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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Aberdeen, MD (NOW HIRING)

LufCo

Program Manager

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$120K - $225K/yr

Are you a strategic leader who thrives on solving complex engineering and operational challenges in support of defense initiatives? As our Program Manager, you will be the operational heartbeat ...

LufCo

Program Manager

Aberdeen, MD · Hybrid

$120K - $225K/yr

Are you a strategic leader who thrives on solving complex engineering and operational challenges in support of defense initiatives? As our Program Manager, you will be the operational heartbeat ...

SAIC

Program Manager

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

Familiarity with defense acquisition regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Other ... Experience managing programs that span cloud-based and tactical edge platforms, including the ...

LufCo

Program Manager

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$120K - $225K/yr

Are you a strategic leader who thrives on solving complex engineering and operational challenges in support of defense initiatives? As our Program Manager, you will be the operational heartbeat ...

SAIC

Program Manager

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Program Mgmt Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 10% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Familiarity with defense acquisition regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Other ...

Textron

Sr Program Manager

Hunt Valley, MD

$110K - $110K/yr

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. Program Manager to join our team in supporting ...

Textron

Sr Program Manager

Hunt Valley, MD

$110K - $110K/yr

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sr. Program Manager to join our team in supporting ...

Altus, LLC

Program Manager

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Program Manager Company: Altus Engineering Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD Salary: $120,000 ... to the Department of Defense and industry customers. These include high-quality software ...

Altus LLC

Program Manager

Aberdeen, MD · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Program Manager Company: Altus Engineering Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD Salary: $120,000 ... to the Department of Defense and industry customers. These include high-quality software ...

Altus, LLC

Program Manager

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

$120K - $180K/yr

Program Manager Company: Altus Engineering Location: Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD Salary: $120,000 ... to the Department of Defense and industry customers. These include high-quality software ...

Cessna Aircraft Company

Sr Program Manager

Cockeysville, MD · On-site

$158.50 - $243.70/hr

- Sr Program Manager (343263) Sr Program Manager Job Number: 343263 Who We Are Textron Systems is ... We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ...

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All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Aberdeen, MD

Program Manager Defense information

See Aberdeen, MD salary details

$41.4K

$115.6K

$168.8K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Aberdeen, MD is $115,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $142,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Aberdeen, MD look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Aberdeen, MD are:

What cities near Aberdeen, MD are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Aberdeen, MD with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Aberdeen, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,557 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Program Manager

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD • On-site

$143K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 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

About the Position: Serves as a Program Manager and Alternate Public Health Emergency Officer (APHEO) within the Defense Health Agency's (DHA) Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) program; the position is located at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.Qualifications:Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected.
  • Current Civilian Employees of the Defense Health Agency (DHA)
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience which includes, managing public health emergency response activities to mitigate emerging, complex, or high-consequence public health threats; applying public health emergency management principles or epidemiologic information to assess threats or appropriate interventions; coordinating multidisciplinary teams or stakeholders across enterprise-level partners to manage public health emergency program elements; AND analyzing complex or often incomplete public health emergency information to provide authoritative recommendations or briefs to senior leaders. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-13).
Some federal jobs allow you to substitute your education for the required experience in order to qualify. For this job, you must meet the qualification requirement using experience alone--no substitution of education for experience is permitted.
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-13).Education:This job does not have an education qualification requirement.Employment Type: OTHER

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