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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate and track program tasks; providing managers with analytical information for making decisions on the aspects of organizational operations relative to the effectiveness and efficiency of ...

Coordinate and track program tasks; providing managers with analytical information for making decisions on the aspects of organizational operations relative to the effectiveness and efficiency of ...

Coordinate and track program tasks; providing managers with analytical information for making decisions on the aspects of organizational operations relative to the effectiveness and efficiency of ...

Coordinate and track program tasks; providing managers with analytical information for making decisions on the aspects of organizational operations relative to the effectiveness and efficiency of ...

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Program Manager Defense information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$37.9K

$105.9K

$154.7K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Milwaukee, WI is $105,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $130,500.00 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 Milwaukee, WI? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Milwaukee, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Milwaukee, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Milwaukee, WI are:
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Milwaukee, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,875 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Program Manager for Federal and Energy Sectors

Arcadis

Milwaukee, WI • Hybrid

$122K - $184K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 443 rated engineering


Job description

As an Arcadian, you already help us deliver world leading sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. You are part of our global business comprising 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life.

Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can continue to solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description:

This position will invest 100% of time to developing and growing  Arcadis' market share in the Oak Ridge area, including but not limited to Department of Energy investments, Department of Defense, private developers, nuclear enrichment, small modular reactor siting and development, artificial intelligence and data center development, development of relationships/expanding relationships with national laboratories, economic development agencies, regulatory agencies, engineer procurement construction (EPC) companies, Tennessee Valley Authority and Minority and Women-Owned Business Entreprises.

Role accountabilities:

Knowledge and working history within the Department of Energy - Office of Science and/or Office of Environmental Management is a plus.

Experience leading and implementing complex business change solutions. Commercial acumen and the ability to take part in strategic negotiations with external stakeholders and major suppliers.  Read, understand and respond to client request for proposals  and sub-consultant contracts.  Able to communicate effectively with outside clients, vendors and market representatives, develop strategic planning and business development including capture planning, developing teaming relationships, meeting with clients, attending regional conferences, trade shows and other business exchange forums in the Oak Ridge/Knoxville, TN area.

Expected responsibility in development and delivery of programs ranging between $20 million and $75 million capital spend.

In collaboration with regional leadership, develop hiring plans that align with the business opportunities, identifying and recruiting local talent to grow business capability and capacity in the region.

Collaborate with the DOE Account Leader, Powered Lands Account Leader, Federal Market Sector Leader, Transportation Sector, Energy and Water Sector, Real Estate and Development Sector and Industrial Manufacturing & Technology Sector.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering, Science, or Masters degree in Business Administration (MBA) 
  • 12+ years of overall professional experience on large portfolio capture and management, experience in Federal Market Sector preferred.
  • 10+ years in the Oak Ridge, TN area 

Continue your career journey as an Arcadian.

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You do meaningful work, and no matter where your next role in Arcadis takes you, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark; on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you. 

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.  We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $122,760 - $184,140. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.

#LI-HYBRID 

#Resilience-ANA

#Environment-ANA 

#LI-AO1


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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US