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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$166 - $255/hr

Sr. Program Manager Description Who We Are Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi ... We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ...

Sr. Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$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 ...

Sr Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$165.70 - $254.90/hr

Sr Program Manager Description Textron Systems is part of Textron, a $14 billion, multi-industry ... We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ...

Sr Program Manager

Acton, MA · On-site

$127K - $128K/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 ...

$95K - $110K/yr

... SAR), Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES), Acquisition Program Baseline (APB), and ... Manager regarding problems with unique or controversial items that may have a major effect on the ...

Sr. Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

$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 ...

Program Manager 1

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... The Program Manager 1 is responsible for overseeing the execution of the full lifecycle of small to ...

$113K - $140K/yr

Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES), Monthly Activity Report (MAR), etc.). * Support program management reviews, senior level meeting/reviews, and IMP/IMS reviews. * Support and develop ...

Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES), Monthly Activity Report (MAR), etc.). * Support program management reviews, senior level meeting/reviews, and IMP/IMS reviews. * Support and develop ...

Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES), Monthly Activity Report (MAR), etc.). * Support program management reviews, senior level meeting/reviews, and IMP/IMS reviews. * Support and develop ...

$113K - $140K/yr

Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES), Monthly Activity Report (MAR), etc.). * Support program management reviews, senior level meeting/reviews, and IMP/IMS reviews. * Support and develop ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Full-time

Re-posted 20 hours ago


General Dynamics Mission Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Bachelor's degree or equivalent relevant experience is required, plus a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus a minimum of 6 years of relevant experience to meet managerial expectations.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is required at time of hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.


General Dynamics Mission Systems has an immediate opening for a Program Manager responsible for managing the Combat System Engineering Agent (CSEA) contract and Virtual Ship (V-Ship) proposal and execution efforts. The position provides an opportunity to enhance the performance and profitability of an organization that supports some of our nation’s fundamental defense services.  General Dynamics Mission Systems employees work closely with esteemed customers to develop solutions that allow them to carry out high-stakes national security missions.
As aspiring leaders, General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) believes there are several enabling behaviors which will influence your success. These behaviors will also serve as leading indicators of likely success (or difficulty), and will be used by your manager in evaluating your performance and growth as a leader, and will serve to build trust from your teams, your customer, and the organization. These behaviors are:

  • Develop yourself
  • Develop others
  • Be a team player
  • Communicate effectively
  • Develop and sustain the relationships you need to be successful
  • Shape culture and positively impact the morale, motivation, and engagement of those around you
  • Operate at the right level and deliver on your commitments
  • Think and act strategically
  • Confront reality
  • Take reasonable, managed risks

It is expected the successful candidate will utilize these tenets so they can build on their own essential skills and traits.

 

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND TASKS:

  • Uses proposal plans and strategies to lead team in developing, defining, and implementing cohesive, integrated program/product, subcontractor, and material plans, and business plans that achieve overall current and long-term objectives of the program/product, business unit, and division
  • Identifies needed resources for projects, defines and assigns major program roles
  • Leads the establishment of and sets integrated WBS-based budget and schedule baselines including management reserve for programs/products that are complex in nature, high value, with a new customer, or in a new market area
  • Monitors work accomplished to baseline plans to ensure rate of work completion is sufficient to meet program/product schedules
  • Balances program risks and opportunities with executable strategies to meet technical requirements and budgets
  • Manages people who lead cross-functional program teams in matrix organization that are focused on the delivery of a product or computer-based system from design to release for customers
  • Creates an environment that fosters professional growth for team members
  • Delegates assignments to others for developing solutions
  • Conducts reviews to drill down into issues on products/programs, identify issues, develop corrective actions, and communicate issues, impacts and corrective actions to program teams
  • Responsible for maximizing profit and cash flow of products/programs
  • Leads team to identify and quantify risks and opportunities and risk mitigation / opportunity capture activities
  • Decouples risk items from mainstream program to the greatest extent possible
  • Prepares and presents program/product status to leadership and external customers
  • Interfaces with customers on technical matters regarding program/products
  • Identifies potential subcontractors for program elements
  • Identifies scope changes and develops product/program positions for equitable cost and schedule adjustments
  • Develops and executes proposal plans and strategies
  • Develops customer relationships and develops new business within the market/program
  • Follows processes and operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions Recommends changes to policies and establishes procedures that affect immediate organization(s)
  • Leverage emerging technologies: Utilize AI tools such as GAIAA, Codex/ChatGPT to enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and improve program outcomes.
  • Integrate emerging technologies: Identify and implement AI-driven tools to optimize program planning, risk management, and reporting.
  • Enhance stakeholder engagement: Develop innovative strategies to strengthen relationships with customers, subcontractors, and cross-functional teams.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Very strong knowledge of products and technologies including current and potential applications
  • Very strong knowledge of target customer markets
  • Skilled in the development and implementation of product/program strategy and tactics
  • Ability to generate cohesive program plans
  • Must be able to establish and assure adherence to budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements
  • Ability to develop and implement a product oriented WBS and WBS Dictionary
  • Ability to track work accomplished to baseline plans and identify issues, track progress, and follow through on effective corrective actions based on data analysis and trends
  • Skilled in communicating issues, impacts, and corrective actions on programs to internal and external representatives
  • Ability to understand and analyze program financial data
  • Very strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to evaluate quality of work product to ensure satisfaction of customer requirements
  • Very strong understanding of advanced of risk and opportunity management techniques and ability to apply them to programs
  • Ability to lead teams in matrix organization
  • Ability to lead others in team building, conflict resolution, motivation, leadership and advanced risk management
  • Very strong knowledge of government contracting practices and regulations regarding acquisition
  • Outstanding relationship management and marketing skills
  • Needs ability to execute company policies that affect immediate operations
  • Ability to develop and execute proposal plans and strategies
  • Ability to lead program in customer negotiations and negotiate win-win solutions
  • Erroneous decisions or recommendations or failure to complete assignments normally result in serious delays and considerable expenditure of additional time, human resources, and funds
  • Will interact frequently with internal personnel and outside representatives at various levels
  • Working Knowledge of MS Project, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, AI tools such as GAIAA, Codex/ChatGPT
  • Familiarity with Agile methodologies and tools like Jira
  • Advanced data analysis skills using tools like Power BI
  • Will be required to travel
  • This position will be worked 100% on site or hybrid (3 days per week on site)

This estimate represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors (geographic location, etc.). Actual pay may vary. This job posting will remain open until the position is filled.
USD $164,314.00 - USD $177,792.00 /Yr.

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!


Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans


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