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

Presco Engineering

Technical Program Manager

New Haven, CT · Hybrid

$129K - $167K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex engineering programs for high-impact clients in the defense and mission critical sectors. This role is responsible for overseeing the ...

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 ...

New

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Program Manager

Suffield, CT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Program Manager

Suffield, CT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Raytheon Technologies

CORE Program Manager

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$114K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Pratt & Whitney

CORE Program Manager

East Hartford, CT

$114K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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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All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Bristol, CT

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 Aug 16, 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 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 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, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,604 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Technical Program Manager

Presco Engineering

New Haven, CT • Hybrid

$129K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Overview:

Presco Engineering is a leader in high-tech engineering design services and mission critical manufacturing. Our key skill areas include electronic design, software development, mechanical design, optics and fluidics.  We develop and manufacture highly reliable systems in markets such as military, quantum hardware, medical, cleantech, biotech, and industrial/scientific instrumentation. Presco Engineering has a 45+ year track record of success in this highly competitive field.

Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead complex engineering programs for high-impact clients in the defense and mission critical sectors. This role is responsible for overseeing the full lifecycle of multiple projects, ensuring delivery of innovative, compliant, and high-quality solutions that meet stringent regulatory and operational requirements.

The ideal candidate brings strong technical acumen, disciplined program management, and the ability to operate in highly regulated environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Execution

  • Lead multiple concurrent engineering programs from concept through delivery and sustainment
  • Define program scope, objectives, schedules aligned with client requirements
  • Ensure on-time, on-budget delivery while maintaining customer expectations

Client & Stakeholder Management

  • Serve as primary point of contact for clients
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with program stakeholders
  • Translate client needs into actionable program requirements
  • Identify new opportunities with existing clients

Regulatory & Compliance Oversight

  • Maintain compliance with contractual, quality, and safety requirements
  • Support audits, documentation, and certification processes

Cross-Functional Coordination

  • Collaborate with engineering, quality, regulatory, and operations teams
  • Facilitate design reviews, risk assessments, and milestone events

Risk & Financial Management

  • Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks
  • Manage program budgets, forecasts, and financial performance
  • Report on KPIs, program health, and progress to senior leadership

Process Improvement

  • Implement best practices in program management
  • Continuously improve delivery processes, documentation, and client satisfaction

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Systems Engineering, or equivalent experience
  • 5-10+ years of program or project management experience in engineering consulting or technical environments
  • Experience working with defense (DoD) and/or industry clients
  • Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, MIL-STD, ITAR, FCC, UL)
  • Proven ability to manage complex, multi-disciplinary engineering programs
  • Excellent oral and written communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
  • Some travel is required

Benefits

  • Competitive base salary
  • 100% employer-paid health, disability insurance, and life insurance
  • Optional dental, and vision coverage
  • 401(k) with 3% company contribution
  • PTO + paid holidays
  • Hybrid or on-site depending on client/program needs
  • Supportive, collaborative team culture
  • Opportunities for advancement as Presco grows

Apply