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

Koniag, Inc.

Program Manager

Columbus, OH · On-site

Audit Defense: * The customer is an audit heavy environment, so need experience in audit defense in ... program management, with at least 5 years specifically managing DoD Federal Contracts. Our Equal ...

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Program Manager Defense information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$37.2K

$103.8K

$151.6K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Columbus, OH is $103,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $128,000.00 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 are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Columbus, OH?

For Program Manager Defense jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Columbus, OH look for?

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

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

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

Program Manager Defense jobs near you

Program Manager

Koniag, Inc.

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Ensure all contract deliverables are submitted on time and meet quality standards.

  • Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of cleared technical staff while ensuring personnel maintain required certifications and security clearances.

  • Manage the contract budget, monitor funding, and develop risk mitigation strategies to prevent service interruptions.

Job description

Koniag IT Systems, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Program Manager to support KITS and our government customer in Carson, CA. This position is for a Future New Business Opportunity.
The customer may need support as needed at other locations Columbus, OH, Bedford, MA, Fort Lee, VA, and Smyrna, GA.
We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.
The PM's success is measured by contractual compliance, budget health, and service delivery and ensures that the architects, engineers, and admins are performing their duties according to the Performance Work Statement (PWS).
Essential Functions, Responsibilities & Duties may include, but are not limited to:
Contractual Oversight:
  • Ensure all deliverables (reports, system updates, and project milestones) are submitted on time and meet the quality standards defined in the contract.

Personnel Management:
  • Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and retention of cleared technical staff.
  • The Program Manager must ensure that all personnel maintain their required DoW 8570/8140 certifications and security clearances.

Financial Management:
  • Manage the contract budget, including labor categories, "Other Direct Costs" (ODCs), and travel.
  • Monitor the "burn rate" to ensure the contract does not run out of funding prematurely.

Risk Mitigation:
  • Identify potential technical or staffing risks (e.g., high turnover or shifting DoD security mandates) and develop mitigation strategies to prevent service interruptions.

Strategic Alignment:
  • Meet regularly with the customer's IT leadership to align contractor activities with the agency's evolving mission, such as the transition to Zero Trust or Cloud-native environments.

Communications:
  • Strong language and writing skills to speak with senior officials as well as manage a diverse set of skilled professionals to accomplish the mission.

Audit Defense:
  • The customer is an audit heavy environment, so need experience in audit defense in DoW contracting and show ability to manage team to bridge gap between findings and technical requirements.

Required Qualifications
Clearance Requirement:
  • Active Secret clearance (minimum); Top Secret (preferred) to allow for high-level strategic briefings.

Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, IT Management, or a related field

Certifications:
  • PMP (Project Management Professional)
  • ITIL Foundation/Master
  • DoD 8570 IAM Level II/III: (e.g., Security +ce, CISM or CISSP)

Experience:
  • 10-15 years of experience in IT project/program management, with at least 5 years specifically managing DoD Federal Contracts.

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.
The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply for a position on our website, please get in touch with Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodations.
Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352
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About Koniag

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Investment management and consulting services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kodiak, AK, US

Year founded

1972

Social media

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