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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Savannah, GA (NOW HIRING)

TOOL MAKER 1

Black Creek, GA · On-site

$24.25 - $31.50/hr

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world's finest weapon systems and accessories. Our ... Generally participating in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program. * Must have good ...

TOOL MAKER 1

Black Creek, GA · On-site

$24.25 - $31.50/hr

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world's finest weapon systems and accessories. Our ... Generally participating in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program. * Must have good ...

TOOL MAKER 1

Black Creek, GA · On-site

$24.25 - $31.50/hr

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world's finest weapon systems and accessories. Our ... Generally participating in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program. * Must have good ...

TOOL MAKER 1

Black Creek, GA

$24.25 - $31.50/hr

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world's finest weapon systems and accessories. Our ... Generally participating in an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program. * Must have good ...

Showing results 41-60

Program Manager Defense information

See Savannah, GA salary details

$35.9K

$100.1K

$146.2K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Savannah, GA is $100,083.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $123,400.00 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 Savannah, GA?

For Program Manager Defense jobs in Savannah, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Savannah, GA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Savannah, GA are:

What cities near Savannah, GA are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Savannah, GA with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Savannah, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $100,083 per year, or $48.1 per hour.

OPERATIONS PROJECT ENGINEERING LEAD

DANIEL DEFENSE LLC

Black Creek, GA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Daniel Defense rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Operations Project Engineering Lead

Department: Operations Division: Industrialization


At Daniel Defense, Only the Best Build the Best…

Daniel Defense engineers and manufactures the world’s finest weapon systems and accessories. Our mission of Honor God. Defend Freedom is accomplished by serving customers and providing top quality solutions to our military, law enforcement and civilians that are seeking premium firearms for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.


As the Operations Project Engineering Lead, you will be responsible for the functions outlined below.

Essential Functions:

  • Own and lead the Operations Project Engineering function and the end-to-end industrialization process from design release through FAI, LRIP, production readiness, and product launch.
  • Work hand in hand with NPD Project Management as the senior Operations liaison to NPD and the primary escalation point for industrialization priorities, commitments, decisions, resource conflicts, risks, and launch readiness.
  • Direct the industrialization portfolio in support of the organization’s new product and solicitation goals; set priorities and sequencing, assign project ownership, balance team capacity, and translate changes into clear schedules and actions.
  • Establish and govern Operations industrialization requirements, readiness criteria, decision rights, standard work, policies, procedures, templates, checklists, document controls, and lessons learned.
  • Oversee readiness and governance of ERP item, bill of material, routing, resource, runtime, labor standard, lead-time, costing, planning, and approved-change data.
  • Align Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, NPD, and other stakeholders while preserving each function’s accountability for technical deliverables.
  • Lead Operations readiness reviews and represent Industrialization in NPD-led gate reviews; consolidate Operations evidence, risks, and recommendations, and coordinate recovery plans or leadership escalation when necessary.
  • Represent the portfolio in SIOP, product roadmap, capacity, scheduling, and leadership reviews; communicate status, tradeoffs, constraints, resource needs, and decisions.
  • Monitor launch timing, industrialization deliverable completion, action closure, FAI and LRIP performance, data readiness, schedule adherence, and recurring barriers; drive systemic corrections.
  • Lead and develop Operations Project Engineers; set expectations, review work quality, manage workload and coverage, and build capability for faster, dependable launches.
  • Responsible for demonstrating commitment to and leadership of environmental health and safety principles, policies and procedures.
  • Participates in the company’s efforts to continuously improve in Safety, 6S, Quality, Delivery and Productivity.
  • Expected to be a contributor to the company standards on high integrity, safety, fair and equitable treatment and a positive work environment.
  • Other responsibilities as deemed appropriate or necessary by management.

  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Project Management, Business, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, leadership experience, and progressive industrialization experience.
  • Seven to ten (7–10) years of progressive experience in manufacturing, industrialization, new product introduction, project engineering, or operations project management, including leadership of major programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to own an industrialization or new product launch function, govern a multi-project portfolio, allocate resources, and lead cross-functional execution through competing priorities.
  • Advanced understanding of manufacturing readiness, FAI, process validation, capability studies, LRIP, production ramp, capacity planning, and NPD stage-gate processes.
  • Strong command of ERP manufacturing data governance, including item setup, bills of material, routings, resources, runtimes, labor standards, lead times, costing inputs, planning parameters, and change control.
  • Proven leadership, coaching, facilitation, negotiation, conflict-resolution, executive communication, and organizational influence skills.
  • Advanced portfolio and project management, prioritization, risk management, problem-solving, metric development, and decision-support capability; project management certification is preferred.
  • Ability to establish disciplined systems and standards while maintaining the urgency, floor presence, and follow-through required to move products to market.
  • Demonstrated ability to recognize and work in accordance with our Company Values.

  • Physical Requirements:

    • Must be able to lift and carry awkward items weighing up to 50 pounds.
    • Requires intermittent standing, walking, sitting and bending throughout the normal work day.
    • Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, to include working in and around machinery, exposure to noise and chemicals, lights/lasers, etc.
    • Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protection Equipment as required by your position and/or Company policy.


    Daniel Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status, and promotes a Drug-Free Workplace.



    Note: The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by those assigned to the job. This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel in this job. Responsibilities are subject to change at the discretion of the employer and do not establish a contract of employment – Daniel Defense is an at-will employer.



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