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Program Manager Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager-Defense

Hudson, MI · On-site

$103K - $177K/yr

Defense programs are managed by utilizing resources from functional engineering and manufacturing groups. Responsibilities of the Program Manager is customer satisfaction and business unit ...

The Program Manager brings strong initiative and excellent communication skills to drive high-impact aerospace and defense programs. This includes creating and monitoring key performance metrics ...

The Program Manager brings strong initiative and excellent communication skills to drive high-impact aerospace and defense programs. This includes creating and monitoring key performance metrics ...

The Program Manager brings strong initiative and excellent communication skills to drive high-impact aerospace and defense programs. This includes creating and monitoring key performance metrics ...

Program Manager - Defense

Camas, WA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The Program Manager brings strong initiative and excellent communication skills to drive high-impact aerospace and defense programs. This includes creating and monitoring key performance metrics ...

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How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Program Manager in Defense?

A Program Manager in Defense is responsible for overseeing and coordinating large-scale defense projects, which may involve military equipment, technology systems, or defense-related services. They ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet all specified requirements and regulations. This role often includes working with cross-functional teams, managing contracts, and liaising with government agencies or military branches. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential, as is a thorough understanding of defense industry standards and protocols.

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

AspectProgram Manager DefenseProject Manager Defense
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple related projects, strategic planning, and overall program successManages individual projects, ensuring specific objectives are met within scope, time, and budget
CertificationsTypically PMP, PgMP, or similar certificationsUsually PMP or CAPM certifications
Work EnvironmentOften in defense contractors, government agencies, or military settingsSimilar environments, focusing on specific project deliverables
FocusStrategic coordination and long-term goalsTactical execution of individual projects

While both roles require project management skills and certifications like PMP, the Program Manager Defense oversees multiple projects and aligns them with strategic objectives, whereas the Project Manager Defense focuses on managing specific projects to meet immediate goals.

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

To thrive as a Program Manager in Defense, you need a strong background in project management, defense acquisition processes, and often a relevant degree such as engineering or business, with security clearance frequently required. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Project, Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), and DoD-specific platforms, as well as certifications like PMP or DAWIA, are typically expected. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills set top performers apart by enabling them to manage diverse teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure effective project execution, compliance with defense regulations, and successful delivery of critical programs within scope, budget, and timeline.

What are some common challenges a Program Manager in the defense sector faces when coordinating multidisciplinary teams?

Program Managers in the defense industry often encounter challenges such as balancing strict security requirements with timely project delivery, managing cross-functional teams that include engineers, analysts, and government stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with evolving defense regulations. Navigating complex stakeholder expectations and adapting to shifting project scopes are also frequent hurdles. Successful Program Managers proactively foster communication across teams and maintain detailed project documentation to address these challenges.
More about Program Manager Defense jobs
What cities are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs? Cities with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:
What states have the most Program Manager Defense jobs? States with the most job openings for Program Manager Defense jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs are:
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 22% Full Time, and 77% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Program Manager - Defense

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

ABOUT EAGLEPICHER

EaglePicher Technologies is driving the electrification of defense, aviation and space. We provide the broadest range of battery systems in the world for the most demanding applications. We develop leading-edge products that make drones fly higher, undersea vessels run longer, aircraft fly farther, rockets launch safely and satellites operate longer. With our cutting-edge research and manufacturing, we continue to set new standards in the industry. For 100 years, we have provided mission-critical power solutions to the defense, aviation and space markets. EaglePicher provides custom battery assemblies, battery management systems, pyrotechnic devices and other power solutions.

Our employees are passionate, dedicated and empowered to realize our vision.  We strive for the right mix of people with diverse backgrounds personalities and perspectives, and to ensure this works, we create an inclusive work environment that places a premium on communication and collaboration.  At EaglePicher, we will give you the opportunity to harness all that is within you with access to the latest tools, information and training.

EaglePicher is headquartered in Joplin, MO with manufacturing and research and development facilities in Joplin, MO, Seneca, MO, Pittsburg, KS, and Southbridge, MA.

For more information visit www.eaglepicher.com

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Program Manager, will be a hands-on-leader, managing, coordinating and reporting on program status and ensuring timely proposal development, proposal costing, program cost control and monitoring. The Program Manager will be the primary interface between the customer and internal teams regarding project status and identifying and resolving project problems and issues, providing timely reports on mitigating steps and actions taken to ensure timely deliverables, project success and quality.

Responsibilities

Your core responsibilities include:

  • Actively manage, serve as a hands-on leader, and drive program success across 3 development and manufacturing locations.
  • Provide leadership and direction for the functional groups within a multifunctional matrix organization to complete project deliverables in accordance with the customer contract.  Engineering and Operations coordination will be of heavy emphasis.
  • Ensure and maintain customer satisfaction, and achieve timely, quality completion of projects and meet forecasted targets in accordance with customers' performance and schedule requirements.
  • Responsible to document and track compliance to customer requirements along with developing technical solutions to address any and all identified gaps.
  • Responsible to translate projects milestones into a detailed projects timing plans, communicate and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders as needed to monitor and communicate status of project deliverables while managing expectations.
  • Track and report on the financial status of the program.
  • Lead the project team in practicing the principles of collaboration, prioritization, team accountability, and visibility. Facilitates and ensures optimal execution against the plan and consistency with the EaglePicher Product
  • Development and Commercialization processes.
  • Perform other functions as required.
Qualifications
  • U.S. Persons required due to contractual requirements.
  • Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or business related field.  A technical background in electronics or mechanical systems would be preferred.
  • 10-15 years' project leadership experience, with extensive customer interface.
  • Experience in Department of Defense (DoD) or Aerospace environment preferred.
  • Hands on manager with proven ability to lead and drive programs.
  • Demonstrable leadership skills and the ability to positively motivate a team.
  • Ability to travel a minimum of 30%-50%. 
  • Must have a good understanding of cross-functional responsibilities and navigate to matrix reporting relationships.

PERKS OF BEING AN EAGLEPICHER EMPLOYEESome of the great things about being an EaglePicher employee include:

  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance;
  • 10 paid holidays and PTO;
  • Matching 401K;
  • Annual Profit Sharing;
  • Tuition reimbursement;
  • Dependent scholarship programs.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME