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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Commerce, TX (NOW HIRING)

Senior Manager, Procurement

Greenville, TX

$78K - $106K/yr

Expert understanding of Programs and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise Requirements ... Department of Defense (DOD), and Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR) requirements.

New

Manager, Cyber Intelligence

Greenville, TX · On-site

$92K - $124K/yr

Manager, Cyber Intelligence-ISSM Job Code: 40721 Job Location: Greenville, TX; On-site Job Schedule ... of Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) programs. Duties for successful ...

Showing results 41-60

Program Manager Defense information

See Commerce, TX salary details

$35.8K

$99.8K

$145.8K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Commerce, TX is $99,819.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,800.00 and $123,100.00 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 Commerce, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Commerce, TX are:

What cities near Commerce, TX are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Commerce, TX with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Commerce, TX 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 $99,819 per year, or $48 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


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: Manager, Systems Engineering R&D, Sensor Algorithms

Job Code: 40752

Job Location: Greenville, TX

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 an experienced Manager to lead and manage a select group of engineers focused on the next generation of SIGINT, COMINT, and ELINT sensor algorithms.  The algorithms that team works on are a unique mix of internal research and development (IRAD), contracted R&D (CRAD), and customer-funded development projects to further state-of-the-art detection, classification, and exploitation capabilities. As their leader, you will build and mentor the team and establish relationships with program and functional leaders to develop and transition technologies onto various platforms.

Essential Functions:

  • Collaborate with chief engineers, project engineers, and program managers to develop sensor capability roadmaps.
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities to execute cross-platform research and development.
  • Collaborate in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team environment.
  • Establish and maintain technical direction, engineering standards, and design principles.
  • Communicate within and outside of the organization to explain and influence changes to practices, processes and approaches to improve program execution.
  • Lead technical planning, design reviews, integration, and technical decision-making, engaging in day-to-day program execution as warranted.
  • Leadership and Communications skills.
  • Forecast Systems Engineering Manpower needs based on Program and Potential demand forecast; Responsible for creating workforce and staffing plans.
  • Establish training requirements for continued professional development of the team to meet business goals.
  • Must have an active Secret DoD Clearance with ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret with SCI. 

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree with 9 years of leading projects and/or task teams in research and development of sensor technologies.
  • Graduate degree with 7 years of leading projects and/or task teams in research and development of sensor technologies.
  • In Lieu of a degree, a minimum of 13 years of leading projects and/or task teams in research and development of sensor technologies.
  • Demonstrated experience with ISR products and capabilities.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active Top Secret with SCI security clearance.
  • Background in radio frequency (RF) and/or optical sensor development.

#LI-AM2

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.

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