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

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: Employees ...

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

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L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in ... Program Manager Job Code: 40253 Job Location: Mason, OH Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of ...

Sr. Spec Program Manager

Mason, OH

$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 ...

Senior Specialist Program Manager

Mason, OH · On-site

$109K - $109K/yr

Job Title: Senior Program Manager Job Code: 39940 Job Location: Mason, OH Job Schedule: 9/80 ... on national defense, we want you to join our mission. Apply today and become a key player in ...

Sr. Spec Program Manager

Mason, OH

$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 2, 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,106 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Specialist, Program Management

Job Code: 41971

Job Location: Cincinnati, OH

Schedule: Employees work 9 out of 14 days with every other Friday off

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing diverse, high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

About L3Harris Technologies:

L3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers' mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has approximately $18 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries.

L3Harris Defense Electronic Systems (DES), a division of L3Harris, provides precision electronic components, subsystems, and systems for the DOD and international allies. L3Harris DES specializes in the design and manufacture of fuzes, ignition safety devices, proximity sensors, GPS navigation systems, aerospace status indicators, and range and test solutions.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, L3Harris DES' primary manufacturing facility was specifically designed and constructed for the manufacture of fuzing and ordnance systems and precision electronic components. L3Harris is a partner you can count on to deliver quality products and solve your toughest technical challenges. The Cincinnati location has flexible manufacturing - capable of manufacturing a variety of products from large scale down to individual production units for development efforts, dual identical modern Surface Mount Technology (SMT) assembly lines for automated electronic manufacture, and on-site inspection and test capabilities to perform all required environmental conditioning test

procedures. We offer competitive benefits, an alternative 4/10 work schedule, and the opportunity to work with a talented and diverse group of professionals.

Job Description:

L3Harris Fuzing and Ordnance Systems, located in Cincinnati, OH is the established leader in Fuze, Ignition Safety Device, and Height of Burst Sensor development and manufacturing for DoD weapon systems. We are seeking a Specialist Program Manager that must understand project management processes and have experience leading small to mid-sized projects involving developing technology and products and manufacturing of hardware to meet customer requirements. This position will have profit and loss responsibility and overall authority to lead a matrix team of engineers and operations staff to execute one or more DoD weapon safety device development or production contracts. The Program Manager will typically spend their time; 80% on development of new or manufacturing of existing fuzing and ordnance products, 10% developing proposals for new or follow-on contracts, and 10% on personal and organizational improvement and growth. We offer competitive benefits, an alternative 4 day / 10 hour work week, and the opportunity to work with a talented and diverse group of professionals focused on warfighter success and safety ... What We Do Matters.

Essential Functions:

Lead Program Team

Manage Cost, Schedule and Technical Performance

Ability to develop and maintain project documentation, to include: Integrated Master Schedule, Procurement Plans, Quality Plans, Engineering Plans

Demonstrated Ability to supervise the execution of project Plans in a Matrix environment, particularly Engineering, Supply Chain and Operations/Manufacturing.

Experience effectively managing risk and opportunities.

Act as customer point of contact responsible for meeting contractual commitments including the cost, schedule, technical, and quality performance of assigned projects and program(s) within contractual boundaries, company expectations, and established standards.

Establish program strategy, vision and tactical direction for program execution by project team

Track program performance to integrated master schedule, identify program issues and obtain solutions, such as allocation of resources or alternate technical approaches.

Experience organizing and leading Project Status Review meetings and cost analysis with stakeholders. Review project status and budget; manage schedules and prepare status reports for customers and senior management

Experience Developing Proposal Bid Strategies, Developing Proposals, Leading the development of Estimates at Complete (EACs) and providing input to the Annual Operating Plan. Coordinate the preparation of proposals, proposal work statements, specifications, and program budgets.

Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance.

Qualifications:


Bachelor's Degree and minimum 4 years of prior program mgmt related experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.

A minimum of 2 years of experience in contributing to business growth by referring new business opportunities to Sales and Management, assisting with proposals, conducting customer-facing presentations, and other support initiatives.

A minimum of 2 years of experience with program/project management or comparable experience in lead roles demonstrating project/program management skill sets, preferably on DoD weapons or safety-critical product development contracts.

Preferred Additional Skills:

PMP Certification or equivalent.

Strong communication and organizational skills

Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, MSProject)

Proficient in Earned Value Management

#LI-WN1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time