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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Huntsville, AL (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL

$116K - $210K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems is seeking a talented Program Manager to join in on the cutting-edge working happening in our Indirect Fire Protection Capability/Force Protection Business Area. Leidos ...

Leidos

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Leidos' Defense Systems is seeking a talented Program Manager to join in on the cutting-edge working happening in our Indirect Fire Protection Capability/Force Protection Business Area. Leidos ...

Leidos

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

Description Leidos' Defense Systems is seeking a talented Program Manager to join in on the cutting-edge working happening in our Indirect Fire Protection Capability/Force Protection Business Area.

Leidos

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Leidos Defense Sensor provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering ... Prepare and present program status reports and briefings to senior management and DoD clients.

Prolog Inc.

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Thorough working knowledge of FAR and DFARS provisions applicable to defense acquisitions and property management. * Proven experience managing Quality Control Programs, workforce performance, and ...

Leidos

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL

$139K - $251K/yr

Leidos Defense Sensor provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering ... Prepare and present program status reports and briefings to senior management and DoD clients.

Leidos

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Leidos Defense Sensor provides a diverse portfolio of systems, solutions, and services covering ... Prepare and present program status reports and briefings to senior management and DoD clients.

Nou Systems Inc

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... defense systems and improve capabilities. We are pleased to announce the opening of a Senior Program Manager who will manage our Precision Pulse Positioning System (3PS) Program and become part of ...

Nightwing

Program Manager

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability ... Position Summary We are seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead complex government programs ...

Starfish

Program Manager - Technical

Huntsville, AL

$127K - $164K/yr

As one of the nation's top 100 defense companies, the services we provide directly support the men ... Torch Technologies is seeking a high-performing Program Manager - Technical to support the ...

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Program Manager Defense information

See Huntsville, AL salary details

$37.9K

$105.9K

$154.7K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Huntsville, AL is $105,883.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $130,600.00 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 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 Huntsville, AL look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Huntsville, AL are:

What cities near Huntsville, AL are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Huntsville, AL with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you

Configuration Manager -Defense and Commercial

Huntsville, AL • Hybrid

SAIC
IT Services • 10K+ employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

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Recommended by students

Learn more about SAICexternal

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job ID: 2615505

Location: Huntsville, AL, US

Date Posted: 2026-08-11

Category: Engineering and Sciences

Subcategory: Config Analyst

Schedule: Full-Time

Shift: Day Job

Travel: Yes - 10% of the time

Minimum Clearance Required: Secret

Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: None

Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE


Description

We are seeking a highly skilled Configuration Manager to lead and oversee configuration management (CM) activities across both Department of Defense (DoD) programs and commercial product lines in Huntsville, AL. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of defense-specific standards (e.g., MIL-STD-973, EIA-649) while maintaining the agility required for commercial product lifecycles. You will be responsible for the integrity of our systems, ensuring that all hardware, software, and documentation are accurately identified, controlled, and audited.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Program Planning & Compliance: Develop and maintain Configuration Management Plans (CMP) that satisfy strict DoD requirements while integrating internal commercial best practices.
  • Identification & Baselines: Establish and manage configuration baselines (Functional, Allocated, and Product) for complex defense systems and commercial variants; maintain the Configuration Status Accounting (CSA) database.
  • Change Control: Facilitate Configuration Control Boards (CCB) for both sectors. Manage Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), Requests for Deviations (RFDs), and Notice of Revisions (NORs) for defense contracts, alongside standard Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) for commercial efforts.
  • Audits & Verifications: Lead Physical Configuration Audits (PCA) and Functional Configuration Audits (FCA) to ensure hardware and software deliveries meet contractual specifications and quality standards.
  • Data Management: Manage the technical data package (TDP) and ensure secure handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) or classified data in accordance with defense security protocols.
  • Tool Management: Oversee the administration of PLM/PDM and ALM tools (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter, Jira, or Git) to ensure a single source of truth for engineering data.
  • Cross-Functional Liaison: Serve as the primary point of contact for government QARs (Quality Assurance Representatives) and commercial stakeholders regarding configuration integrity.

Qualifications

Education Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field and five (5) + years of experience in configuration management within the defense/aerospace industry.

Security Requirements: 

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.

Required Qualifications:

  • Standards Expertise: Proven expertise in EIA-649 (National Consensus Standard for Configuration Management) and MIL-HDBK-61.
  • Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of the defense acquisition lifecycle and the transition from development to production and sustainment.
  • Systems Integration: Experience managing CM for projects that involve both heavy hardware components and integrated software systems.

Preferred Skills:

  • Certification: CMII, CMPIC, or NDIA Configuration Management certification.
  • Commercial Agility: Experience applying CM in Agile/DevSecOps environments for commercial software or rapid prototyping.
  • Digital Engineering: Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and how CM evolves within a digital thread.
  • Communication: Ability to translate complex defense regulatory requirements into actionable processes for commercial engineering teams.

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