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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Sr Program Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$135K - $180K/yr

Manage engineering programs across commercial and defense industries, serving as the primary driver of scope, schedule, and budget performance. * Manage system design by balancing requirements ...

Senior Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

$108.60K - $109K/yr

... the aerospace, defense, and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... The Senior Program Manager will manage multiple programs and teams to ensure program goals are ...

Sr Program Manager

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$104.80K - $105.20K/yr

About the Organization RENK America is a leading supplier in the defense, marine and industry ... Description The Sr Program Manager will support the planning, execution, and monitoring of various ...

Senior Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

$108.60K - $109K/yr

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... The Senior Program Manager will manage multiple programs and teams to ensure program goals are ...

Senior Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

$108.60K - $109K/yr

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... The Senior Program Manager will manage multiple programs and teams to ensure program goals are ...

Senior Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

$108.60K - $109K/yr

... the aerospace, defense and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... The Senior Program Manager will manage multiple programs and teams to ensure program goals are ...

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Program Manager Defense information

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

Sr Program Manager

Stratom

Detroit, MI • On-site, Remote

$135K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description
Location requirement: Detroit, MI metro area (remote from Stratom HQ in Louisville, CO) -  While this role is fully remote from our Colorado headquarters, we require candidates to be based in the Detroit, MI area for occasional on-site customer support. 
Stratom, Inc. is a mission-driven engineering company building autonomous and unmanned off-highway vehicles and related robotic systems. Our systems operate in demanding real-world environments, where performance, reliability, and engineering discipline are essential. Our work integrates advanced autonomy with rugged industrial hardware designed for austere conditions.
Our work spans the full lifecycle of complex systems, from early concept and prototyping through fielded deployment. With multiple working prototypes in hand, our next major opportunity is transitioning these platforms into production over the coming years to deliver capable systems at scale. We are looking for talented and engineers who want to take ownership of challenging engineering problems and play a key role in bringing multiple platforms into production.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage engineering programs across commercial and defense industries, serving as the primary driver of scope, schedule, and budget performance.
  • Manage system design by balancing requirements, performance, emerging technologies, schedule, risk, and cost
  • Develop and monitor fidelity of the program baseline including definition of tasks, program budgets and program schedules.
  • Analyze and report on program financial performance, including updating monthly estimates to complete and reporting on monthly variances to budget and forecast.
  • Provide timely and accurate projections of engineering resource requirements, to meet program technical staffing needs. Work closely with the Engineering Management team to assign necessary team members at the right time.
  • Drive the programs from planning and initiation, through execution and closeout while leading effective risk and opportunity management practices.
  • Support business development and business capture with proposals and development of proposal schedules and pricing
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance relationships with our customers as the primary Stratom representative on all program related topics. 
  • Craft and implement improvements to internal processes that improve execution focus and efficiency.
  • Demonstrate integrity in all interactions with customers, partners, and team members, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, export controls, and company standards.
  • Lead engineering programs through the transition from prototype and development into low-rate initial production (LRIP) and fielded deployment, managing the technical, schedule, and cost challenges inherent to that phase.

Requirements
Qualifications
  •  10+ years of effective engineering, team leadership, and program management experience
  •  2-4 years’ experience in similar technical role with military and defense applications
  •  Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline or equivalent technical experience.
  •  Takes initiative and operates effectively with autonomy while maintaining command of technical, budget, and schedule details across the program.
  •  Experience successfully managing the proposal, design, fabrication, and test of new technologies and developmental electro-mechanical systems.
  •  Demonstrated ability to work successfully with demanding customers, difficult schedules, and technically challenging projects.
  •  Ability to effectively communicate across a variety of mediums and to a variety of stakeholders, including customers, the engineering team, and corporate leadership.
  •  Skilled at identifying, tracking, and mitigating technical and programmatic risks across hardware and software development lifecycles.
  •  Experience working with and leading diverse, multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Advanced degree in Engineering or Business Management, or other applicable Degrees 
  •  Experience managing suppliers and other procurement activities for prototype electro-mechanical systems
  •  Familiarity with ISO 9001.2015 Quality Management Systems
  •  Familiarity with operational and technical concepts related to autonomous vehicle systems.
  •  Military service or extensive experience working within defense acquisition, operations, or program offices.
Additional Requirements
This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). 
Must be a US Citizen
DoD Security Clearance or ability to obtain one. (Non-cleared employees will not be subject to investigation upon employment. However, Stratom employees are expected to maintain their eligibility for a clearance.)

Benefits
Stratom offers an array of benefits to eligible full-time employees, including health insurance, life and AD&D insurance, a retirement investment plan, annual paid time off, and holiday pay.
Stratom is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of, race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.