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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Bristol, CT (NOW HIRING)

Kaman Corporation

Program Manager

Middletown, CT · On-site

The ideal candidate will have experience in managing all aspects of a production/manufacturing program from the ground up, interfacing with customers and government officials, defense industry ...

Kaman Corporation

Program Manager

Middletown, CT · On-site

The ideal candidate will have experience in managing all aspects of a production/manufacturing program from the ground up, interfacing with customers and government officials, defense industry ...

HKA Enterprises

Program Manager

East Hartford, CT · On-site

We are looking for a remote Program Manager for our Aerospace and Defense. This position is part time, 20hrs a week through October, before transitioning to full time, 40hrs a week. This is a ...

First Search Inc.

Program Manager

Bloomfield, CT · On-site

... defense to commercial and industrial markets. As the company transitions from R&D to ... LiquidPiston is seeking a highly driven Program Manager to lead and execute complex development ...

LiquidPiston

Program Manager

Suffield, CT · On-site

Program Manager - Engine Development This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per ... defense to commercial and industrial markets. As the company transitions from R&D to ...

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Program Manager

Suffield, CT · On-site

Program Manager - Engine Development This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per ... defense to commercial and industrial markets. As the company transitions from R&D to ...

Pratt & Whitney

CORE Program Manager

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$114K/yr

Not Required At RTX, the world largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are ... Manage and aid in deploying digital technology resources to improve metrics that are lagging with ...

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Program Manager Defense information

See Bristol, CT salary details

$38.6K

$107.6K

$157.2K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Bristol, CT is $107,604.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,600.00 and $132,700.00 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 Bristol, CT look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Bristol, CT are:

What cities near Bristol, CT are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Bristol, CT with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Bristol, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,604 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Program Manager

Middletown, CT • On-site

Kaman Corporation
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Kaman Corporationexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage all phases of programs from inception through completion, including monitoring schedules and contractual requirements.

  • Coordinate with functions to identify and resolve program issues, and ensure adherence to budgets, schedules, and scope.

  • Act as primary customer contact, facilitate program meetings, and communicate program status and corrective actions to stakeholders.

Kaman rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Program Manager
Precision Fuzing and Sensors is actively hiring for a Program Manager in Middletown, CT. The Program Manager is responsible for the management of Legacy Production, New Product Development and IR&D / Engineering programs, ensuring that established contractual objectives/requirements are met. The ideal candidate will have experience in managing all aspects of a production/manufacturing program from the ground up, interfacing with customers and government officials, defense industry experience, and managing schedules, budgets, and deliveries.
Responsibilities
  • Direct all phases of programs assigned from inception through completion.
  • Monitor the status of programs and schedules to ensure that the milestones and contractual requirements are accomplished.
  • Where problems occur, coordinate with appropriate functions to determine cause, impact and proper corrective action.
  • Work with established Integrated Product Team (IPT) for all programs to ensure adherence to schedule, budget and scope.
  • Lead preparation of project plans, proposals, negotiating statements of work and specifications, monitoring performance to operating budgets and acceptability of terms/conditions within the contract.
  • Act as primary customer contact for all programs assigned. Chair program meetings with customers.
  • Participate in design concepts, criteria and engineering efforts for product research, development, integration and test.
  • Work in conjunction with Senior Management to develop new business or expand the product line with existing and new customers.
  • Establish milestones and monitor adherence to master plans and schedules; identify program problems and obtain solutions such as allocation of resources or changing contractual specifications/requirements.
  • Identify, prepare and implement cost reduction plans and trade studies.
  • Coordinate external communications with customers.
  • Approve written reports, oral presentations to customers and direct communication with suppliers to resolve purchase item issues in accordance with purchasing guidelines.
  • Manage program data requirement, ensuring that all contract data requirements are submitted in accordance with contractual requirements. Establish and maintain programs files in accordance with department guidelines. Direct the submittal of value engineering change proposals.
  • Conduct and participate in program reviews and meetings and brief attendees on status of corrective actions, expected recovery date and recommendations for improved contractual performance.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication between functional departments to established schedules and all support departments to facilitate problem identification resolution.
  • Interface with customers as required. Serve as liaison between customers and management to ensure customer program requirements, cost and schedule are maintained.
  • Assist in other activities/projects, as directed.
  • Ability to obtain/maintain security clearance.
  • Work Setting: 100% on-site

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or related discipline required.
  • 7-10 years of experience in program management and manufacturing operations.
  • Working knowledge of program cost, schedule and technical performance. Fluent verbal and written skills required.
  • Demonstrated Program Manager (PM) with a successful track record of managing multiple programs.

Benefits
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401k with employer matching contribution
  • Generous Paid Time Off

For more than 85 years, our team at Precision Fuzing and Sensors has designed, tested, and manufactured the fuzing and sensor systems that defense programs depend on - delivering mission-critical reliability from a single, vertically integrated facility in Middletown, Connecticut. Precision Fuzing & Sensors has spent more than eight decades at the forefront of fuzing technology for defense and aerospace applications, trusted by every branch of the U.S. military and allied nations across the globe.
Precision Fuzing and Sensors is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected characteristics protected by law. Precision Fuzing and Sensors and all its related companies fully endorse equal opportunity for all.
Precision Fuzing and Sensors endeavors to make the careers website accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact the Corporate Human Resources department at 860-632-1000. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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