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

Program Manager Job Code: 42085 Job Location: Mason, OH Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of ... defense product lines. This role is responsible for driving cross-functional execution from ...

New

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in ... Program Manager Job Code: 42085 Job Location: Mason, OH Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of ...

New

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: ...

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 ...

Sr. Spec Program Manager

Mason, OH · On-site

$109K - $109K/yr

Program Manager Job Code: 38762 Job Location: Mason, OH Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 days ... defense product lines. This role is responsible for driving cross-functional execution from ...

Sr Specialist, Program Manager

Mason, OH

$109K - $109K/yr

Job Title: Sr Specialist, Program Manager Job Code: 39033 Job Location: Mason, OH Job Schedule: 9 ... on national defense, we want you to join our mission. Apply today and become a key player in ...

Sr. Spec Program Manager

Mason, OH · On-site

$109K - $109K/yr

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in ... Program Manager Job Code: 38762 Job Location: Mason, OH Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 days ...

Sr Specialist, Program Manager

Mason, OH · On-site

$109K - $109K/yr

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in ... Job Title: Sr Specialist, Program Manager Job Code: 39033 Job Location: Mason, OH Job Schedule: 9 ...

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 ...

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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 7, 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 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 are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Cincinnati, OH? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Cincinnati, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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:
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Cincinnati, OH 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 $103,106 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: Sr. Spec. Program Manager

Job Code: 42085

Job Location: Mason, OH

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked- and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

We are seeking a results-driven Program Manager to lead complex development and production programs across advanced aerospace and defense product lines. This role is responsible for driving cross-functional execution from commercialization through full-rate production, ensuring alignment across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, and contracts. The ideal candidate is a strong operator who can independently lead high-visibility initiatives, remove barriers, enforce accountability, and deliver on cost, schedule, quality, and customer commitments in a fast-paced defense manufacturing environment.

Essential Functions:

Program Execution: Lead development and production programs from planning through execution, ensuring successful transition from early-phase development to sustained manufacturing.

Cross-Functional Leadership: Drive execution across engineering, operations, supply chain, quality, finance, and contracts to achieve program objectives.

Production and Industrialization Support: Lead commercialization, production readiness, capacity planning, and material execution activities to support manufacturing ramp and operational scale.

Schedule and Risk Management: Develop and manage integrated schedules, identify program risks, and implement mitigation and recovery plans to maintain execution performance.

Supplier and Material Coordination: Support supplier performance management, escalation activities, and material risk mitigation to protect production continuity.

Performance Reporting: Prepare executive-level status reviews, decision briefings, and customer communications to provide clear insight into program status, risks, and actions.

Issue Resolution and Continuous Improvement: Lead corrective actions, resolve execution barriers, and support process improvement initiatives across high-visibility production environments.

Business Support: Support proposals, strategic planning, and business growth efforts as required.

Ability to obtain a US security clearance.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree and minimum 6 years of prior program management, manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior program management, manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior program management, manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership experience. with 8+ years of experience in program management, manufacturing, operations, or engineering leadership.

Preferred Additional Skills:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field.

Experience leading complex aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing programs through development and production phases.

Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, supply chain execution, production planning, and program performance management.

Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams and driving accountability without direct authority.

Experience managing schedules, risks, budgets, and customer deliverables in fast-paced, highly regulated environments.

Strong executive communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to operate independently and lead major initiatives with minimal oversight.

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