ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Program Manager Defense Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

AeroVironment

Contracts Manager

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$86K - $115K/yr

... program management, engineering, product support, finance, quality, supply chain management, manufacturing, as required. * Liaison with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and other audit ...

AeroVironment, Inc.

Contracts Manager

Pottstown, PA · On-site

$86K - $115K/yr

... program management, engineering, product support, finance, quality, supply chain management, manufacturing, as required. * Liaison with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and other audit ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Reading, PA

Program Manager Defense information

See Reading, PA salary details

$37K

$103.2K

$150.8K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Reading, PA is $103,199.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,300.00 and $127,200.00 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs in Reading, PA?

For Program Manager Defense jobs in Reading, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Reading, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Reading, PA are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,199 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Quality Manager-Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania

Teledyne

Sanatoga, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Teledyne Technologies rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Be visionary
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets that require advanced technology and high reliability. These markets include aerospace and defense, factory automation, air and water quality environmental monitoring, electronics design and development, oceanographic research, deepwater oil and gas exploration and production, medical imaging and pharmaceutical research.
We are looking for individuals who thrive on making an impact and want the excitement of being on a team that wins.
Job Description
The Quality Manager is responsible for establishing, governing, and continuously improving Teledyne Scientific Cameras' Quality Management System (QMS) to ensure world-class quality, compliance, reliability across different Commercial Product Lines including Defense and Space programs. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for Quality Assurance, Supplier Quality, and Compliance, ensuring adherence to AS9100, ISO 9001, customer contractual requirements, and applicable military and space standards.
The Quality Manager partners with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Program Management to ensure products meet stringent customer, regulatory, and reliability requirements throughout the product life cycle-from development through production, delivery, and sustainment.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Quality Leadership & Strategy
  • Provide executive leadership for the Quality Assurance organization, setting vision, strategy, and measurable objectives aligned with business and mission priorities.
  • Serve as the Quality authority for all customers, acting as the primary interface for customer, government, and regulatory quality matters.
  • Ensure the integrity, effectiveness, and continual improvement of the Quality Management System in compliance with AS9100, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements.

Quality Management System (QMS) & Compliance
  • Establish, implement, maintain, and continuously improve QMS policies, processes, procedures, and documentation (quality manuals, procedures, quality plans).
  • Ensure compliance with applicable MIL-STD, MIL-PRF, IPC, J-STD, and other applicable Defense and Space industry standards.
  • Lead internal, external, customer, and supplier audits; ensure timely closure of audit findings with robust corrective and preventive actions.
  • Ensure effective configuration management, document control, and change management in accordance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

Commercial, Defense & Space Program Quality
  • Lead mission assurance activities to ensure product quality, reliability, and risk mitigation for Defense and Space programs.
  • Participate in program reviews, design reviews, and gated milestones to ensure quality requirements are fully integrated.

Corrective Action & Continuous Improvement
  • Own root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action processes (CARs/PARs/FMEA).
  • Lead failure analysis, customer complaint resolution, and systemic improvement initiatives.
  • Champion continuous improvement methodologies including Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen, driving defect reduction, yield improvement, and cost of poor quality reduction.

Supplier Quality & Supply Chain Assurance
  • Define and manage supplier quality performance and risk management processes.
  • Ensure timely resolution of supplier corrective actions; conduct supplier audits as required.
  • Partner with Supply Chain and Procurement to ensure suppliers meet quality, reliability, and contractual requirements.
  • Travel as required to supplier facilities to conduct assessments, audits, and improvement initiatives.

Operations & Product Assurance
  • Ensure effective quality inspection, testing, and acceptance processes for critical devices and assemblies.
  • Oversee receiving inspection, in-process inspection, and final acceptance processes.
  • Lead and chair Material Review Board (MRB) activities at both internal and program levels.
  • Ensure effective handling of non-conformances, waivers, deviations, and risk acceptance processes.
  • Ensure transfer of new or improved products to production is compliant with approved technical data.
  • Support product traceability, Certificates of Conformance (CoC), QA reports, and customer deliverables.

Systems, Data & Reporting
  • Utilize ERP/MRP and QMS systems to track, trend, and report quality performance metrics.
  • Prepare executive-level quality dashboards, reports, and customer presentations.
  • Drive data-driven decision making using quality metrics, risk indicators, and trend analysis.

People & Culture
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Quality Engineers, Inspectors, and Supplier Quality personnel.
  • Build a culture of accountability, compliance, continuous improvement, and quality ownership across the organization.
  • Promote quality awareness and training throughout Engineering, Operations, and Supply Chain.

Qualifications & Competencies
Required Experience & Skills
  • Progressive leadership experience in Quality Engineering and Quality Management including Defense, Aerospace, or Space programs.
  • Strong working knowledge of AS9100, ISO 9001, and Defense customer quality requirements.
  • Demonstrated experience with mission assurance, risk management, MRB, corrective action systems, and supplier quality.
  • Experience with semiconductor processing, electronics manufacturing, hybrid electronics, or similar high-reliability environments.
  • Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, specifications, quality clauses, and Statements of Work (SOWs).
  • Strong background in ESD and FOD prevention, configuration management, and document control.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive and customer-facing communication.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage priorities in a fast-paced, regulated environment.

Technical & Industry Knowledge (Preferred)
  • Experience with ROIC, Infrared Detector Assemblies, Hybrid Electronics, or other advanced electronic systems.
  • Familiarity with MIL-STD, MIL-PRF, IPC, J-STD standards.
  • Working knowledge of ERP/MRP and Quality Management Systems.
  • Experience with SAP and Deltek Costpoint preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project) and Adobe Acrobat.

Certifications (Desired)
  • ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE).
  • AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification.
  • IPC training and/or certification.
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.

Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline strongly preferred.
  • A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible Quality experience, including leadership roles.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Requirements
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support supplier and customer quality activities.
  • Demonstrates exemplary ethics, integrity, and compliance with all safety and business conduct standards.

Citizenship Requirements
Due to the type of work at the facility and certain access restrictions, successful applicants must be a U.S. Citizen.
Teledyne and all of our employees are committed to conducting business with the highest ethical standards. We require all employees to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, rules and regulatory orders. Our reputation for honesty, integrity and high ethics is as important to us as our reputation for making innovative sensing solutions.
Teledyne is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age, or any other characteristic or non-merit based factor made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

What Teledyne Technologies employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply