities
  • Proven ability to collaborate with senior leadership and multidisciplinary teams
  • Analytical and detail-oriented with the ability to think strategically
  • Capable of managing complex acquisition initiatives in a high-paced environment

Additional Information
Location: Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), Washington, DC and is 100% onsite
Travel: Occasional CONUS travel may be required
#LI-MK1
Company Overview
Odyssey is a world-class technical, engineering, and integration company serving the warfighting ecosystem with airborne integration, ISR, C2, and warfighter readiness capabilities. Odyssey meets the military's operational needs by integrating layered defense systems from equipment, technology, and services to data, information, and business operations. We streamline defense acquisition and sustainment, engineering the technical battlefield with domain-specific proficiency to ensure lethality. Odyssey is dedicated to excellent contract execution, peak organizational performance, and fostering a workplace built on employee care.
Odyssey is proud to live out our core values of commitment, ambition, and respect in our work and communities through OdysseyCares, a philanthropic group focused on giving back through direct donations, an employer match program, and volunteering events.
Please note: Final compensation for this position will be determined by various factors such as the Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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