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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense

Program Manager

Dallastown, PA

Experience in a leadership role on a Department of Defense program, either in an engineering or program management capacity. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : * Office environment. * Ability ...

Kratos Defense

Program Manager

Dallastown, PA · On-site

Experience in a leadership role on a Department of Defense program, either in an engineering or program management capacity. WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : * Office environment. * Ability ...

Leo Tech, LLC

Program Manager

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$98K - $134K/yr

She has over 24 years of experience working as a Defense Contractor and Consultant and has held positions as Director of Pricing, Contracts Manager, Program Manager, and EVM Manager. After decades of ...

Attalon, Inc.

Senior Program Manager

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$85K - $168K/yr

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing ... The program manager (PM) is the quarterback of the integrated product team and ensures all ...

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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 Pennsylvania? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Pennsylvania look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Pennsylvania are:
What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs? Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:
Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Pennsylvania as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Program Manager, Government & Defense

Program Manager, Government & Defense

AIRCO

Philadelphia, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

About AIRCO
AIRCO is a world leader in carbon conversion technology, paving the way to global energy security by transforming COâ‚‚ into a valuable resource. Its proprietary AIRMADEâ„¢ Technology is an adaptable platform that allows any industry to efficiently produce high-demand, fully-formulated synthetic fuels from waste COâ‚‚ and hydrogen.

The company has commercial partnerships with airlines including JetBlue and Virgin Atlantic, amongst others, and has been awarded multiple government contracts, including with NASA and the United States Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit. The company has received industry recognition through awards such as Time Best Inventions, Inc. Best in Business, Fast Company World Changing Ideas, and the XPrize for Carbon Removal.

AIRCO's many accolades include winning the prestigious Green Chemistry Challenge Award from the Environmental Protection Agency in October 2023, an award given to organizations that reinvent processes to reduce the generation of hazardous substances and byproducts. AIRCO was also declared a winner for the World Economic Forum UpLink Sustainable Aviation Challenge, which accelerates the development of promising technology pathways that enable widespread uptake of SAF.

The Position

We are seeking a Program Manager - Government - to join our team. This role will report to our Director of Government & Defense Programs. This position will contribute to the requirements-led development of products and other opportunities. This role is based in New Britain, PA and works on-site five days per week

What you get to do

  • Own and manage three core workstreams within the MAD Program, determining the personnel, material, and technical resources required to successfully complete each and implementing strategies to achieve program goals:
    • Feedstocks: coordinate external vendors and technical teams, manage client-facing technical meeting requirements, and ensure designs are sound and executable.
    • Power Source: work with external partners to integrate and secure power sourcing for MAD systems.
    • Systems Requirements: coordinate across all sections and stakeholders (feedstocks, water treatment, customer input) so internal teams are aligned and the product being designed is the right one.
  • Track program performance against key metrics, generate regular reports, and present updates to senior management, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
  • Evaluate potential partnerships based on technology readiness, manufacturing readiness, and business alignment in support of the MAD and Advanced Manufacturing programs.
  • Support AIRCOs Technical Lead and RD&E members in submission of program funding proposals and follow on program management of any awarded programs.
  • Conduct other tasks assigned. Coordinate closely with, and provide support to, key cross-functional partners at AIRCO.

What you bring to AIRCO

  • 5-7+ years of experience with public-segment customers, in a technical capacity in a related industry and in comparable technical program management.
  • Demonstrated ownership of a product, project, or process that was operationalized and successfully iterated on over time
  • Experience managing technical programs, with the ability to speak the same technical language as engineering/RD&E teams and evaluate Technology Readiness Levels (TRL).
  • Bachelor's Degree in a technical field (Engineering, Chemistry, etc)
  • Ability to work diligently and independently, with an eagerness to learn.
  • Exceptional communication skills.

Bonus Points

  • Prior military/defense experience.
  • Master's degree in a relevant field.
  • PMP/PMI or similar certification.

Working at AIRCO - In addition to standard medical and dental benefits, that kick in Day 1, AIRCO is:

  • A team of engineers, scientists, operators, builders, and innovators working on hard problems with tangible impact.
  • A company building and deploying real systems for fuel and chemical production in real-world conditions.
  • A hands-on environment where ownership is clear, decisions stay close to the work, and teams move with trust, discipline, and speed.
  • Driven by work that matters, with a culture grounded in safety, teamwork, transparency, purpose, agility, ambition, and creativity.

We also provide:

Comprehensive Health Benefits

  • Full coverage for employee base premiums on health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 70% coverage for spouse and dependent base premiums.
  • Choose between base plans or enhanced options to fit your needs.

Health Savings & Flexibility

  • Access company-sponsored HSA and FSA accounts to save on healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Income Protection & Insurance

  • Company-paid Short-Term Disability insurance.
  • Optional Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance plans.

Time Off & Leave

  • Flexible and generous paid time off, including national holidays and sick leave.
  • Paid family leave to support you during important life moments.

Retirement Savings

  • Tax-deferred 401(k) plan with a 3% company match to help you invest in your future.

Commuter Benefits

  • Pre-tax savings on transit and parking, plus monthly company contributions.

Additional Perks

  • Ancillary benefits through Sequoia, including pet insurance and financial wellness programs.
  • Employee wellness program to support your well-being.Inclusive of Wellhub & One Medical.
  • Company-sponsored events and programs that promote an inclusive and values-driven workplace.
  • In person weekly catered lunch every Wednesday.

At AIRCO we value employees for their unique perspectives. We are an inclusive affirmative action Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, present or past history of intellectual, learning, mental, or physical disability (including but not limited to blindness) unless AIRCO determines that such disability prevents performance of the work involved, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women, marginalized genders and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At AIRCO we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles

This position requires access to technology, software and other information that is subject to governmental access control restrictions, due to export controls, security classification and/or designation as Controlled Unclassified Information. Employment in this position is conditioned on the candidate's ability to obtain and maintain appropriate government authorization to access technology or information, to the extent required, including without limitation a security clearance, export license, or other documentation required to establish authorization to receive access to such items technology or information.

We may delay commencement of employment, rescind an offer of employment, terminate employment, and/or modify job responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and/or access to Company facilities and information systems, as we deem appropriate, in order to ensure compliance with applicable government access control restrictions.

I consent to transfer my data to Air Company in the U.S. and to its use in accordance with the Air Company Privacy Policy, and I opt in to receiving information from Air Company. Air Company does not sell or share personal information to third parties within the meanings given under applicable laws.