Program Manager Defense Jobs in Virginia Beach, VA

Location: Newport News, VA
Position Type: Direct Hire
Salary: Starting at $100,000+, depending on experience

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead major aerospace and defense programs as the primary interface with prime contractors, government customers, and commercial aviation partners.

The Program Manager will own overall program execution from contract award through delivery and sustainment, driving technical excellence, schedule reliability, financial performance, quality, and safety. This position will partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Flight Operations, Production, Finance, and executive leadership.

The ideal candidate is a proactive, structured leader who communicates clearly, identifies and manages risk early, and thrives in a fast-paced aerospace/defense environment. This individual should be committed to accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of program management experience in aerospace or defense.
• Demonstrated success leading complex aviation, mission, or aircraft modification programs, ideally with $50M+ scope.
• Experience supporting government contracting and/or DoD agencies.
• Experience in government ISR operations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Strong analytical, financial management, and executive-level communication skills.
• Knowledge of PMI PMP principles; PMP certification preferred, with the ability to attain certification within 12 months.
• Ability to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret Security Clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to travel up to 25%, including domestic and international travel.
• Willingness to participate in a Drug-Free Workplace Program.
• Ability to complete annual program management, quality, and FAA Part 145 training as required.

• Prior experience managing government contracts.
• Direct experience supporting and/or leading aircraft modification programs.
• Working knowledge of FAA, AS9100D, and FAR/DFARS compliance.
• Experience executing Cost-Plus and Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contracts.

• Serve as the primary program lead for major contracts and future aviation programs.
• Own program performance across cost, schedule, quality, and risk.
• Lead daily program execution to ensure alignment with contract requirements and organizational standards.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Production, and Quality to achieve modification and mission-readiness milestones on schedule.
• Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS and AS9100D across program activities and deliverables.

• Manage P&L performance and program financial reporting in coordination with Accounting and executive leadership.
• Track budgets, revenue forecasts, labor utilization, and earned value.
• Identify, forecast, and mitigate cost and schedule risks and implement recovery actions when necessary.
• Lead contract change management, including CCOs, REAs, and contract modifications, to protect margin and scope integrity.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for government contracting officers, NAVAIR program representatives, and commercial clients.
• Lead recurring program reviews, status briefings, and milestone meetings.
• Maintain clear and transparent communication across internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote alignment, accountability, and disciplined execution.

• Support proposal development, cost estimating, and technical volume inputs for new opportunities.
• Contribute to pursuits through development of WBS inputs, project schedules, and staffing plans.
• Provide input to capture strategies and program transition planning for new awards.

• Maintain program visibility using Microsoft Project, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Produce weekly and monthly progress reports covering KPIs, risks, and mitigation actions.
• Maintain accurate RAILs (Revolving Action Item Logs).
• Ensure program documentation is complete, controlled, and properly archived.

• Champion a safety-first, compliance-driven culture in every decision and directive.
• Lead with a modern, people-centered approach that fosters accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Mentor emerging program managers and coordinators.
• Help strengthen overall program execution capabilities.

• Direct Hire
• Newport News, VA
• $100,000+ starting salary, depending on experience
• Opportunity to lead complex aerospace and defense programs
• Up to 25% travel
• Opportunity to work across government, DoD, ISR, and commercial aviation programs