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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Lead Program Manager

Woburn, MA ยท On-site

$147K - $200K/yr

At STR, Defense Systems Researchers study complex defense technologies and systems by developing ... The Role The SAAM Group is seeking a Lead Program Manager with an engineering background to manage ...

Sr. Program Manager

Wilmington, MA

$126K - $127K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain, or similar discipline required. * 10+ years of relevant experience in the Defense industry * 5+ Years of program Management Experience on ...

Lead Program Manager

Woburn, MA ยท On-site

$147K - $200K/yr

At STR, Defense Systems Researchers study complex defense technologies and systems by developing ... The Role The SAAM Group is seeking a Lead Program Manager with an engineering background to manage ...

Principal Program Manager

Woburn, MA ยท On-site

$188K - $250K/yr

... highly specific Defense (e.g., Air Force, Space Force, Navy, DARPA, etc.) and Intelligence ... The APEX Group is seeking an experienced Program Manager, ideally with a background in RF sensing ...

Principal Program Manager

Woburn, MA ยท On-site

$188K - $250K/yr

Experience in non-traditional defense acquisition efforts, such as small-business and rapid ... Experience managing Research and Development programs * Proficiency in all Microsoft Office ...

Program Manager 2

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$100K - $275K/yr

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... We are seeking a Program Manager 2 for Air Force and Missile Defense Strategic Systems - Leading ...

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... We are seeking a Program Manager 2 for Air Force and Missile Defense Strategic Systems - Leading ...

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... We are seeking a Program Manager 2 for Air Force and Missile Defense Strategic Systems - Leading ...

Experience in non-traditional defense acquisition efforts, such as small-business and rapid ... Experience managing Research and Development programs * Proficiency in all Microsoft Office ...

Sr Program Manager

Wilmington, MA ยท On-site

$126K - $127K/yr

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. Program Manager to join our team in supporting ...

Sr Program Manager

Wilmington, MA ยท On-site

$126K - $127K/yr

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. Program Manager to join our team in supporting ...

Sr Program Manager

Wilmington, MA

$126K - $127K/yr

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. Program Manager to join our team in supporting ...

Sr Program Manager

Wilmington, MA ยท On-site

$126K - $127K/yr

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. Program Manager to join our team in supporting ...

Sr. Program Manager

Wilmington, MA

$126K - $127K/yr

Function as the primary company interface to ensure customer satisfaction Qualifications * 10+ years of relevant experience in the Defense industry * 5+ Years of program Management Experience on ...

Program Manager FOG

Bedford, MA ยท On-site

$170K - $184K/yr

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Program Manager to join a Front Office Group within a Department of Defense setting. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing ...

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... The Program Manager will be accountable for managing new programs as well as establishing new ...

Program Manager IV

Acton, MA ยท On-site

$140K - $257K/yr

... defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and ... A Senior Program Manager for Space Payloads leads the development, testing, and delivery of space ...

Sr. Program Manager

Wilmington, MA

$126K - $127K/yr

Master's degree in Business Administration (preferred) * 7+ years of program management experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace and defense. * Experience planning and managing ...

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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 Massachusetts? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Massachusetts look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Massachusetts are:
What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs? Cities in Massachusetts with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:
Lead Program Manager

Lead Program Manager

STR

Woburn, MA โ€ข On-site

$147K - $200K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

About the Teamย 

The Sensors Division at STR focuses on technology development for advanced sensor systemsย and platforms in support of national security.ย ย At STR, Defense Systems Researchers study complex defense technologies and systems by developing representative, physics-basedย models, analyzing data, developing metrics of performance, and evaluating against mission requirements.ย ย In addition, the researcher will often integrate the algorithms and control systems that are critical to operations of modern defense systems.ย 

The Systems Autonomy, Analysis, and Modeling (SAAM) Group within the Sensors Divisionย studies and develops novel concepts for the next-generation ground-based, airborne, and space-based RF and EO/IR sensor systems and platforms. We perform systems and operational analysis using a combination of low, medium, and high-fidelity modeling, simulation, and analysis tools to inform systems designs and development. Our main customer focus is on Air Force, Navy, and DARPA research programs.ย 

The Roleย 

The SAAM Group is seeking aย Leadย Program Manager with an engineering background to manage a portfolio of programs focused on modeling and simulation as well as autonomy development.ย You will manage multi-disciplinary teams of researchers, scientists, and engineers spread across multiple STR campuses to meet cost, schedule, and performanceย objectivesย on innovative, complex, and challenging national security programs. Your areas of specific focus will include building and executing programmatic baselines, including personnel, deliverables, and subcontractor management plans whileย anticipatingย risks, resolving resource, security, and contracting challenges, and meeting or managing customer, sponsor, and leadership expectations.ย 

A successful candidate will have recent experience leading programs in either a program manager or engineering capacity, with experience in several of the following areas: modeling and simulation, systems engineering, test & evaluation, software architecture, resource management, operational analysis, systems autonomy, and/or communications. This position requires competency in leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams, navigating complex security environments, briefing senior leadership, cultivating positive, collaborative, and productive work environments, and a strongย proficiencyย in all aspects of program management. Strong interpersonal, communication, mentorship, and peer-leadership skills are alsoย required.ย 

What you will do:ย 

  • Effectively execute multiple programs ensuring cost, schedule and technical program metrics are being tracked and within plan
  • Support proposals by providing expertiseย in proposal development while ensuring adherence to a gated capture process
  • Creating Subcontractor statements of work and manage/track Subcontractors to ensure proper execution
  • Work with lead engineers to lead multi-functional teams
  • Provide regular program briefs to Group and Division Leadership
  • Create and maintainingย an environment that fosters collaboration by giving clear direction and constructive feedback to the team
  • Monitor progress against goals: anticipateย risks, resolve issues, andย initiateย corrective actions as appropriate
  • Identifyย andย addressย security classificationย constraintsย 

Who you are:ย 

  • Active Security Clearance at the Secret levelย and the ability to obtain Top-Secret Clearance, for which U.S citizenship is needed by the U.S government
  • Technical Undergraduate Degree and minimum of 8 years of prior relevant experience in Government contracting or research and development
  • Program Manager,ย Control Account Manager, or Subcontracts Manager experience in a design and development and/or build contract including Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) definition, schedule generation, financial analysis/reporting, and resource management
  • Experience in Proposal Management including planning and cost estimation
  • Experience understanding challenges and constraints of working within security classificationenvironments
  • Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
  • Successful experience in leading and managing multi-discipline teams
  • Strong presentation and organizational skillsย 

Even Better:ย 

  • Active Top-Secret security clearance
  • Experience with advanced RF or EO/IR system concepts, operational and systems analysis, and autonomy behaviors and optimization
  • Experience evaluating the impact of system capabilities on operational scenarios
  • Experience managing projects larger than $5M for the Department of Defense
  • Risk and Opportunity Management experience
  • Experience managing Research and Development programs
  • Proficiencyย in all Microsoft Office applications including but not limited to MS Project, Word, Excel, and PowerPointย 

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $147,000 - $200,000

The salary range listed is based on external market data. Offers are based on factors, such as but not limited to, the candidate's experience, education, training, key skills/critical skills, security clearances, and prevailing market and business conditions.