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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

$106K/yr

You will serve as a PROGRAM SUPPORT MANAGER for the BOILER & UNFIRED PRESSURE VESSEL (BUPV) PROGRAM in the SHORE DEPARTMENT of NAVAL FACILITIES ENGINEERING AND EXPEDITIONARY WARFARE CENTER.

$63K/yr

The primary purpose of this position is to implement and manage the installation level Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program and serve as consultant to the installation or host Wing ...

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Program Manager Defense information

What is a program manager 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 defense?

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 defense 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.
What are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Hawaii? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Hawaii are:
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Hawaii as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Government Program Manager (Honolulu, HI)

Pacific Shipyards International, LLC

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$114K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Pacific Shipyards International (PSI) is searching for an experienced Government Program Manager to join our ship repair team in Hawaii.
Position Title: Government Program Manager
Reports To: Vice President of Programs
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Position Summary
PSI is the largest privately owned shipyard in Hawaii, with two of the largest dry docks in the state. We have been in business since 1944 and have a large labor force of skilled craftsman with a full support staff of professionals who comprise of engineering, project management, QA, EHS, accounting, contracts, and human resources.
We are seeking a qualified Government Program Manager to join our Programs Division in support of our Government ship repair contracts. The Government Program Manager will report to the Vice President of Programs and is responsible for the management and execution of Government and military ship repair program. The individual will thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with responsibility for managing a group of Project Managers and Ship Superintendents.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Navy ship repair, ideally having acted as a Project Manager on multiple depot level and intermediate-level ship repair availabilities. The candidate must have strong leadership skills to establish and maintain working relationships with different stakeholders, including owners, managers, estimators, engineers, subcontractors, supervisors, and production workers. The candidate must have a thorough understanding of Government contracts, ship repair estimating methods, and project scheduling fundamentals. The candidate must be comfortable negotiating large-value contract changes with the customer. Additionally, the candidate should have experience onboard ships with an understanding of marine engineering and shipboard equipment.
The Government Program Manager must be knowledgeable of planning and Project Management principles such as scheduling and work sequencing, risk management, performance management, and change management. The candidate must be effective in scheduling and coordinating multiple resources such as labor, equipment, material, and subcontract support.
The Government Program Manager must be capable of leading daily and weekly meetings with all stakeholders ranging from executive management to customers. These meetings may include production meetings, weekly progress meetings, conferences, and formal reviews.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Oversees and Manages the Project Management team on Government ship repair contracts
  • Ensures cost and schedule are maintained on all Government ship repair contracts
  • Coordinates, oversees, and approves contract changes
  • Interfaces with vessel's stakeholders on day-to-day matters

Education/Training/Skills:
  • Must have thorough knowledge of NAVSEA standard items
  • Excellent leadership, management, and communication skills
  • Experience as a Project Manager on Navy CNO Ship Repair Availabilities
  • Experience on Navy DDG ships, including DDG-51 and DDG-1000 class
  • Bachelor of Science in engineering or related field or equivalent work experience
  • Minimum requirement of 15 years of ship repair or marine industry experience
  • Minimum requirement of five (5) years of project management experience
  • Experience negotiating contract changes and providing labor estimates for ship repair
  • Thorough knowledge managing federal contracts
  • Knowledge of shipboard tag-out procedures and Navy Work Authorization (WAF) controls
  • Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project or similar scheduling software
Qualification/Requirements:
  • Must show proof of legal right to work in the United States and US Citizenship due to security clearance required for base access
  • Must be able to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and a Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) Credential to gain access to Navy base.
  • All candidates must submit to and pass a post-offer drug screening and background check.
  • Valid State of Hawaii REAL ID-Compliant Drivers' License in good standing or a valid U.S. Passport in addition to a valid Hawaii Driver's License, if you do not have a REAL ID-Compliant Driver's License, class 3 or higher
Our Values
Legacy: Family-owned throughout its history, PSI strives to fulfill the goals that motivated our founder in 1944: we dedicate ourselves wholly to caring for our customers so that they can continue to serve our community.
Commitment: PSI approaches every project with teamwork, determination, and focus. Commitment makes it possible for the most challenging of projects to be completed safely and on-time to consistently exceed our customer's expectations.
Integrity: Transparency, humility, and accountability are critical to every facet of our business. Leading with integrity allows PSI to continue to operate as the highest-performing commercial shipyard in the state.
Loyalty: At PSI, every employee relies on teammates without question and supports each other without pretense. Built on the foundations of trust, loyalty to one another is paramount.
Pay Range: $120,000-$180,000 annual salary to commensurate with experience.
We hope you will consider joining our team!
Qualified candidates are encouraged to visit www.pacificshipyards.com to apply.
Department: Programs This is a management position This is a full time position