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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Cincinnati, OH (NOW HIRING)

3dB Labs

Senior Program Manager

West Chester, OH · On-site

$109K - $109K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex software development programs ... Defense Programs of Record (PoRs) and government acquisition or program office stakeholders is ...

3dB Labs

Senior Program Manager

West Chester, OH · On-site

$109K - $109K/yr

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex software development programs ... Defense Programs of Record (PoRs) and government acquisition or program office stakeholders is ...

L3Harris Technologies

Program Manager

Cincinnati, OH · Hybrid

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in ... Specialist, Program Management Job Code: 41971 Job Location: Cincinnati, OH Schedule: 4/10: ...

L3HHCM20

Program Manager

Cincinnati, OH · Hybrid

Specialist, Program Management Job Code: 41971 Job Location: Cincinnati, OH Schedule: 4/10: ... L3Harris Defense Electronic Systems (DES), a division of L3Harris, provides precision electronic ...

Beehive Industries

EHS Program Manager

Loveland, OH · On-site

$130K - $152K/yr

Beehive Industries is dedicated to Powering American Defense by revolutionizing the design ... Develop, implement, and manage EHS programs, training, and tools; and support the continuous ...

GE Aerospace

Support Equipment Program Manager

Evendale, OH · On-site

$123K/yr

Collaborates cross functionally within Edison Works and Defense and Systems engineering disciplines ... Experience performing project or program management functions * Must have or qualify for a U.S.

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Program Manager Defense information

See Cincinnati, OH salary details

$36.9K

$103.1K

$150.6K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Cincinnati, OH is $103,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,300.00 and $127,100.00 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 Cincinnati, OH look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Cincinnati, OH are:

What cities near Cincinnati, OH are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Cincinnati, OH with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Cincinnati, OH as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,106 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Senior Program Manager

3dB Labs

West Chester, OH • On-site

$109K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex software development programs and integrated technical efforts within our small, high-impact program management team. This senior-level role will own coordinated programs and multiple interdependent workstreams spanning Internal Research and Development (IRAD), customer-funded development, transition, and fielding activities.
The ideal candidate brings direct software development experience, strong program leadership, and the ability to connect technical execution to business and customer objectives while maintaining accountability for cost, schedule, risk, technical performance, and deliverables. Experience with hardware development and integration is highly desirable, and experience supporting Department of Defense Programs of Record (PoRs) and government acquisition or program office stakeholders is strongly preferred.
Core Responsibilities:
  • Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex software development programs and multiple related technical workstreams across IRAD and customer-funded efforts
  • Establish and own integrated program strategies, roadmaps, schedules, milestones, budgets, resource plans, dependencies, risks, opportunities, and program performance metrics
  • Serve as the senior program point of contact for customers, government program offices, internal leadership, and technical teams; drive alignment, decisions, and clear accountability across stakeholders
  • Coordinate across software, systems, test, fielding, support, and, where applicable, hardware teams to resolve cross-functional dependencies and deliver high-quality program outcomes
  • Lead program status reviews, technical reviews, risk reviews, and executive/customer briefings; translate technical progress, trade-offs, and issues into clear program-level impacts and recommended actions
  • Guide programs through the full lifecycle, including requirements, development, integration, test, delivery, transition, and fielding; support contract execution, proposals, LOE estimates, statements of work, and follow-on planning
  • Provide leadership and mentorship across the PM team, establish scalable program management practices, and support organizational planning and prioritization across multiple programs

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related technical field
  • 7+ years of project and/or program management experience, including leadership of complex, cross-functional technical development efforts
  • Direct experience developing software and working within the software development lifecycle (SDLC), with sufficient technical depth to engage engineering teams on requirements, architecture, integration, dependencies, trade-offs, test, and delivery
  • Demonstrated success leading programs through the full lifecycle, from requirements and planning through development, integration, test, delivery, and transition/fielding, using Agile, Waterfall, or hybrid execution models
  • Experience developing and managing integrated program plans and schedules, budgets, resources, risks, dependencies, customer commitments, and program-level performance reporting
  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence engineers, business teams, customers, senior leaders, and government stakeholders
  • Highly organized and able to lead multiple workstreams and competing priorities while making sound decisions in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience developing or managing hardware products or integrated software/hardware systems through design, integration, test, production, or fielding
  • Experience supporting a DoD Program of Record (PoR), including government program offices, acquisition stakeholders, formal reviews, contract deliverables, or fielding
  • Experience supporting or managing defense/government R&D and acquisition programs, including DoD, IC, OTA, or similar environments
  • Working knowledge of EVM, cost tracking, resource planning, financial forecasting, and performance measurement
  • PMP certification and proficiency with Jira, Confluence, Microsoft Project, or equivalent program/project management tools
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About 3dB Labs

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

West Chester, OH, US

Year founded

2004

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