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

Principal Program / Project Manager, R&D Location: Seaport, Boston, MA (Hybrid) Overview The R&D PMO team is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Program / Project Manager to lead ...

DCS 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 ...

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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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Principal Program Manager information

See Salem, MA salary details

$39.9K

$119.5K

$198.9K

How much do principal program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal program manager in Salem, MA is $119,531.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,900.00 and $136,600.00 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 Salem, MA are hiring for Principal Program Manager jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Principal Program Manager job openings in Salem, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,531 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Principal Program Manager

McBride

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

$165K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

McBride Consulting 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 Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA.

 

The Principal 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.

 

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

 



Requirements
Citizenship: Must be a US citizen

 

Minimum Required Qualifications

ClearanceMust have and be able to maintain a Top Secret Level Clearance with SCI eligibility

 

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
  • Acquisition Program Management
  • DoDI 5000 Series Acquisition Processes
  • Cost, Schedule, and Performance Management
  • Program Risk Management
  • Acquisition Documentation Development and Review
  • Acquisition Reporting (DAES, MARs, APBs, SARs)
  • Source Selection Support
  • RFP, SOW, and CDRL Development
  • Program Integration and Contractor Management
  • Microsoft Office Suite
Interpersonal Skills
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to lead multiple efforts simultaneously
  • Ability to work independently with minimal oversight
  • Strong mentoring and team development capabilities
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to develop and deliver executive-level briefings
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with Government and contractor personnel
  • Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment

 

Additional Information

Location: Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA

Travel: Travel may be required per the customer's discretion

 



Benefits
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance