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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

rinchem

Management Trainee - Warehouse

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

Steps in for Operations Manager or Supervisor when away. Completes assigned projects for continuous ... Proficiency in Applicable Programs: Microsoft Office, WMS, Salesforce, etc. Certificates, Licenses ...

Vigor Works LLC

Field Services Manager

Vancouver, WA

$104K - $112K/yr

Coordinate with Engineering, OEMs, Program Management, and Government stakeholders to develop and ... of Defense customers. This role functions as both a technical expert and operational leader ...

Vigor, LLC

Field Services Manager

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$104K - $112K/yr

Coordinate with Engineering, OEMs, Program Management, and Government stakeholders to develop and ... of Defense customers. This role functions as both a technical expert and operational leader ...

SOSi

SCA Analytic Linguist

Portland, OR

$35.25 - $37.75/hr

... defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and ... Maintain regular communication with the program manager and keeping them informed of available ...

SOSi

SCA Analytic Linguist

Portland, OR · On-site

$35.25 - $37.75/hr

... defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and ... Maintain regular communication with the program manager and keeping them informed of available ...

SOSi

SCA Analytic Linguist

Portland, OR · On-site

$35.25 - $37.75/hr

... defense and government services industry. We deliver tailored solutions, tested leadership, and ... Maintain regular communication with the program manager and keeping them informed of available ...

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All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Portland, OR

Program Manager Defense information

See Portland, OR salary details

$40.8K

$114K

$166.5K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Portland, OR is $113,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $140,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Program Manager in 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 in Defense, and why are they important?

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 in the defense sector 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 Portland, OR? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Portland, OR are:
Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Portland, OR as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,962 per year, or $54.8 per hour.
Program Support Assistant

Program Support Assistant

US Department of the Army

Portland, OR

$66K/yr

Other

Re-posted 24 days ago

United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 483 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

About the Position: You will perform technical assistance duties in support of the training and development of employees assigned to the Navigation Division to include government and non-government training, on and off site.Qualifications:

About the Position: This position is located with Navigation Division you will work to support the training mission of the organization. The Portland District's hopper dredges Yaquina and Essayons, work to ensure a safe "highway" for ships and other vessels. The hopper dredge is a specialized sea-going vessel designed to dredge and transport dredged material from ocean bars, fast flowing rivers and isolated harbors to open-water disposal areas.
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) employees.
  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Civilian Employees of the Command
  • Current Civilian Employees of the Organization
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Interchange Agreement Eligible
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience: defined as: one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-08 grade level in the Federal service which includes experience performing a variety of administrative support functions such as tracking and monitoring records for training, coordinating logistics for training to include researching and scheduling training, set-up of classrooms, verifying the requirements for training, and developing statistical and narrative reports for management. (Please note: 1 year of specialized experience at the second lower level is also creditable for in-service applicants)
OR
Education: Successful completion of a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B or J.D. in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position . (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR
A Combination of Education and Experience The specialized experience as described above, but less than one year; and some graduate level education as described in above, but less than the required one year. I have computed the percentage of the requirements that I meet, and the total is at least 100% (To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then, divide your semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify). (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
Time in Grade Requirement: Applicants who have held a General Schedule (GS) position within the last 52 weeks must have 52 weeks of Federal service at the next lower grade or equivalent (GS-08). (Please note: 1 year at the second lower level is also creditable for in-service applicants)Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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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

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