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

Ametek

Sr. Program Manager

Wilmington, MA

$126K - $127K/yr

Master's degree in Business Administration (preferred) * 7+ years of program management experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably aerospace and defense. * Experience planning and managing ...

Delta Electronics

Strategic Program Manager

Beverly, MA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

... defense, space, and semiconductor industries. Positioned for year-over-year growth in bookings and ... Position Summary The Strategic Program Manager serves as the central driver of customer execution ...

Draper

Program Manager 1

Cambridge, MA

$95K - $245K/yr

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... The Program Manager 1 is responsible for overseeing the execution of the full lifecycle of small to ...

L3Harris Technologies

Lead Program Manager

Wilmington, MA · On-site +1

$125K - $232K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in ... Lead Program Manager Job Code: 41745 Job Location: Wilmington, MA L3Harris Space Systems is seeking ...

Draper

Program Manager 1

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$95K - $245K/yr

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... The Program Manager 1 is responsible for overseeing the execution of the full lifecycle of small to ...

Astrion

Senior Program Manager

Hanscom Air Force Base, MA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES), Monthly Activity Report (MAR), etc.). * Support program management reviews, senior level meeting/reviews, and IMP/IMS reviews. * Support and develop ...

Torch Technologies, Inc.

Senior FMS Program Manager

Lincoln, MA · On-site

$135 - $150/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program Manager - Air Force Life Cycle Management Center / PEO Electronic Systems Directorate Torch Technologies, a 100% employee‑owned defense contractor ...

New

McBride

Senior FMS Program Manager

Lincoln, MA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manage Foreign Military Sales (FMS) acquisition programs in accordance with DoD policy and regulations, including the Security Assistance Manpower Requirements System (SAMRS) and Defense Security ...

New

Draper

Operations Program Manager

Cambridge, MA

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... The Operations Program Manager will lead cross-functional operations planning and execution, drive ...

Draper

Operations Program Manager

Cambridge, MA · On-site

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... The Operations Program Manager will lead cross-functional operations planning and execution, drive ...

Delta Electronics

Strategic Program Manager

Beverly, MA · On-site

$125K - $155K/yr

... defense, space, and semiconductor industries. Positioned for year-over-year growth in bookings and ... Position Summary The Strategic Program Manager serves as the central driver of customer execution ...

Draper

Program Manager II-Production

Cambridge, MA · On-site

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... Summary: The Program Manager 2-Production (PM2) leads Draper production program business of ...

Draper

Program Manager II-Production

Cambridge, MA

From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the ... Summary: The Program Manager 2-Production (PM2) leads Draper production program business of ...

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Showing results 41-60

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

Program Manager Defense information

See Boston, MA salary details

$41.8K

$116.7K

$170.6K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Boston, MA is $116,745.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,400.00 and $143,900.00 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 Boston, MA?

For Program Manager Defense jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Boston, MA look for?

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

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

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

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,745 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Journeyman Program Manager

Astrion

Hanscom Air Force Base, MA • On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Overview
Journeyman Program Manager
WORK LOCATION: Hanscom AFB, MA
Salary Range: $95,000 - 110,000 annually*
*depending on experience, certifications, and qualifications
Clearance: Secret clearance
JOB STATUS: Full-time; salaried
Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a Journeyman Program Manager to directly support Cloud One (AFLCMC/HNII), which is within the C3I and Infrastructure Division (AFLCMC/HNI) at Hanscom AFB in Bedford Massachusetts.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS:
  • Education:Bachelor's or master's degree in a related field and at least three years of experience in the respective technical / professional discipline being performed, three of which must be in the DoD
    • OR seven years of directly related experience with proper certifications as described in the PWS labor category performance requirements,
    • OR five of which must be in the DoD.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Duties include, but not limited to:
  • Support cost and schedule reduction activities for acquisition and development
  • Provide program level acquisition support
  • Provide support and solutions to program leadership to facilitate successful contract execution for the program and analyze overall program health and advises program leadership on options to maintain cost, schedule and performance objectives
  • Support and develop various briefings/schedules of program status and acquisition tasks to senior management
  • Provide Program Management inputs to Request for Proposal (RFPs) including systems specs, Electronic Warfare Systems (SRDs), Statement of Work (SOWs), and Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs), and other RFP products
  • Review acquisition documents and provide comments with programmatic perspective to ensure consistency and accuracy. Documents may include, but are not limited to, ADMs, LCSP, Acquisition Strategies, APBs, Risk Management Plans, PMRs and milestone decision briefings
  • Support, prepare, review and develop acquisition reports, including statutory and regulatory acquisition report and milestone review documentations identified in DoDI 5000.02
  • Provide non-technical acquisition program management to include guidance and expertise necessary to apply principles, criteria, and procedures of DoD Directive 5000.1, DoDI 5000.02, NSSAP 03-02, and other DoD, AF, AFMC, and AFLCMC Instructions, Directives, Regulations, and guidance documents as applicable
  • Outline policy disconnects, policy interpretation, and management of all acquisition efforts
  • Assist with planning, evaluating and implementing program acquisition strategies. This includes DoD and AF policy and/or guidance; technical approach and/or requirements; risk assessment; and realism in achieving a product suitable for the warfighter within cost, schedule, and performance constraints. Also includes broad range of program acquisition strategies, market research, evaluating deliverables requirements and best practice management; this includes support to Urgent Capability Acquisitions and Middle Tier of Acquisition as defined in DoDI 5000.80, Operation of the Middle Tier of Acquisition and DoDI 5000.81, Urgent Capability Acquisition
  • Support and coordinate with program level scheduling personnel
  • Develop, maintain, and update program risk management plans IAW the Risk Management Guide for DoD Acquisition, AFPAM 63-128, and the Air Force RI3 Guidebook; facilitate program risk identification, risk analysis, risk handling and risk monitoring; assist with execution of program risk management boards, risk management working groups (or equivalent), and document meeting minutes; includes analyzing prime and sub-contractor risk management processes
  • Assist with development, maintenance, and update of acquisition reports such as the Monthly Activity Reports (MAR), Source Approval Request (SAR), Defense Acquisition Executive Summary (DAES), Acquisition Program Baseline (APB), and supplemental reports as required by DoD policy for ACAT I, ACAT II, and ACAT III programs and IAW DoDI 5000.02, AFI 63-101_20-101, and AFPAM 63-128. This requires use of standardized and specialized software applications such as M/S Office, Integrated Budget Documentation and Execution System (IDECS), Electronic Document Access (EDA), Comprehensive Cost and Requirement's System (CCaR), and any other DoD/Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) mandated system(s)
  • Provide direct support in preparing and submitting funding documents (e.g. Purchase Request, MIPR, Purchase Orders, etc.). Requires familiarity with financial systems such as Comprehensive Cost and Requirement's System (CCaR)
  • Interpret, organize, execute, and coordinate acquisition project assignments and make recommendations to Government Program Manager regarding problems with unique or controversial items that may have a major effect on the overall performance and execution of acquisition & sustainment projects.

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