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Program Manager Defense Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

PROGRAM MANAGER

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site +1

$148K - $197K/yr

This position is covered under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA ... Serve as a Project/Program Manager leading acquisition strategy, program planning, work acceptance ...

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense ... Program Managers provide leadership and management of cross functional business, technical, and ...

Crane Aerospace & Electronics supplies critical systems and components to the aerospace and defense ... Program Managers provide leadership and management of cross functional business, technical, and ...

PROGRAM MANAGER

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site

$148K/yr

This is a Defense Acquisition Workforce position that requires a Program Management, Practitioner acquisition certification. The incumbent has 60 months to earn this certification. Incumbent must ...

PROGRAM MANAGER

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site

$121K/yr

... Defense (DoD) acquisition principles, program management practices, and lifecycle support processes. 3) Leading cross functional teams, analyzing program performance, managing resources, and ...

PROGRAM MANAGER

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site +1

$148K - $197K/yr

This position is covered under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA ... Managing program risks, issues, and opportunities; 4) Making major program recommendations ...

PROGRAM MANAGER

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site

$148K/yr

... defense contractors, and other DoD agencies. Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: Experience refers to paid and unpaid ...

PROGRAM MANAGER

Lakehurst, NJ · On-site +1

$125K - $192K/yr

This position is covered under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA ... program objectives for cost, schedule and performance. 2) Performing team lead or management ...

Program Manager, Horizon Location: Hoboken, NJ Department ... Defense Reports to: Director of Defense, R&E About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT ...

The Program Manager provides program management lifecycle support for the Nuclear Biological and ... Secret clearance Integral partners with federal defense, intelligence, and civilian leaders to ...

Program Manager, Horizon Location: Hoboken, NJ Department ... Defense Reports to: Director of Defense, R&E About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT ...

Koniag IT Systems, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company , is seeking a Program Manager to ... of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and ...

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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 New Jersey?

For Program Manager Defense jobs in New Jersey, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in New Jersey look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in New Jersey are:

What cities in New Jersey are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities in New Jersey with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in New Jersey as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

$148K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

You will serve as a PROGRAM MANAGER in the NAWCAD LAKEHURST SE & ALRE GROUP TECHNICAL OFFICE BLT0000 of NAVAIRWARCENADLKE.Qualifications:Your resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience at or equivalent to the DA-05 or comparable GS-12/13 grade level or pay band in the Federal service or equivalent experience in the private or public sector. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
  • Serve as a Project/Program Manager leading acquisition strategy, program planning, work acceptance and execution tracking.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and establish organizational policy and process in the Project/Program Management Discipline.
  • Proven ability in financial management and resource management, including managing program budgets, resolving funding conflicts, and balancing schedules and resources across projects/programs.
  • Demonstrated expertise in complex problem solving and evaluating organizational programs to resolve critical, systemic issues extending across NAWCAD, NAVAIR and the DON.
  • Strong influencing and negotiating skills, with a track record of representing the warfare center on high level, building consensus among stakeholders with diverse viewpoints.
  • History of proactively supporting organizational initiatives, training others and developing resources to aid peers and subordinates.
This is a Defense Acquisition Workforce position that requires a Program Management, Practitioner acquisition certification. The incumbent has 60 months to earn this certification. Incumbent must obtain and maintain certification in accordance with DoD Instruction 5000.66.
Acquisition Workforce (AWF) members must complete 80 hours of Continuous Learning Points (CLPs) every two (2) years, in accordance with DoDI 5000.66. Workforce members are encouraged to earn their CLPs by completing Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Credentials. Obtaining certification within the allotted grace period and maintaining CLPs before and after achieving certification are conditions of employment. Failure to meet these requirements could result in disciplinary action and/or removal from employment.
This is a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP). Unless specially waived by the appropriate official, the following are statutory mandated requirements:
Selectee must execute, as a condition of appointment, a written agreement to remain in Federal service in the position for at least three (3) years. In signing such agreement, the employee does not forfeit any employment rights, nor does such an agreement alter any other terms or conditions of employment.
This critical acquisition position requires certification in the acquisition functional area of Program Management (PM).
This position requires the incumbent to exercise judgment in making a Government decision or in taking Government action regarding activities in which the final decision or action may have economic impact on interests of any non-Federal entity. The incumbent is required to file a Financial Disclosure Statement (OGE 450) by 31 October of each year.
Additional qualification information can be found from the following Office of Personnel Management web site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=List-by-Occupational-Series
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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