Program Manager Defense Jobs in Queens, NY (NOW HIRING)

Senior Program Manager (Aerospace & Defense)

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Program Manager to lead complex aerospace and defense programs across their full lifecycle—from proposal through production and delivery. This role is responsible for program execution, financial performance, customer engagement, and cross-functional leadership, ensuring all contractual, technical, and schedule requirements are met. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical understanding, business acumen, and the ability to drive results across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams.

• Melville, NY
• $150,000 – $170,000
• Full-Time | 1st Shift
• 100% Onsite (Manufacturing Environment)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple complex programs from proposal through production and delivery
• Oversee all phases of the program lifecycle, including:
• Proposal & contract negotiation
• Baseline planning, PDR, CDR, MRR, TRR
• Qualification, validation, and production
• Ensure programs meet cost, schedule, and technical performance goals
• Conduct program and financial reviews, tracking budgets and performance metrics
• Present detailed program updates to executive leadership and customers
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all internal and external program communications
• Lead risk and opportunity management, implementing mitigation strategies
• Coordinate across Engineering, Manufacturing, and Business teams to align priorities and resources
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within program management processes
• Support new business development, including proposals and requirement analysis

Top Requirements (Must-Haves)

• 10–12+ years of Program Management experience (Aerospace/Defense)
• Strong background in engineering-driven manufacturing environments
• Experience managing full lifecycle programs (proposal through production)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project and program tracking tools
• Experience with cost, schedule, and earned value management

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (Engineering or technical field strongly preferred)
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-reliability programs
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and drive cross-functional teams
• Experience managing customer relationships in aerospace/defense environments
• Excellent communication skills, including presenting to Senior leadership and customers
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with RF systems, high-reliability hardware, or aerospace components
• Familiarity with ERP systems (Costpoint preferred)
• Program Management certification (PMP or similar)
• Active or previous security clearance (highly preferred)
• Strong negotiation and contract management experience

Work Environment

• 100% onsite in Melville, NY
• Combination of office setting and manufacturing floor collaboration
• Work closely with engineers, technicians, and operations teams
• Standard first-shift schedule in a fast-paced production environment

Why Join?

• Lead high-visibility aerospace and defense programs
• Join a company experiencing strong growth and expansion
• Opportunity to influence both program success and operational improvements
• Exposure to complex, high-performance engineering environments
• Significant long-term career growth potential

Ideal Candidate

• Senior-level Program Manager with deep aerospace/defense experience
• Proven ability to manage complex programs with full ownership of performance
• Strong business mindset with technical fluency
• Confident communicator who can engage customers, executives, and technical teams
• Proactive leader who drives accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Melville, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $150000.00 - $170000.00/yr.

BENEFIT SUMMARY 2026 • All positions - 100% On Site Melville, NY • Healthcare coverage begins the 1st day of employment Weekly deduction rates: AETNA High Deductible Health 1 High Deductible Health 2 Employee $38.99 $25.51 Employee + Spouse $121.33 $86.86 Employee + Child $76.95 $48.34 Employee + Family $157.92 $110.02 AETNA Dental 1 Buy Up ($2K Benefit Max) Dental 2 Base ($1K Benefit Max) DHMO MetLife Vision 1 MetLife Vision 2 Employee $9.04 $6.83 $2.18 $2.34 $1.45 Employee + Spouse $18.07 $13.66 $4.37 $4.42 $2.90 Employee + Child $22.60 $17.07 $5.46 $4.71 $3.10 Employee + Family $32.53 $24.58 $7.86 $7.36 $4.95 Annual HSA Limits 2026: Single $4,400 Family $8,750 (Over 55 can contribute an additional $1,000) • Pay Period: Weekly, Direct Deposit only • Paid-Time-Off: Exempt - Flexible Time Off (Eligible after 60-day introductory period) • Holidays 11 • 401(k) plan Company match: 100% up to 6% Fidelity • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off) • Basic Life and AD&D, Employee Only MetLife Voluntary Benefits: • Health Savings Account (HSA) Inspira • Dependent Care flexible spending account (DDC) American Benefits Group • Additional Short-Term Disability (STD) MetLife • Voluntary Long-Term Disability (LTD) MetLife • Voluntary Life and AD&D MetLife • Hospital Indemnity MetLife • Critical Illness MetLife • Accident MetLife • Legal MetLife • Identity Theft Allstate Identity Program

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Melville,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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