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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Clyde and Co LLP

Associate - Trial & Defense

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

Manage a caseload of 25-30 matters; * Take depositions, attending hearings, and mediations as ... Access regional and global associate training and career development programs. • Comprehensive ...

Clydeco

Associate - Trial & Defense

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$125K - $145K/yr

Manage a caseload of 25-30 matters; * Take depositions, attending hearings, and mediations as ... Global Mobility Program - Participate in client-facing events across North America and explore our ...

TRG

Sales Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are looking for a strategic and experienced Sales Manager to support and grow our presence ... new program opportunities. The ideal candidate brings experience working with defense system ...

Clydeco

Associate - Trial & Defense

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$2.0K/mo

Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects * Ability to identify and resolve problems ... Mentorship & Career Growth - Access strong mentorship, global training programs, and career ...

SOSi

SCA Analytic Linguist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$34.25 - $36.50/hr

... defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and ... Maintain regular communication with the program manager and keeping them informed of available ...

SOSi

SCA Analytic Linguist

Chicago, IL

$34.25 - $36.50/hr

... defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and ... Maintain regular communication with the program manager and keeping them informed of available ...

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Program Manager Defense information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.7K

$110.7K

$161.7K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Chicago, IL is $110,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,900.00 and $136,500.00 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 Chicago, IL? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:
Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Engineering Director

Engineering Director

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.

Aurora, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide technical and administrative leadership for a multi-disciplined engineering department including systems, software, electrical, and mechanical engineering product development groups.

  • Establish and maintain processes, tools, and techniques for the engineering department in accordance with company practices.

  • Ensure engineering projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet technical performance requirements.

Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!
Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)
  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid working environment

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) seeks an experienced Director of Engineering to support our helmet-mounted displays, inertial tracking & cueing technologies in Aurora, IL. The Director will oversee teams such as: Systems, Embedded Software, Electrical, Mechanical and Field Service. The ideal candidate will need to possess extensive knowledge of head and helmet-mounted display systems. This position reports into the Vice President of Engineering.
Responsibilities
  • Technical and administrative leadership of a multi-disciplined engineering department consisting of systems engineering, software engineering, electrical hardware engineering, and mechanical engineering product development groups.
  • Establish and/or maintaining processes, tools, and techniques for the engineering department in accordance with TDSI practices.
  • Interface with project leads and engineering management in resolving product development issues, coordinating resources, and managing design activities.
  • Work with department staff to develop and achieve strategic plan objectives. - Participate and/or support product development reviews, project planning, proposal and bid generation, and product requirements generation.
  • Actively promote and develop actions for continuous improvement in the department in the areas of people, process, tools and product technology to ensure overall product development is competitive as compared to industry best practices.
  • Ensure engineering projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet technical performance requirements.
  • Responsible for overall department strategic direction and ensuring assigned corporate strategic objectives are met.
  • Perform as an integral member of the management team by interacting on a regular basis with inter/intra-company disciplines including business development, contracts, program management, manufacturing and customer service.

Supervisor Responsibilities
This position carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's operating policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities can include interviewing, hiring, training and developing employees; creating effective staff plans - assigning and directing work in a matrix organization; performance appraisals, rewarding and management of employee discipline when required; and addressing complaints and resolving conflicts. Active mentoring and development of staff is a critical element of the supervisory responsibilities to create a highly performing cohesive team.
Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related technical degree. Advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in an engineering leadership position (technical project management and/or functional management) involved with product development in the military aerospace business. Previous experience in hands on engineering position required.
  • Experience with military avionics systems (fixed wing and rotorcraft) highly preferred.
  • Proven ability to manage cross-functional engineering managers and development teams in a matrix organization.
  • Experience with AS9100D process implementation and adherence.
  • Must have working knowledge of relevant industry standards (DO-254, DO-160, DO-178 B/C, MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-810, DAL etc.).
  • Experience with agile methodology for software and hardware development.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and interact with employees in all departments and functions.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects.
  • Ability to travel up to 20%
  • Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values.

The annualized pay range for this role is $179,808.00 - $229,755.00 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 15%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition at careers@thalesdsi.com.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.
If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 240-864-7000.
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