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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Indianapolis, IN

Vergence

Operations Manager

Franklin, IN · On-site

Required Experience: - Minimum 7yrs experience in cyber range or computer test bed environments. - Minimum 7yr experience in Program Management or SR level DoD experience or Defense Industry Civilian ...

Vergence

Operations Manager

Franklin, IN

Required Experience: - Minimum 7yrs experience in cyber range or computer test bed environments. - Minimum 7yr experience in Program Management or SR level DoD experience or Defense Industry Civilian ...

V2X

Chief Engineer- Production WSI

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Experience interfacing with senior defense customers, including Program Executive Officers (PEOs) and Program Management (PM) offices. * Familiarity with MIL-STD compliance, safety standards ...

FCCI Insurance Group

Manager, Major Case Unit

Carmel, IN · On-site +1

$114K - $176K/yr

Direct litigation strategy and manage defense counsel to ensure effective, cost-conscious claim ... Recognition & Bonus Programs * Medical, Vision, Dental & Life Insurance * Employee Referral Bonus

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Indianapolis, IN

Program Manager Defense information

See Indianapolis, IN salary details

$36.8K

$102.7K

$150.1K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Indianapolis, IN is $102,718.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $126,700.00 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 Indianapolis, IN? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Indianapolis, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Indianapolis, IN look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Indianapolis, IN are:
What cities near Indianapolis, IN are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs? Cities near Indianapolis, IN with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:
Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Indianapolis, IN 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 $102,718 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

SUPV IT PROGRAM MANAGER (APPSW)

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

$107K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 537 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense

Job description

Who may apply: Current, permanent DFAS employees in the competitive service, and current DFAS VRA employees in the local commuting area, and eligible DoD PPP Military Spouse preference applicants.
Position is located in IT DIR OFFICE, ACCOUNTING SERVICES, ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS, PBAS SUSTAINMENT BRANCH, ZTCFC. This job announcement may be used to fill similar positions on other teams in the I&T Directorate.
Qualifications:Basic Requirement: Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating the following competencies appropriate to, or above, the level of this position. For vacancies below the full-performance level of the position, the basic requirement will be evaluated on a developmental basis. Your resume and work experience should clearly support your ability to meet these competencies and will be evaluated as part of the entire application process.
Attention to Detail - experience reviewing my own information technology-related work or data and have been asked by others to review their work or data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency with standards.
Customer Service - experience maintaining relationships with customers, assessing current information technology needs of customers, and developing or identifying information technology products and services that are tailored to meet customer needs.
Oral Communication - briefing mid-level management and IT staff on the status of information technology systems, projects, or daily operations, including the communication of technical information to a non-technical audience.
Problem Solving - identifying alternatives to address complex information technology-related issues by gathering and applying information from a variety of sources that provide a number of potential solutions.
One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade (GS-12) within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required.
Specialized Experience is defined as: leading projects and teams supporting major financial and accounting information technology (IT) systems; experience with business processes surrounding the software development life cycle of IT systems, such as; analysis, design, programming, testing, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance; demonstrated experience in managing structured project management activities; communicating and briefing management on project status; and, participation in audit and/or audit preparation activities.
You may qualify for consideration if meeting specialized experience, education requirement, 90 days after competitive appointment requirement, and all other qualification requirements within 30 calendar days after the closing date of the announcement, unless otherwise indicated on the announcement.
We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 120 days of the closing date.Education:Education is not substitutable for specialized experience at the GS-13 grade level.Employment Type: OTHER

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