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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Hayward, CA (NOW HIRING)

Scout AI

Senior Program Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$136K - $136K/yr

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI ... The Role We are looking for a Senior Program Manager, Government Programs who will help win ...

Scout AI

Senior Program Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$165K - $180K/yr

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI ... The Role We are looking for a Senior Program Manager, Government Programs who will help win ...

Scout AI

Senior Program Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$135K - $136K/yr

Scout AI is developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model for defense, to empower U.S. forces with intelligent machines. The Senior Program Manager will lead the development of government ...

DAS Technology Group

Senior Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$136K - $136K/yr

We are the leading RF/Microwave & Defense/Space Recruiting firm in country. ABOUT THE CLIENT: Our ... They are looking to hire a Program Manager in their Bay Area, CA location! This is an on-site role.

Emerald Technologies

Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Program Manager is a strategic project management professional who supports customer projects ... Defense, Life Sciences, Renewable Energy, Industrial Controls, Power & Infrastructure ...

Micross Components

Sr. Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Defense & Space systems, program lifecycle management, customer engagement, and cross-functional leadership. This role is critical to ensuring the ...

Scout AI

GTM Senior Program Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$136K - $136K/yr

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI ... The Role As the GTM Program Manager, you'll own the execution of our go-to-market initiatives ...

Sanmina Corporation

Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

... networks, defense and aerospace, industrial and semiconductor systems, medical, multimedia ... program or order. Responsible for customer management and satisfaction, order management and ...

Scout AI

GTM Senior Program Manager

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI ... The Role As the GTM Program Manager, you'll own the execution of our go-to-market initiatives ...

Benchmark

Program Manager

Concord, CA · On-site

$97K - $121K/yr

... defense, advanced computing, next-generation communications, complex industrials, medical, and ... The program manager is responsible for the execution of customer strategies related to one or more ...

HRUCKUS

Operations and Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

We specialize in Technical and Cleared Recruiting for the Department of Defense (DoD), the ... We seek to fill an Operations and Program Manager role in San Jose, CA. The ideal candidate is a ...

OSI Systems, Inc

Program Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Altaflex, a division of OSI Electronics, is seeking a Program Manager. Selected candidate will be ... defense, aerospace, medical and industrial markets, among others.

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All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Hayward, CA

Program Manager Defense information

See Hayward, CA salary details

$44.1K

$123.2K

$180K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Hayward, CA is $123,202.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $151,900.00 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 Hayward, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Hayward, CA are:

What cities near Hayward, CA are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Hayward, CA with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Hayward, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,202 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Senior Program Manager

Scout AI

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$136K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

The future of defense will be decided by those who field intelligent machines at scale. At Scout AI, we're developing Fury, the first robotic foundation model for defense, to give U.S. forces overwhelming, adaptable, and autonomous power across every domain. Fury enables human operators to command fleets of robots through natural language, and empowers those machines to sense, decide, and act together as one. This mission will ask everything of us: urgency, precision, and relentless work.

The Role

We are looking for a Senior Program Manager, Government Programs who will help win strategic government opportunities and ensure successful execution once programs are awarded. This role spans the full lifecycle of government work, from proposal development and capture support to program management and contract execution.

As a Senior Program Manager, you will lead the development of government proposals and help manage the execution of awarded programs. You will work closely with engineering, leadership, business development, and legal teams to translate cutting-edge technology into successful government programs. You will play a key role in helping Scout AI scale its engagement with the U.S. Department of War, defense innovation organizations, and prime contractor partners. This role combines proposal leadership, program management, and contract coordination, ensuring that Scout AI can both win and deliver critical national security programs.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the end-to-end development of government proposals including RFPs, RFIs, and RFQs
  • Build and manage proposal schedules, compliance matrices, and submission plans
  • Coordinate inputs across engineering, leadership, finance, legal, and external partners
  • Translate technical capabilities into compelling proposal narratives
  • Ensure proposals meet all government compliance requirements and evaluation criteria
  • Manage submission through government portals and prime contractor systems
  • Support capture strategy and pre-RFP shaping in partnership with business development
  • Serve as program manager for awarded government contracts
  • Track program milestones, deliverables, and reporting requirements
  • Maintain regular communication with government program offices and customer stakeholders
  • Manage program schedules, risks, and dependencies

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience managing U.S. Government proposals or defense contracting submissions
  • Strong understanding of federal proposal processes and evaluation structures
  • Experience coordinating complex technical programs across multiple teams
  • Ability to translate deep technical concepts into clear proposal narratives
  • Exceptional program management and organizational skills
  • Strong writing, editing, and communication abilities
  • Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities
  • Passion about defense of the United States and its allies
  • May be expected to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance

Why Join Scout

  • Work on the world's most important frontier, ensuring U.S. and allied dominance in the age of intelligent machines
  • Be a core part of a team building the first defense-specific robotic foundation model
  • Collaborate with some of the top engineers in autonomy, AI, and national security
  • See your work deployed on real systems
  • Help define the future of intelligent defense systems
  • Backed by Draper Associates, Booz Allen Ventures, PerotJain and other top investors

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package including base salary and bonus.
  • Meaningful equity
  • Premium medical, dental, and vision plans with $0 paycheck contribution
  • Competitive PTO and company holiday calendar
  • Catered lunch daily and fully stocked kitchen
  • EV charging
  • Relocation assistance (depending on role eligibility)

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