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

Quality Manager

Richfield, WI · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

... defense, energy, and other demanding industries. When customers need precision, quality, and ... Oversee calibration programs, audits, and quality documentation * Monitor quality metrics including ...

... manager through a hard employee conversation the next. At Delta Defense, we're not chasing ... Program leadership - Lead and localize execution of core People programs (performance reviews ...

... manager through a hard employee conversation the next. At Delta Defense, we're not chasing ... Program leadership -- Lead and localize execution of core People programs (performance reviews ...

Our products support diverse markets and industries such as aerospace and defense, oil & gas ... Leads and directs program team while coordinating activities within ATI and within local sales ...

Showing results 21-40

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.

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Defense Logistics Agency rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

275th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Telework Eligible

Yes

Major Duties

  • Prepare detailed plans and perform work measurement, methods and procedures, benchmarking, and/or other studies of substantive work processes and functions.
  • Gather, interpret, analyze and, correlate large amounts of narrative and statistical information about contracting workload and productivity, costs, resource requirements, etc.
  • Maintain audit evidence of receipt and acceptance, detailed financial bookkeeping, and tracking to ensure proper Audit Readiness.
  • Monitor funds expended, as well as projecting quarterly and annual expenditures.
  • Track and monitor personnel actions using an automated personnel system.
  • Provide direction to Directorate managers in the preparation of SF-52 packages.
  • Serve as the Directorate Defense Travel Administrator (ODTA) for the Defense Travel System (DTS).

Qualification Summary

A. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To qualify at the GS 11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including time-in-grade (General Schedule (GS) positions only), time-after-competitive appointment, minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes: GS-11: Coordinate with supervisors in developing proposed local policies and standard operating procedures. Evaluate emergency operations procedures used in the execution of actual and exercise operations and makes changes or recommendations where necessary. Monitor and oversee the operation and implementation of assigned employee training and development programs. Interpret and review directives issued by higher echelons and ensure uniformity in policies throughout the various programs. B. Education Substitution: Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Education must be from a college or university accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education. See http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx. If using education to meet basic qualifications, YOU MUST SUBMIT A TRANSCRIPT as supplemental documentation. To qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you must possess: At the GS-11: a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or three (3) full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M. if related. C. Combination: Combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience may be used to meet total qualification requirements for grade levels GS-09 and GS-11, and may be computed by first determining the applicant's total qualifying experience as a percentage of the experience required for the grade level; then determining the applicant's education as a percentage of the education required for the grade level; and then adding the two percentages. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify an applicant for that grade level. Only graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level may be used to qualify applicants for positions at grade GS-09 and GS-11. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.


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