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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Beverly, MA (NOW HIRING)

Everest Search Partners

Program Manager

Chelmsford, MA

$150K - $180K/yr

Qualifications * 5+ years of Department of Defense (DoD) program management experience within a ... government organization or defense contractor. * Experience managing medium-sized government ...

Textron

Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... The Program Manager will own a critical subsystem within a growing program and work within a highly ...

Textron

Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... The Program Manager will own a critical subsystem within a growing program and work within a highly ...

Textron

Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... The Program Manager will own a critical subsystem within a growing program and work within a highly ...

Textron

Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... The Program Manager will own critical scope within a growing program and work within a highly ...

Textron

Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... The Program Manager will own critical scope within a growing program and work within a highly ...

HX5 LLC

Program Manager

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130K - $154K/yr

Program Manager Program Manager, Senior Hanscom Air Force Base HX5 is an award-winning provider of ... Defense. Founded in 2004, HX5 is a fast-growing veteran- and woman-owned company with locations ...

Textron

Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site

We serve customers in industries spanning aerospace and defense, specialized vehicles, turf care ... The Program Manager will own critical scope within a growing program and work within a highly ...

kgs

Program Manager

Carson, CA · On-site

Audit Defense: * The customer is an audit heavy environment, so need experience in audit defense in ... program management, with at least 5 years specifically managing DoD Federal Contracts. Our Equal ...

Koniag, Inc.

Program Manager

Carson, CA · On-site

Audit Defense: * The customer is an audit heavy environment, so need experience in audit defense in ... program management, with at least 5 years specifically managing DoD Federal Contracts. Our Equal ...

Boutique Recruiting

Program Manager

Chelmsford, MA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Program Manager The Program Manager plays a crucial role in driving the success of innovative ... of Defense * Demonstrated experience with Earned Value Management (EVM), integrated master ...

Applied Research Solutions

Program Manager

Bedford, MA · On-site

$130K - $152K/yr

Provide Program Management inputs to Request for Proposal (RFPs) including systems specs ... SAR), Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES), Acquisition Program Baseline (APB), and ...

Draper

Program Manager 2

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$100K - $275K/yr

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... We are seeking a Program Manager 2 for Air Force and Missile Defense Strategic Systems - Leading ...

Draper

Program Manager 2

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$100K - $275K/yr

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... We are seeking a Program Manager 2 for Air Force and Missile Defense Strategic Systems - Leading ...

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All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Beverly, MA

Program Manager Defense information

See Beverly, MA salary details

$42.5K

$118.6K

$173.3K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Beverly, MA is $118,608.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,700.00 and $146,200.00 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 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 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 job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Beverly, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Beverly, MA are:

What cities near Beverly, MA are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Beverly, MA with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you

Senior Program Manager (Defense)

Irradiant Technologies

Waltham, MA • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
We are hiring an experienced Program Manager to lead execution of our defense programs. You will own day-to-day delivery across our DARPA and ARL contracts; coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams, owning the customer relationship, and making sure we ship technical milestones on time and on budget. You will also partner closely with our leadership and business development team to shape and win new defense contracts. This role is central to our growth and reports to the VP of Engineering.
What you'll be doing
  • Own program delivery. Lead planning, scheduling, risk management, and execution across multiple concurrent defense programs, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance targets are met.
  • Direct engineering teams. Direct cross-functional teams of optical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers - setting priorities, removing blockers, and keeping the team aligned to milestones.
  • Run the customer relationship. Serve as the primary point of contact for DARPA, ARL, and other DoD customers and primes; lead program reviews, technical interchange meetings, and formal deliverable submissions.
  • Manage contracts and compliance. Oversee SOW execution, modifications, deliverables (CDRLs), and reporting in coordination with Contracts and Finance; ensure adherence to FAR/DFARS, DCAA-compliant timekeeping, and applicable export control requirements.
  • Support new business. Partner with BD and technical leads on capture strategy, teaming, color team reviews, cost narratives, and authoring the management and execution sections of proposals for SBIR/STTR, BAA, OTA, and prime-sub opportunities.
  • Build the PM function. Establish the tooling, templates, and cadence (EVM-lite, risk registers, integrated schedules) that scale as we grow the program portfolio through Series A.
What experience you'll need
  • 10+ years of project or program management experience in a defense, aerospace, or deep-tech environment, with direct ownership of government-funded R&D programs.
  • Demonstrated success delivering on DARPA, service research lab (ARL, AFRL, ONR, NRL), or equivalent DoD contracts - including running program reviews and customer-facing milestones.
  • Proven experience leading engineering teams in a hardware or photonics/optics environment; comfort operating at the intersection of technical depth and program mechanics.
  • Hands-on experience supporting business development and proposal preparation - writing management volumes, building integrated master schedules, and partnering with technical PIs.
  • Working fluency with FAR/DFARS, CDRLs, DCAA-compliant cost accounting, and export control (ITAR/EAR) in a startup or small-business setting.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • U.S. citizenship required. Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related technical field is advantageous.

Desirable:
  • Active DoD Secret (or higher) clearance.
  • Prior experience at a Series A / early-stage defense or deep-tech startup.
  • Direct experience with nano-optics, photonics, freeform optics, metasurfaces, or EO/IR systems.
  • Experience authoring or leading winning SBIR Phase II, STRATFI/TACFI, or OTA proposals.
  • Experience with ASANA as a project management tool.
  • Experience with leading and participating in color team reviews.

Company Overview
Irradiant Technologies is pioneering the future of nano-optics and photonics with our proprietary 3D nanofabrication platform. Our technology enables the creation of optical components with geometries and refractive index profiles previously unattainable, opening doors to entirely new classes of photonic devices. By redefining what is possible in optical design and manufacturing, we are accelerating innovations in sensing, communication, imaging, display, and computation. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, we are a 30-person team of scientists and engineers delivering on active DARPA and U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) contracts. In 2025, we reached >$10M in revenue, and we are currently raising a Series A to scale our platform and program portfolio.
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $170,000+ (depending on experience), as well as equity. We are committed to equitable compensation across our company. We offer 401(k), multiple healthcare schemes and an annual reimbursement, to give our employees greater flexibility with the benefits that meet their needs. We offer four weeks of PTO, plus 10 public holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Irradiant Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team free from discrimination or harassment. We encourage candidates of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status to apply. Applicants with a disability are encouraged to contact us with any requests for accommodation.
Team Research & Engineering Locations HQ Yearly salary $130,000 - $170,000 Employment type Full-time

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