1

Program Manager Defense Jobs in Helena, MT (NOW HIRING)

In lieu of a degree, minimum of 16 years of prior related experience (Related work experience is defined as military or Department of Defense business development, engineering or program management ...

Security Cooperation Advisor

Helena, MT · On-site

$105K - $153K/yr

Develop, manage, and execute interoperability and modernization plans with allied defense partners ... Coordinate with acquisition and program offices to enable secure, interoperable C4 capabilities.

Gather intel, drop ordnance and conduct defensive missions--all in the F/A-18 Hornet and the ... In addition to that, you manage hundreds of personnel, making this a job that requires a level of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Program Manager Defense information

See Helena, MT salary details

$36.5K

$101.8K

$148.8K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Helena, MT is $101,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,300.00 and $125,600.00 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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Helena, MT?

For Program Manager Defense jobs in Helena, MT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Helena, MT look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Helena, MT are:

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST (RADIO TECH) with Security Clearance

Department of the Army

Helena, MT • On-site

Other

Posted 24 days ago


United States Army rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 491 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Duties Runs the preventative maintenance program for all tactical and commercial off the shelf radio equipment assigned to the Joint Forces Headquarters. This includes HF radios assigned to the state headquarters that participate in the National Guard Bureau Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) net, Disaster Incident Response Emergency Communications Team (DIRECT) equipment, or Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) equipment or future equivalent systems. Maintains emergency communications response equipment assigned to the J6/G6 such as communications trailers and command vehicles. Performs routine maintenance on commercial off the shelf radio equipment installed at armories across the state or territory for the purpose of emergency communications. Monitors national preventative maintenance bulletins and works with state level electronics maintenance shops to identify common maintenance issues and disseminates findings to units. Maintains appropriate documentation in accordance with military regulations and publications regarding performed maintenance. Assists the DSCA Communications Planner with maintaining emergency communications cached equipment. Lead maintainer for National Guard owned communications towers and commercial off the shelf (COTS) repeater systems. Responsible for building and maintaining Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) load sets, SINCGARS load sets and hop sets, Land Mobile Radio code plugs, and Mission Critical Push to Talk (MCPTT) configurations. Ensures armory radio-based emergency communications systems are maintained and regularly tested. This includes but is not limited to High Frequency (HF), Single Channel Ground Airborne Radio Systems (SINCGARS), Land Mobile Radio (LMR), satellite (military and civilian), Mission Critical Push to Talk (MCPTT), and microwave systems. Ensures unit communications personnel are trained and proficient in radio operations and maintenance. Maintains keys to state and regional government trunked systems and programs National Guard radios for operation on those systems. Ensures the quality of unit radio training programs remains high by leading train the trainer classes and by producing written and video-based training materials for units to utilize. Identifies quality training materials from vendors and other states and ensures their dissemination to units. Helps plan communications exercises and routine armory communications checks to ensure unit readiness for tactical and emergency employment of assigned systems. Manages statewide National Guard radio nets, to include those on High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF), and trunked systems. Provides guidance and assistance to subordinate and interagency activities operating radio nets, to include civil government and Military Auxiliary Radio Service (MARS) nets. Manages unit callsign registrations with the Department of Homeland Security's Shared Resources (SHARES) HF program. Deconflicts callsigns with and between units in the state and territory. During a Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) event involving National Guard forces, serves as a Communications Technician (COMT) under the Incident Commander's Communications Leader (COML) to ensure the successful application of the COML's communications plan as it applies to the assigned National Guard forces. May serve as a member of a Disaster Incident Emergency Response Team (DIRECT) or Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC). Serves as a subject matter expert for radio crossbanding involving National Guard owned systems. Advises the command on procurement issues involving COTS radios. Ensures compliance with Department of Defense Instruction (DODI 4650.10) as well as compatibility with NORTHCOM and NGB programs. Coordinates with installation directorates and tenant organizations to ensure that radio dependent equipment (example: mass notification alert systems, handheld radios, and paging systems) being developed or procured for use on the installation are fully supportable and interoperable. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Conditions of employment * NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERSHIP IS REQUIRED. * This is an excepted service position that requires membership in the employing state's National Guard. Selectee will be required to wear the military uniform. * Acceptance of an excepted service position constitutes concurrence with these requirements as a condition of employment. * Males born after 31 December 1959 must be registered for Selective Service. * Federal employment suitability as determined by a background investigation. * May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. * Participation in direct deposit is mandatory. * Appointments in the Title 32 MTNG technician program may terminate/suspend your military incentives; please see your MTNG Retention Office/Military Personnel Incentive Program Manager for details. * Must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance of the position. * External applicants must be able to start within 6 months of selection. * This position is covered by the Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment (30 Sep 96) of the Gun Control Act (Lautenberg Amendment) of 1968. An individual convicted of a qualifying crime of domestic violence may not perform the duties of this position. * May be required to travel to and from offsite worksite(s) from the normal work area to perform assigned duties. Due to distances involved, travel may involve one or more overnight stays. * Must complete appropriate training and obtain required certifications IAW DoDI 8140, DOD 8570.01M or applicable governing document(s) for Cyber workforce as an IA Technician Level II within 6 months of employment pending training seat availability. * Ability to establish effective professional working relationships with coworkers and customers, contributing to a cooperative working environment and successful accomplishment of the mission. * Irregular hours may be required to support operational requirements or contingencies or may be required to work hours outside of the normal duty day. * The employee may be required to travel in military and/or commercial vehicles to perform temporary duty assignments. * Incumbent must complete the following Federal Emergency Management Agency Incident Command System classes within 6 months of employment: Introduction to Incident Command System, IS-00100, Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, IS-00200 * Continued classes: Intermediate Incident Command System for Expanding Incidents, ICS-300, Intro to the National Incident Management System, IS-00700, National Response Framework, An Intro, IS-00800, All-Hazards Communications Unit Technician Course. Qualifications Military Grades : Enlisted E5 - E9; Warrant WO1 - CW3 GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS : Must have experience that provided a basic knowledge of telecommunications functions, problems, and/or solutions. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Must meet one of the following options to qualify for this position: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE * 1 year of experience equivalent to at least next lower grade level, evaluating, analyzing, developing, managing, or improving communications systems, procedures, and requirements that demonstrated knowledge of current developments and trends in communications concepts and technology. *MUST address your experiences in detail on resume as they relate to these specialized experiences if using experience to qualify for this position. -OR- EDUCATION * Undergraduate and Graduate Education with major study in electrical or electronic engineering, mathematics, physics, public utilities, statistics, computer science, telecommunications management, information systems management, business administration, industrial management, or other fields related to the position to be filled or * Other education in communications/electronics or automatic data processing training in technical institutes or business schools above the high school level or in Armed Forces schools that included advanced instruction in addition to basic courses. *Must submit a copy of relevant transcripts, if using education to qualify for this position. Education This job does not have an education qualification requirement. Additional information If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency ( ).

What United States Army employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


US Army logo

About US Army

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

Social media