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

Program Manager, Navy & Defense Innovation

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$92K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense ecosystem. Ideal candidate would bring a strong program management background, thrive in fast-paced environments, and can build trusted relationships across government, industry, startups ...

Program Manager

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Description The Program Manager / Senior Strategic Advisor (Homeland Defense) serves as the senior representative and primary point of contact responsible for the overall management, execution ...

Program Manager

Chantilly, VA ยท On-site

$157K - $236K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense. The Program Manager is responsible for the overall ...

Program Manager, Navy & Defense Innovation

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$92K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... defense ecosystem. Ideal candidate would bring a strong program management background, thrive in fast-paced environments, and can build trusted relationships across government, industry, startups ...

Program Manager

Chantilly, VA

$157K - $236K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense. The Program Manager is responsible for the overall ...

Program Manager

Reston, VA

$157K - $236K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense. The Program Manager is responsible for the overall ...

Program Manager

Bethesda, MD

$182K - $223K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Washington, DC ยท On-site

$182K - $223K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

Mclean, VA

$182K - $223K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Defense Capabilities Analysis, Development & Integration * Government Acquisition Management ... Program and Project Management * Technology Systems & Integration Consulting * Contracts * CDD IDIQ

Program Manager

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goldbelt Apex is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team supporting the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE). This individual ...

Program Manager

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goldbelt Apex is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team supporting the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE). This individual ...

Program Manager

Silver Spring, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goldbelt Apex is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team supporting the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE). This individual ...

Program Manager

Silver Spring, MD ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Goldbelt Apex is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead a multidisciplinary team supporting the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE). This individual ...

Program Manager

Washington, DC

$182K - $223K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

TRIAEM is proactively building a pipeline of experienced Program Managers for upcoming Department of Defense and Intelligence Community contract opportunities. What You'll Do Lead the successful ...

Program Manager

Alexandria, VA ยท On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

TRIAEM is proactively building a pipeline of experienced Program Managers for upcoming Department of Defense and Intelligence Community contract opportunities. What You'll Do Lead the successful ...

Program Manager

Arlington, VA

$150K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support ... Responsibilities The Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing personnel management ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,797 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Program Manager, Navy & Defense Innovation

FedTech

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$92K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description
If you're passionate about driving the success of groundbreaking Navy innovation programs - we'd love to connect!
Who we are:
  • FedTech is a group of entrepreneurially minded people on a mission to unlock the benefits of technology.
  • We believe in the value of deep tech and its positive impact on the world, aspiring to democratize access to it for entrepreneurs and professionals around the world.
  • We are venture builders who thrive at the intersection of US entrepreneurship, breakthrough technologies, and mission-driven organizations.
  • Since 2015, we have supported over 1,000 companies that have collectively raised more than $5B in funding, while also partnering with hundreds of corporates, government, and university clients.

What you'll do:
You will lead the design, execution, and growth of accelerator programs that support technology commercialization, venture creation, and strategic partnerships across the Navy and broader defense ecosystem. Ideal candidate would bring a strong program management background, thrive in fast-paced environments, and can build trusted relationships across government, industry, startups, and research organizations. This position requires a proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to manage complex, multi-phase initiatives from strategy through execution.
Typical functions include:
  • Lead and execute multi-phase accelerator and commercialization programs supporting Navy and dual-use innovation sponsors.
  • Source, evaluate, and transition emerging technologies from federal labs, research institutions, startups, and international partners into commercialization and mission-driven opportunities.
  • Build and manage relationships with stakeholders across Navy commands, industry, venture, and innovation ecosystems to align program outcomes with fleet and mission priorities.
  • Advise participating startups and technology teams on government funding pathways, procurement processes, small business programs, and commercialization strategies.
  • Plan and host demo days, technology showcases, pitch competitions, testing events, and stakeholder engagements that connect ventures with end-users, acquisition leaders, and technical evaluators.
  • Track and communicate program performance metrics, including venture progress, commercialization milestones, stakeholder engagement, and ROI to sponsors and leadership teams.
  • Support operational execution through management of timelines, deliverables, budgets, reporting, and cross-functional coordination.
  • Represent FedTech at industry events, government forums, conferences, and partner engagements to strengthen organizational visibility and business development efforts.
  • Contribute to evolving organizational priorities by supporting new initiatives, strategic projects, and process improvements as needed

Successful candidates will have the following qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience supporting Navy innovation, technology commercialization, venture programs, or entrepreneurship initiatives, particularly within or alongside government organizations.
    • Direct experience working with or within the US Navy is required, with a working understanding of Navy acquisition, innovation, and technology transition pathways.
  • Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively across government, startups, industry, and research communities.
  • Demonstrated program or project management experience overseeing complex initiatives, coordinating multiple workstreams, and managing events or deliverables in fast-paced environments.
  • Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to facilitate meetings and convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
  • Analytical and detail-oriented, with experience using data and reporting to support decision-making and program success.
  • Comfortable using collaboration, productivity, and AI-enabled tools such as Google Workspace, Claude, Airtable, Slack, Beautiful.ai, and similar platforms.
  • Highly organized, adaptable, and self-driven, with an entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership in a dynamic environment.

Our Values:
  • Boldness: We have the fortitude to forge new paths and push beyond our comfort
  • Unity: We treat our clients, team members and partners as we would like to be treated - we are one united team
  • Introspection: We recognize introspection is the necessary ingredient in which self-improvement flourishes
  • Leadership: We embrace servant leadership - putting the interests of client, team partners and partners first
  • Decisiveness: We have a strong bias towards action

Compensation:
  • Base salary range: $92-110k
    • The salary range listed for this position is based on market data and internal compensation structure. The final compensation package will be determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, skills and education. This range is not a guarantee of compensation and offers may fall outside this range in exceptional cases.
  • In addition to the base salary, compensation includes performance-based bonus (OTE)
  • A competitive benefits package including 401K with employer match, health/dental/vision plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield, accrued PTO, professional development funds, employer paid disability insurance, parental leave, transportation and wellness reimbursements, amongst others.

Location:
  • Open to candidates in Arlington (VA) and Austin (TX)
  • Hybrid in Arlington & Austin

Travel: 10-20% based on business needs