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$32K

$120.1K

$200K

How much do program development manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for program development manager in the United States is $120,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $143,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Development Manager, you need strong project management abilities, strategic planning skills, and a background in program design, often supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software such as Asana or MS Project, and certifications like PMP, are commonly required for effective oversight. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills help drive collaboration and motivate teams. These competencies are crucial for delivering successful programs that meet organizational goals and stakeholder expectations.

What are some common challenges faced by Program Development Managers, and how can they address them?

Program Development Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning cross-functional teams, managing competing priorities, and ensuring that program goals meet both organizational and stakeholder needs. To address these challenges, effective communication, strong project management skills, and adaptability are essential. Regular check-ins with team members and stakeholders, clear goal-setting, and the use of project management tools can help streamline processes and keep programs on track. Building strong relationships across departments also facilitates smoother collaboration and problem-solving.

What does a Program Development Manager do?

A Program Development Manager is responsible for planning, developing, and overseeing programs within an organization. They identify program needs, design initiatives to meet organizational goals, and coordinate resources and staff to ensure successful implementation. Their duties often include managing budgets, evaluating program effectiveness, and making improvements based on feedback and results. This role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.

What is the highest paid program manager?

The highest paid program managers typically work in large technology, finance, or consulting firms, with salaries reaching over $150,000 annually, and senior or executive-level roles can earn significantly more, especially with bonuses and stock options. Experience, industry, location, and certifications like PMP or PgMP influence compensation levels.

What is the difference between Program Development Manager vs Project Manager?

AspectProgram Development ManagerProject Manager
Primary FocusOversees multiple related projects to achieve strategic goalsManages individual projects to meet specific objectives
ResponsibilitiesDevelops program strategies, coordinates projects, manages stakeholdersPlans, executes, and closes projects within scope, time, and budget
CredentialsOften requires a PMP or similar certification, relevant experienceTypically requires PMP or CAPM certification, project management experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, cross-project coordination, stakeholder communicationProject planning, team management, task execution

The Program Development Manager focuses on overseeing multiple projects aligned with strategic goals, while the Project Manager manages individual projects. Both roles require project management certifications and involve coordinating teams, but the Program Development Manager has a broader, strategic scope.

More about Program Development Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Program Development Manager jobs? Cities with the most Program Development Manager job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Program Development jobs? The most popular types of Program Development jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Program Development Manager jobs? The top employers for Program Development Manager jobs are:
What states have the most Program Development Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Program Development Manager jobs include:
Manager, Program Management - Development Programs (2026-073)

Manager, Program Management - Development Programs (2026-073)

Astronics Corporation

Kirkland, WA • On-site

$132.98K - $199.47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Astronics rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Astronics Subsidiary
Astronics AES
Location
Kirkland, WA
Description
Manager, Program Management - Development Programs
Astronics AES is seeking an exceptional Manager, Program Management to lead our Airborne Power & Control (APC) Development Programs. This role combines technical expertise, people leadership, and program management to advance aerospace power generation, conversion, and distribution in a highly collaborative, innovative environment.
Job Summary
The Manager, Development Programs (MDP) is responsible for positioning Astronics AES as a recognized leader in aircraft electrical power systems for small to mid-sized business jets, UAVs, and rotorcraft. This role leads a team of program managers, drives execution of complex development programs, and partners with senior leadership to shape the strategic direction of the Airborne Power business.
Key Responsibilities
  1. Performance Management and Coaching
    Lead, coach, and develop a team of development program managers. Set clear expectations, provide resources, solicit and act on feedback, and hold the team accountable for achieving business outcomes. Reinforce effective actions, eliminate non-value-added activity, and foster collaboration across the organization.
  2. Growth and Mentorship
    Build and develop talent within the Program Management organization. Encourage new ideas, give employees a voice, and recognize contributions. Communicate the company vision, share networks and best practices, and drive high levels of engagement. Support career growth through mentorship, training, and strategic work assignments.
  3. Senior Leadership
    Serve as a key leader in the Airborne Power business and on the Airborne Power & Control Program Management leadership team. Provide a strong cultural and leadership presence, contributing to business strategy and long-term direction for development programs.
  4. Program Leadership
    Lead complex product development programs from inception through production in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Use strong communication, problem-solving, technical decision-making, and disciplined project management to:
    • Build collaborative relationships with technical teams
    • Meet customer expectations and technical performance requirements
    • Achieve schedule milestones, NRE budgets, and recurring cost targets

In addition to directly leading programs, oversee the performance of programs managed by direct reports. Success is measured through semi-annual major project performance reviews and monthly program reviews with senior management.
  1. Customer Management and Contract Negotiation
    Build and manage strong relationships with external customers to reduce risk and ensure program success. Lead or oversee communications, expectation-setting, and negotiation of contracts and engineering change requests, particularly around technical changes and scope creep, to prevent NRE overruns and schedule slips. Success is evaluated through semi-annual project performance reviews.
  2. Cross-Functional Communication
    Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with engineering, operations, senior leadership, and external customers. Provide clear direction, plans, decisions, status, and issue resolution using email, formal correspondence, PowerPoint presentations, and MS Project as appropriate. Success is demonstrated through clear, concise monthly program reviews for senior management and quarterly performance reviews for customers.
  3. Quality and Continuous Improvement
    Support and, when assigned, lead quality and continuous improvement initiatives within the development program management group. This includes process and procedure improvements, cost reduction efforts, and schedule efficiency enhancements. Work with the Director of Program Management to define key initiatives and deliver them on time and within budget.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline. MBA preferred.
  • 8+ years of Program Management / Project Engineering experience in aerospace engineering development projects.

Eligibility Requirements
  • This role may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-controls laws or other applicable U.S.-government legal or contractual requirements. To assess whether any licenses, authorizations, or other exceptions are required, please indicate below whether you are a U.S. Person. If you are not a U.S. Person, the company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary. This information is collected solely for this compliance purpose.
  • An offer of employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment background screen and drug test, including cannabis screening.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Salary Range: $132,983 - $199,474 annually (Midpoint: $166,228).
    Actual compensation depends on experience, skills, education, certifications, market conditions, and business needs. It is not typical to be hired at or near the top of the range.
  • Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonuses also apply.

Comprehensive Benefits Package
  • Health & Well-being: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; optional critical illness and accident coverage.
  • Financial Security: 401(k) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid work arrangements for eligible positions, Employee Assistance Program, and a supportive culture encouraging balance.
  • Generous PTO: Starting at 120 hours annually, plus 12 paid holidays per year.

Position Requirements
As above
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
About the Organization
Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company's strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.
For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.
EOE Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
This position is currently accepting applications.

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