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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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Program Manager Defense information

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.
What are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Kansas? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Spirit Defense - Senior Engineering Manager

Spirit Defense - Senior Engineering Manager

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview

This role is at Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boeing Company, at Spirit's Defense Business Unit ("Spirit Defense"). Spirit Defense is an independent supplier to the defense and space marketplace. Through innovative engineering and rapid prototyping excellence, Spirit Defense provides the capabilities, technologies and support customers need to succeed in their missions.


Responsibilities

Spirit Defense has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Engineering Manager (Level L) located in Wichita, KS; leading a multi-disciplined engineering team through emerging new programs in Hypersonic, Space, Unmanned aircraft, or Next Generation aircraft. In this role, you are responsible for leading the development and execution of your emerging program. You will provide technical leadership across all engineering disciplines with a focus on strategic initiatives that showcase Spirit Defense's high performance and technical expertise in the design and build of large structural assemblies. You should be well versed in a variety of composite and metal materials and processes, complex structures geometry, tooling requirements, stress and design processes.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Manage, mentor, and grow a team of engineers and first-level managers. This includes recruitment, career pathing, and fostering a culture of innovation and safety. Team includes, but limited to, Materials and Processes, Stress, Design, Dimensional Management, Weights, Liaison, and Systems Engineering. Provide technical leadership by providing direction
  • Participate in contract negotiations providing technical information to support Spirit Defense position and protect intellectual property.
  • Establish goals for performance based on contract requirements.
  • Able to establish a team that will translate the contract into organization tasks and ensures seamless integration of Engineering to Program IPTs and Capabilities
  • Oversee the integration of technical, cost, budget, and schedule of the program
  • Provides direction on organizational designs that enhance effectiveness, defining roles and responsibilities within organization.
  • Identify, assess, and drive to closure any technical risks or opportunities associated with your program

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Deep knowledge of engineering for producibility, measurement, and inspection processes, experience in design and stress engineering through technical leadership and management, business acumen, managing with influence, interpersonal relationships and communication, teambuilding, continuous improvement. Ability to be an authoritative speaker at customer reviews, technical conferences, and executive management.


Qualifications

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, or other related course of study obtained from an ABET accredited engineering program or equivalent international accreditation
  • 15+ years of relevant engineering experience, including at least 5 years in a significant leadership or managerial role.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong presentation skills
  • Strong emotional intelligence skills and professional presence to be able to work with company executives and customers.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.
  • Ability to travel (<10% expected)

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Master's or Doctor of Science degree from an accredited course of study, science, engineering, or other related course of study obtained from an ABET accredited engineering program or equivalent international accreditation
  • Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams
  • Experience with new programs
  • Active Secret DoD security clearance
  • Network across the aerospace and defense industry
  • Experience in collaborating with executive-level managers and managing complex engineering designs
  • Experience with Program Management Best Practices (Risk, Issue, and Opportunity Management, Enterprise Standard Gated Process, Baseline Management, etc.)

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range: Level L - $142,500 - $218,500

Kansas Tax Credit: Join Spirit AeroSystems' Kansas team and you may be eligible for a $5,000 state of Kansas Aviation tax credit for up to five years. Click here for more information on the tax credit.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.


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