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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Franklin, MA (NOW HIRING)

JOBSUMMARY The Defense Industrial Base Institute seeks an experienced Research Program Managerto ... The Research Program Manager,a DoD sponsored research position, is a Boston or Washington DC based ...

Experience managing projects for the Department of Defense * Skills and experience in the use of tools to aid in program management * Strong presentation and organization skills with ability to:

Senior Program Manager, Autonomy

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$165K - $220K/yr

MRLN) is a publicly traded aerospace and defense company building a non-human pilot to deliver full ... As a Senior Program Manager at Merlin, you'll lead a portfolio of high-impact autonomy programs ...

Technical Program Manager

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$140 - $185/hr

Develop, maintain, and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for highly technical programs ... Experience supporting aerospace, defense, government, R&D, or highly technical engineering programs.

Technical Program Manager

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$140K - $185K/yr

Develop, maintain, and manage Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) for highly technical programs ... Experience supporting aerospace, defense, government, R&D, or highly technical engineering programs.

Showing results 41-60

Program Manager Defense information

See Franklin, MA salary details

$38.9K

$108.6K

$158.7K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Franklin, MA is $108,618.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $133,900.00 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 Franklin, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Franklin, MA are:

What cities near Franklin, MA are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Franklin, MA with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Franklin, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,618 per year, or $52.2 per hour.

Program Manager 1 - Electronic Systems

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.

Cambridge, MA โ€ข On-site

$95 - $245/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Overview

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

Job Description Summary: The Program Manager 1 will help deliver first-of-a-kind field-ready technical solutions in support of National Security missions. The Draper team is chartered with supporting the Nationโ€™s most challenging problems by 1) providing an iterative and agile approach to innovative and creative technical solutions within compressed timelines and 2) driving leading edge technology development efforts to support future mission needs. This role will support a large multi-functional team as part of a long-standing contract with history of immense success. We are seeking a Program Manager (PM) responsible for facilitating and leading program capture, development, planning and execution across a broad range of national security sponsors. The Program Manager will be accountable for developing and managing new programs as well as establishing new programmatic relationships with Draper national security sponsors across the labโ€™s electronic systems / microelectronics portfolio. This PM will be expected to drive execution, innovation, and provide oversight that ensures Sponsor satisfaction, on-time completion of contractual deliverables. The PM will also manage, strengthen, and grow customer relationships in addition to supporting capture activities to include leading proposal efforts.

Job Description: Duties and Responsibilities

Own overall program execution, to include meeting cost, schedule, technical performance targets and exceeding customer expectations Establish project/program performance measurement baseline. Develop, implement and update resource allocation plans. Work with functional organizations to effectively recruit, retain and develop key talent for the business. Manage and control all phases of programs from inception through completion, ensuring cost, schedule, and technical performance. Act as primary customer contact for program activities, managing program teams, and leading review sessions to ensure all work scope and technical requirements are met. Work closely with the supporting functions to enable and monitor ongoing performance Identify, assess and apply appropriate actions for project opportunities, risks, and issues in terms of cost, schedule, technical elements and deliverables. Establish strong customer partnerships and balance ongoing needs and expectations against plans. Develop new business or expand existing products/technologies with customers. Provide leadership oversight for the team creating an open, positive, inclusive environment to maintain high team morale. Participate in contract negotiations, reporting, deliverables and changes. Deploy appropriate quality control and quality assurance processes and ensure adherence to the Quality Management System and customer requirements. Coordinate win strategy, competitive captures, and compliant proposals to support current and future growth of the business portfolio. Manage all phases of the business cycle in accordance with the company's financial policies and processes. Ensure impactful, effective oral and written communications to internal and external stakeholders.

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of program management tools and processes such as Earned Value Management (EVMS), Integrated Master Plan (IMP)/Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) and/or Risk/Opportunity/Issue Management. Experience working government projects/programs with direct customer interfaces, both internal and external. Able to work with functional organizations to achieve project/program execution and business goals. Able to implement continuous improvement across projects/programs and balance priorities in a dynamic, matrixed environment. Ability to travel on an as needed basis. Ability to quickly learn new technologies and/or new applications. Prior exposure to all product lifecycles Ability to be persuasive and a strong relationship builder. Possess excellent communications, presentation and networking skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.

Education

Bachelorโ€™s degree (major in engineering, computer science, business, or related technical field preferred)

Experience

5 years professional experience in project/program management in commercial or defense industry required

Additional Job Description

Direct experience in program/project management of R&D technology development activities, and/or successful USG technology transition activities. Program/project management experience in complex technical activities in USG/DoD programs. Deep understanding of DoD/IC customer culture, missions, and national security challenges. Relevant military experience may also be considered in accounting for professional experience. Direct experience in developing risk management plans, budgets, and schedules, and delivering presentations/reviews. Ability to interact with and provide direction to multidisciplinary technical teams both internal and external to Draper. Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including strong presentation skills to groups of >20 attendees. Current / in-scope Top Secret clearance, with the ability to successfully obtain program specific accesses as required. Program/project management experience in complex technical activities in USG/DoD programs. Deep understanding of DoD/IC customer culture, missions, and national security challenges. Relevant military experience may also be considered in accounting for professional experience. Direct experience in developing risk management plans, budgets, and schedules, and delivering presentations/reviews. Ability to interact with and provide direction to multidisciplinary technical teams both internal and external to Draper. Excellent written and spoken communication skills, including strong presentation skills to groups of >20 attendees. Current / in-scope Top Secret clearance, with the ability to successfully obtain program specific accesses as required. Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Job Location

City: Cambridge

State: Massachusetts

Postal Code: 02139-3563

Salary

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $95,000.00 - $245,000.00. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Benefits

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Inclusive Environment Statement

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.

Closing Statement

We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.

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