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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national ...

Program Manager Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national ...

Leadership experience in US Service-related military operations or defense acquisition program management related to weapons system acquisition, employment and life cycle management * Familiarity ...

... defense. As a trusted prime contractor with over $160 million in task order awards, we operate ... The Program Manager will provide leadership, direction, and oversight for contract activities ...

... defense. As a trusted prime contractor with over $160 million in task order awards, we operate ... The Program Manager will provide leadership, direction, and oversight for contract activities ...

Program Manager Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national ...

The Program Manager must have Federal Real Property management experience with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Department of Defense (DoD.) This role requires U.S. Citizenship and a ...

The Program Manager must have Federal Real Property management experience with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Department of Defense (DoD.) This role requires U.S. Citizenship and a ...

Program Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$120K - $175K/yr

Overview VTG is seeking a Program Manager to lead the Warfare Systems Business Area which is part of the Engineering Systems Business Unit in the company's Defense Division. In this role, the ...

At SES Space & Defense, we are a trusted partner ensuring mission success for customers operating ... This role is responsible for managing integrated product teams, overseeing program financials and ...

Program Manager Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! KBR's National Security Solutions team provides ... Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national ...

The Program Manager must have Federal Real Property management experience with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Department of Defense (DoD.) This role requires U.S. Citizenship and a ...

Five (5) years' experience with the DoW's Defense Acquisition System DoD 5000 series. * Demonstrated knowledge of DoW organizational structure and experience collaborating with R&E program managers.

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Program Manager Defense information

See Reston, VA salary details

$40.1K

$111.8K

$163.3K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Reston, VA is $111,797.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,700.00 and $137,800.00 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 Reston, VA? For Program Manager Defense jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 34% Full Time, 64% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,797 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Program Manager

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

96th of 355 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Program Manager

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects: KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment: Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work: Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

KBR is looking for a motivated individual to be the Program Manager (PM) for a contract focused on providing cost analysis and Integrated Program Management (IPM) support for Major Systems Acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Overall Program Management: The PM will be responsible for the guidance, direction, and supervision of the team and be the primary interface between a series of customers and the cost analysis / IPM team.
  • Cost Estimation Experience: The candidate must have extensive cost estimation and/or IPM experience and be able to leverage that experience to lead and mentor the team.
  • Communication: The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to use them to work collaboratively to resolve issues.

Work Environment:

  • Location: On-Site
  • Travel Requirements: Minimal 0-20%
  • Working Hours: Standard

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Security Clearance:Active TS/SCI with a polygraph
  • Education: Master's Degree (or BS with three additional years of relevant experience in cost) in Engineering, Physics, Operations Research, Cost Analysis, Mathematics, Finance, Economics, Business Administration.
  • Experience: Candidate must have 12 or more years' experience in Cost Estimating and analysis or Integrated Performance Management (IPM).This includes performing Cost Estimating Analysis Support, improvement to cost estimating methods, applying IPM functions (spanning policy, regulation, guidance, benchmarking best practice, research), Earned Value Management (EVM) systems, performing Integrated Baseline Reviews, schedule analysis, etc.
  • Space System Experience: The successful candidate must also have over 5 years' experience specific to the domain of Space Systems Specific Cost Estimating or Space Systems Specific IPM.
  • Program Management Experience: The candidate must have greater than eight years of Program Management experience, including in the personnel, execution and financial management of government contracts.
  • Communication Skills: The individual must have excellent written and oral communication skills as well as interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Contract Management Experience: The ideal candidate would have greater than ten years of program management experience, focused in government programs with at least five of those years spent managing government contracts (~50 FTE in size).
  • Multi-Team Management: The ideal candidate would have experience managing a workforce split into multiple teams operating independently at multiple work locations.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team at KBR. Let's shape the future together.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998