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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Albuquerque, NM (NOW HIRING)

As a full-time Program Engineer you will provide technical support to the Federal Program Manager (FPM), as well as program engineer liaison with other Defense Programs (DP), National Nuclear ...

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Program Manager Defense information

See Albuquerque, NM salary details

$37.3K

$104.2K

$152.2K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Albuquerque, NM is $104,164.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,100.00 and $128,400.00 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 are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Albuquerque, NM?

For Program Manager Defense jobs in Albuquerque, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Albuquerque, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:

What cities near Albuquerque, NM are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Albuquerque, NM with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Albuquerque, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,164 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Program Engineer

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Program Engineer

Pay range: $200 – $220,000 annually

Who We Are:

TechSource, a Salas O'Brien company and a previous DOE Small Business of the Year recipient and ten-time Inc. 5000 winner, is a nationally recognized engineering and scientific company specializing in the management and technical delivery of large-scale nuclear and high-technology projects with numerous federal agencies, helping to advance missions of national importance for government programs, national laboratories, national security facilities, nuclear operations, and complex projects nationwide. We provide direct access to hundreds of experts and industry leaders in the nuclear sciences, non-proliferation technologies, accelerator physics, and systems engineering arenas with offices in Washington DC, SC, TX, TN, and NM. Our outstanding technical service has earned the company a client retention rate of over 95 percent. As part of Salas O'Brien, we work to attract and retain the best talent because the best talent delivers the best results for our clients.

Job Summary:

As a full-time Program Engineer you will provide technical support to the Federal Program Manager (FPM), as well as program engineer liaison with other Defense Programs (DP), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and Department of Defense (DOD) organizations associated with the W87-1 Modification Program. You’ll assist the W87-1 FPM, Lead Engineer, and Senior Engineers with technical oversight, program management, and program integration.

You’ll use your diverse knowledge of nuclear weapons systems engineering, non-nuclear component realization, nuclear material production, product realization process, Phase 6.X activities, and project management skills to develop and maintain a program baseline, analyze solutions, identify risks, and support the ongoing success of the program. This is a full-time position on-site at the NNSA offices in Albuquerque, NM.

Responsibilities:

  • Assess and provide program and technical management knowledge and capabilities to advise the Federal Program Office (FPO) on execution of cost, scope, and schedule for major system acquisitions. Represent, within program guidance, the NNSA’s program interests and positions in interactions with other agencies.
  • Apply systems engineering principles (such as requirements and interface management, risk management, work breakdown structure, decision analysis) for the development and maintain an integrated program baseline.
  • Use programmatic and portfolio analysis tools, databases, risk management databases, and methodologies to manage project responsibilities.
  • Analyze, evaluate, and integrate solutions for unusually complex and diverse technical problems.
  • Identify, track, mitigate, and resolve technical risks and issues related to product and/or system performance objectives.
  • Participate in Integrated Product Team (IPT) meetings.
  • Participate in Project Officer Group and sub-group meetings (joint DOW/NNSA), with guidance provided by the Lead Engineer and/or FPM.
  • Provide guidance for program integration.
  • Use knowledge of the substantive nature of NNSA Nuclear Weapons programs and activities; missions, policies, and objectives; management principles and processes; and the analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to assess program development or execution and improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency with emphasis of 6.X process and Defense Programs Business Process System.
  • Contribute to or lead assessments of capability and capacity of the NNSA weapons production complex for the W87-1 Program and recommend necessary facility and resource planning.

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or science. A degree in business, project management, or related field with relevant experience may be considered.
  • Active Q or Top Secret security clearance.
  • 10 or more years of project/program management experience managing nuclear weapon system sustainment or acquisition.
  • Nuclear weapon and deliver platform experience, including knowledge of the 6.X process.
  • NNSA and Department of Defense interagency experience.
  • Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Knowledge of project and program management, scheduling, and risk tools.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Some travel is required (20%).

Preferred qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in engineering or science.
  • Manufacturing and production floor experience in NNSA, military, government or corporate environments.
  • TEST: Experience in the planning and execution of system level mechanical and electrical tests for nuclear weapons systems.
  • TEST: Experience in system qualification and requirements verification.

Compensation & Benefits:

The expected base salary range for this role is $200 - $220,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
  • Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview: https://salasobrien.com/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

TechSource provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. TechSource will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

Third-Party Agency Notice
TechSource does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.