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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Lapeer, MI · On-site

$80 - $105/hr

Minimum of 8+ years of experience in the automotive, aerospace, or defense industry in a Program Manager or related capacity required. * Strong background in metal fabrication and plastics ...

Program Manager

Livonia, MI · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

The company specializes in small, medium, and large-scale aircraft assemblies of varying complexity for the commercial aerospace and defense industry. The Program Manager/Senior Manager has a key ...

The company specializes in small, medium, and large-scale aircraft assemblies of varying complexity for the commercial aerospace and defense industry. Why join us? The Program Manager/Senior Manager ...

The company specializes in small, medium, and large-scale aircraft assemblies of varying complexity for the commercial aerospace and defense industry. Why join us? The Program Manager/Senior Manager ...

Sr Program Manager

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$104K - $105K/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 ...

... and defense, and automotive. MAJOR FUNCTIONS: * Engagement with volunteer technical groups in ... Plays primary role on technical program support as assigned including collaboration with SME ...

... and defense, and automotive. MAJOR FUNCTIONS: * Engagement with volunteer technical groups in ... Technical Program Management * Industry Partnership and Engagement * Market and Technology ...

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 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:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Program Manager (AERO)

ArtiFlex Manufacturing

Sterling Heights, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


ArtiFlex Manufacturing rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Program Manager at Aerospace, Defense amp; Prototype leads technically complex manufacturing programs by combining strong engineering understanding, exceptional organizational skills, and clear, effective communication. This role ensures alignment between technical execution, program controls, and stakeholder expectations from program initiation through delivery.
This position is located at Aerospace, Defense amp; Prototype in Sterling Heights, Michigan.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Manages all communication requirements within the organization for change notification.
  • Attend all internal and external project-related meetings. Responsible to maintain project open issues/action items and for follow up on past due items.
  • Creates and maintains project timeline and monitors status to the plan.
  • Responsible for ERP data management including but not limited to customer orders and schedules.
  • Enters material requisitions and tracks all raw material procurement activities when not driven by the MRP process.
  • Responsible for issuing outside service purchase orders with Supply Chain oversight and tracking supplier performance to completion dates.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between customers and ArtiFlex for given projects, ensuring timely and accurate communication regarding orders, inquiries, and issue resolutions.
  • Monitor order progress and provide timely updates to customers on lead times and delivery schedules
  • Manages customer required shipping documentation including but not limited to ERP shippers, SLI’s, customs invoices, PTS’s, and certification packages.
  • Leads APQP process throughout program life, keeping track of open issues and timeline.
  • Relay customer feedback and requirements to internal departments, facilitating continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, foster trust and loyalty.
  • Proactively address customer inquiries and concerns, resolving issues promptly and effectively.
  • Identify opportunities to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth.
  • Maintains professional, cooperative relationships with subordinates, peers, managers, outside suppliers and customers.
  • Comply with all corporate policies and procedures, including adherence to Quality Management System.
  • Translate technical requirements into executable program plans
  • Identify and manage technical risks, during process design phase in collaboration with engineering.
  • Support technical reviews with customers to ensure program readiness and compliance.
  • Track program performance across cost, schedule, scope, and technical maturity.
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and finance
  • Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of the job.
Additional Responsibilities:
  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts and conversions.
  • Ability to work with statistical data and apply concepts such as whole numbers and fractions, ratios and proportions and work with measurement devices.
  • Ability to accurately identify and analyze trends.
  • Ability to understand requests for proposals and convert those requests into the terms, standards and units of production and measurement utilized within the ArtiFlex organization.
  • Production and manufacturing industry knowledge, including understanding of cost centers in an operation such as product costing, overhead absorption and measurement processes.
  • Experience with management planning and goal setting.
  • Experience with databases, spreadsheets or other analysis tools.
  • Ability to deal tactfully with human issues pertaining to vendors, peers and most importantly customers.
Position Requirements:
  • Ten (10) years of experience in a manufacturing environment with program management or related experience.
  • Minimum five (5) years of previous work experience in an aerospace or defense manufacturing / engineering environment, preferred.
  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering, Business or related field, preferred.
  • Requires strong organizational skills, including the ability to effectively manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks and complete assignments within expected time frames without compromising work product.
  • Skills, knowledge or abilities: Read, write amp; speak the English language fluently.
  • Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Must possess strong computer skills. Competency in Microsoft Office.
Who We Are:
ArtiFlex Manufacturing designs and builds products and solutions for companies with tough challenges by employing people with a willingness and ability to be “Innovative. Problem Solving. Partners.” We support and embody a vision of safely growing our people and unleashing their full potential because we see greatness in everyone we hire. Better products and services for our customers result from the dedicated development of our employees. That’s our culture.
Benefits:
ArtiFlex employees are ArtiFlex owners with our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). We provide a full array of Health and Welfare plans including: Medical, Dental, Vision, Long amp; Short-Term Disability, Life, Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts, 401k Matching, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Annual Bonus, Tuition Reimbursement, Tool Purchase Program, Career Development, Training, Vehicle Purchase Supplier Discount, Company Events, Celebrations, and more!

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