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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Our team is responsible for delivering highvalue defense programs and ensuring timely, compliant production across multiple sites. What You Will Be Doing As the Launcher Program Manager you will be ...

Our team is responsible for delivering high-value defense programs and ensuring timely, compliant production across multiple sites. What You Will Be Doing As the Launcher Program Manager you will be ...

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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 Texas? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Texas as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, and 83% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

Program Manager, Defense & Commercial Innovation

FedTech

Austin, TX • On-site

$92K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Description

If you're passionate about driving the success of groundbreaking innovation programs - we’d love to connect!

Who we are:

  • FedTech is a group of entrepreneurially minded people on a mission to unlock the benefits of technology.
  • We believe in the value of deep tech and its positive impact on the world, aspiring to democratize access to it for entrepreneurs and professionals around the world.
  • We are venture builders who thrive at the intersection of US entrepreneurship, breakthrough technologies, and mission-driven organizations. 
  • Since 2015, we have supported over 1,000 companies that have collectively raised more than $5B in funding, while also partnering with hundreds of corporate, government, and university clients.

What you’ll do:

You will own the planning and execution of initiatives that support technology commercialization, acceleration, and venture creation, with a primary focus on Navy innovation and the broader defense innovation ecosystem. The role is accountable for managing complex, multi-phased programs end-to-end, from planning through delivery. You will help strengthen FedTech’s presence across the Austin defense innovation community. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day execution and operational coordination of defense innovation, commercialization, and venture creation programs from planning through delivery.
  • Drive program growth and ecosystem engagement by recruiting entrepreneurs, startups, advisors, and strategic partners through creative outreach, networking, workshops, and events.
  • Support business development efforts through relationship-building and active engagement with defense and startup stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain relationships within the Austin defense innovation ecosystem, including startups, military stakeholders, investors, accelerators, universities, and strategic partners.
  • Represent FedTech at ecosystem, startup, university, and defense innovation events to strengthen regional partnerships and expand organizational visibility.
  • Manage detailed project plans, ensuring organization, timeliness, accountability, and high-quality execution across multiple workstreams.
  • Track program budgets, expenses, reporting, and project-level financials to support transparency and operational effectiveness.
  • Design and prepare presentations, reports, and content using tools such as PowerPoint, Beautiful.ai, and Canva.
  • Coordinate and execute the backend logistics of workshops, webinars, ecosystem events, and client engagements using platforms such as Zoom.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams to align program efforts, strengthen client relationships, and support organizational priorities.
  • Support evolving program and organizational needs by taking initiative on new projects and responsibilities as needed.

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in relevant industries, including innovation programs, studio/accelerator programs, entrepreneurship, consulting, business development, defense innovation, or entrepreneurial support organizations 
    • Military experience strongly preferred 
  • Familiarity with the Austin startup and defense innovation ecosystem
  • Strong client relationship management skills, with expertise in engaging diverse stakeholders and aligning program design with client and project objectives.
  • Proven program management ability, including oversight of project-level finances, coordination of multi-phase initiatives, and organization of events in fast-paced environments.
  • P&L and budget management experience, leveraging financial oversight to optimize resources and drive organizational impact
  • Effective communicator, experienced in leading meetings and delivering presentations on complex topics.
  • Analytical and data-driven, using insights to support projects and inform decision-making.
  • Hands-on experience with productivity and collaboration tools, including Google Suite (Sheets/Excel), Airtable, Slack, Beautiful.ai, and Forecast, with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new platforms.

Our Values:

  • Boldness: We have the fortitude to forge new paths and push beyond our comfort
  • Unity: We treat our clients, team members and partners as we would like to be treated - we are one united team
  • Introspection: We recognize introspection is the necessary ingredient in which self-improvement flourishes
  • Leadership: We embrace servant leadership - putting the interests of client, team partners and partners first
  • Decisiveness: We have a strong bias towards action

Compensation: 

  • Base salary range: $92-110k
    • The salary range listed for this position is based on market data and internal compensation structure. The final compensation package will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills and education. This range is not a guarantee of compensation and offers may fall outside this range in exceptional cases.
  • In addition to the base salary, compensation includes performance-based bonus (OTE) and ability to earn equity 
  • A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match, health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, accrued PTO, professional development funds, employer paid disability insurance, parental leave, transportation and wellness reimbursements, amongst others.

Location: Austin, TX (Hybrid: 2 days onsite at our Austin office, 3 days remote)

Travel: 10-20% based on business needs

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