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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Charleston, SC (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Summerville, SC · On-site

$113K - $164K/yr

Prior experience in managing projects/programs in relations to the Defense industry, particularly Naval * Excellent organization, communication (written and oral) and presentation skills * Strong ...

The Program Manager is committed to act as a brand representative of Defense Engineering Services and portray our values of technical excellence, integrity, teamwork (rugby team mentality ...

Senior Program Manager

Hollywood, SC · On-site

$117K - $117K/yr

We build ships, defense systems, aerospace components, and heavy steel structures that serve critical missions - and we do it with pride. Your Mission: The Senior Program Manager provides strategic ...

APS-3: Program Manager Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR! Program Summary KBR maintains and manages ... Execution of PD mission in support of Department of Defense' rapid transfer of equipment, goods ...

APS-3: Program Manager Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR! Program Summary KBR maintains and manages ... Execution of PD mission in support of Department of Defense' rapid transfer of equipment, goods ...

CPMG offers flexible, integrative solutions for Department of Defense (DoD) contractors, among ... Program Lifecycle Environment (CIMPLE), with a focus on the Compute and Storage Management Service ...

This role will report to the Program Manager and support the engineering teams in the execution of ... The EPM is committed to act as a brand representative of Defense Engineering Services and portray ...

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Program Manager Defense information

See Charleston, SC salary details

$36K

$100.6K

$146.9K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Charleston, SC is $100,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,400.00 and $124,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Program Manager in 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 in Defense, and why are they important?

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 in the defense sector 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 are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Charleston, SC? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Charleston, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Charleston, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Charleston, SC are:
Program Manager

Program Manager

Curtisswright

Summerville, SC • On-site

$113K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Curtiss-Wright rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 421 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

We are looking for a Program Manager to join our Summerville SC location.

Your Responsibilities:

As a Program Manager, you will have the primary role in ensuring program technical, cost and schedule contract commitments are satisfied on contracts ranging from $5M to $10M. You will lead an integrated product team in achieving contract commitments, driving performance of all. You will be the single point of program leadership, be responsible for assigning and monitoring technical, cost and schedule objectives, and the primary customer POC. This position requires leadership of engineering, manufacturing, planning, quality, contract and finance resources to complete all program tasks.

We Take Care of Our People:

Paid Time Off I 401K with Employer Match and Profit Sharing I Health and Wellness Benefits I Learning and Development Opportunities I Referral Program I Competitive Pay I Recognition I Employee Stock Purchase PlanI Inclusive & Supportive Culture

Salary: $113,900 - 164,500

Please note that the salary range information provided is a general guideline only, reflecting a position based in SC. Criteria such as the candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, the scope of the specific position, as well as market and business considerations will be evaluated when extending an offer.

Your Challenge:

  • Manage, coordinate and control Work Plan execution to achieve technical, cost and schedule objectives

  • Efficiently and effectively work towards goals in a complex, diverse environment with multiple constraints

  • Lead the program team and regular meetings to monitor and drive progress toward objectives

  • Maintain effective customer communications, ensuring that all customer requirements and expectations are addressed effectively

  • Address and resolve project issues pertaining to project work scope, technical requirements, quality, schedule, resource assignments, cost customer interface and other program related activities

  • Communicate program progress, issues, and/or resolution options to team members' customers and SAS management

  • Review and control cost, including the coordination and certification of Estimate at Complete dates

  • Develop and monitor the Risk Management Plan as part of planning and execution of the program

  • Interact with Sourcing and suppliers to plan for and secure the materials needed for the program and future production

  • Interact with operations and integrate between shop floor and program management

  • Coordinate the efforts of Curtiss-Wright and customer project teams

  • Periodic travel to customer and supplier sites to support program execution and business development activities (5-15%)

What you Bring:

  • Due to DoD requirements, candidates must be US citizens

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain DoD Security clearances and approvals

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent with appropriate course complete to support a project management team.

  • 5 + years' experience in program management experience in large aerospace and defense contracts, directly responsible for equipment/hardware production and delivery

  • Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and manage detailed program budgets

  • Familiarity with Earned Value Management Systems and Risk Management

  • Knowledge of manufacturing processes and procedures for a high complexity/low mix product line

  • Prior engineering/operations experience with current experience in program management

  • Strong customer relationship experience

  • Prior experience in managing projects/programs in relations to the Defense industry, particularly Naval

  • Excellent organization, communication (written and oral) and presentation skills

  • Strong analytical and finance skills.

  • Ability to break down complex inputs from senior leaders and experts into actionable plans/courses of action

  • Project Management Professional Certification is an asset

Who we are:

Our Values

Environmental, Social and Governance

Curtiss-Wright Steam & Air Solutions (SAS), a business unit of Curtiss-Wright, designs, manufactures, tests and provides -Navy steam turbines and steam valves, nuclear steam turbines, and aftermarket steam parts, upgrades, and overhauls.

Located in Summerville SC, this brand new state-of-the-art facility is approximately 134,000 square feet dedicated to manufacturing in relations to machining, welding, assembly and quality inspections.

To learn more, please visit us: Curtiss-Wright EMS - SAS (cw-ems.com)

#LI-RT1

No unsolicited agency submittals please. Agency partners must be invited to participate in a search by our Talent Acquisition Team and have signed terms in place prior to any submittal. Resumes submitted directly to any Curtiss-Wright employee or affiliate will not qualify for fee payment, and therefore become the property of Curtiss-Wright.

Compliance Statement

This position may require exposure to export-controlled information and subject to additional security screening. In the event information provided during the security screening reveals ineligibility to access export-controlled information, any offer of employment may be reconsidered or withdrawn.

Curtiss-Wright is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, age, ancestry, legally protected medical condition, family care status, marital status, religion, veteran status, national origin, or any other legally protected status. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contactTalent Acquisition.

For US Applicants:EEO is The Law - click here for more information.

If you require accommodation due to a disability at any time during the recruitment and/or assessment process, please contact Talent Acquisition and we will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate your request.


What Curtiss-Wright employees say

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About Curtiss-Wright

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Curtiss-Wright Actuation Division designs, manufactures and supports electro-mechanical actuation products and systems for use in demanding applications in Aerospace, Defense and Industrial Automation markets. Our market leading solutions help improve the reliability, efficiency and performance of our customers' operations and platforms, as well as reducing their environmental impact with energy efficient electro-mechanical designs and technology. For the Aerospace market, we supply actuation systems for flight control, landing gear, utility and other applications on both commercial and military aircraft. In Ground & Naval Defense markets, we support a wide array of applications ranging from door assist, ramp and hatch actuation, weapons handling systems, radar and launch platform actuation, and robotic (AUV/ROV) actuation. In Industrial Automation, our Exlar® actuators are globally recognized as a leading brand offering high power density, precision and reliability for machine/process applications in automotive, food & beverage, oil & gas, robotics, entertainment and many other industries.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Davidson, NC, US

Year founded

1929

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