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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Vista, CA (NOW HIRING)

Systems Planning and Analysis

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... Australian Defense Force. Our primary objective is to provide timely, objective and analytic ... SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC Responsibilities The ...

Systems Planning and Analysis

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$190K - $230K/yr

... Australian Defense Force. Our primary objective is to provide timely, objective and analytic ... SPA is seeking a Program Manager to lead critical Navy work in San Diego. #MC Responsibilities The ...

SAIC

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

This position involves managing a combination of cost-reimbursable contracts for the rapid ... Government programs, particularly with Department of Defense (DoD)/ Department of War (DoW ...

SAIC

Program Manager

San Diego, CA

$160K - $200K/yr

Program Mgmt Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Government programs, particularly with Department of Defense (DoD)/ Department of War (DoW ...

Prescient Edge

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$141K - $204K/yr

Job Title Program Manager Location San Diego, CA 22400 US (Primary) Category Research, Development ... Defense Acquisition Workforce Initiative Act (DAWIA) experience. * Within the last 15 years ...

Data Intelligence LLC

Program Manager

San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA More about this job > Description Data Intelligence, LLC is seeking a Program Manager to support one of our premier clients in the defense industry. This role is located in San Diego ...

Mayvin

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$151K - $261K/yr

... defense, information operations, and battlespace awareness capabilities across the Fleet. The ... Develop and manage long and short range program plans, including cost, schedule, risk, and ...

Data Intelligence LLC

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

Data Intelligence, LLC is seeking a Program Manager to support one of our premier clients in the defense industry. This role is located in San Diego, CA, and will focus on leading large-scale naval ...

Mayvin, Inc

Program Manager

San Diego, CA

... defense, information operations, and battlespace awareness capabilities across the Fleet. The ... Develop and manage long and short range program plans, including cost, schedule, risk, and ...

Innoflight LLC

Program Manager II

San Diego, CA · On-site

$104K - $156K/yr

Manage one or more customer-facing space and defense programs, overseeing all phases from contract kickoff through delivery. * Drive Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering ...

Qualcomm

Program Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

The Program Manager will serve as the primary operational liaison between Qualcomm and external ... Familiarity with government, defense, or other regulated customer environments * Background in ...

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All JobsProgram Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense JobsProgram Manager Defense Jobs in Vista, CA

Program Manager Defense information

See Vista, CA salary details

$39.4K

$109.8K

$160.5K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Vista, CA is $109,846.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,300.00 and $135,400.00 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 job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Vista, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Vista, CA are:

What cities near Vista, CA are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities near Vista, CA with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Vista, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,846 per year, or $52.8 per hour.

Program Manager - Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)

The Leading Niche

San Diego, CA • On-site

$145K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Contractor Program Manager will lead contractor performance for the DCMA Blue List Program Support Services effort. This position serves as the single point of contact for all matters related to contract performance and is responsible for overseeing contractor personnel, coordinating resources, managing deliverables, tracking schedules, monitoring performance, and ensuring successful execution of program support services.
The Contractor Program Manager will provide day-to-day administrative, operational, and technical oversight for a multidisciplinary team supporting the continued development and advancement of the Blue List Program. The role requires strong experience in federal program management, team leadership, project scheduling, Integrated Master Schedule management, risk tracking, executive communication, and coordination with senior Government stakeholders.
The ideal candidate is a highly organized, mission-focused program manager with experience supporting DoD, Department of War, DCMA, or other federal agency environments and the ability to manage complex, fast-paced operational and technical support efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Contract Leadership & Program Oversight
  • Serve as the single point of contact for all matters related to contract performance.
  • Provide day-to-day oversight of contractor operations and assigned contractor personnel.
  • Maintain authority to commit contractor resources and direct contractor personnel as needed to successfully perform contract requirements.
  • Serve as the primary operational liaison between Government stakeholders and contractor personnel.
  • Ensure contractor resources are effectively coordinated to support Blue List Program objectives.
  • Monitor overall contractor performance to ensure compliance with contract requirements and Government performance standards.
Team Management & Staffing Coordination
  • Provide administrative and technical oversight of contractor activities.
  • Ensure contractor personnel are appropriately trained, aligned, and performing in accordance with contract requirements.
  • Coordinate contractor staffing activities, including onboarding, offboarding, vacancy management, and personnel transitions.
  • Notify the Government of key personnel changes, staffing vacancies, and replacement actions as required.
  • Verify that required certifications, training, security requirements, and access requirements are maintained throughout contract performance.
  • Coordinate facility access, badging, Government-furnished property, security requirements, and authorized travel.
Schedule Management & Integrated Master Schedule Support
  • Develop, maintain, and manage a resource-loaded Integrated Master Schedule.
  • Track Blue List Program milestones, software releases, interagency dependencies, and contract activities.
  • Use Critical Path Method analysis to identify schedule risks, assess impacts, and recommend corrective actions.
  • Communicate schedule impacts, risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies to Government stakeholders.
  • Coordinate with program, technical, cybersecurity, acquisition, public affairs, and administrative support personnel to maintain schedule alignment.
Deliverable Management & Reporting
  • Coordinate the preparation, review, submission, and resolution of contract deliverables.
  • Ensure Government comments and required corrective actions are addressed in a timely manner.
  • Maintain recurring management reports and records, including:
    • Performance status reports
    • Action item logs
    • Risk and issue logs
    • Staffing reports
    • Labor hour records
    • Monthly labor reports
    • Contract management documentation
  • Submit monthly labor reports for Government verification prior to invoicing.
  • Support recurring program management meetings and provide accurate updates on contract execution.
Government Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Attend recurring program management meetings with the Government Blue List Program Manager, CORs, and other Government stakeholders.
  • Coordinate contract execution activities with Government leadership and program personnel.
  • Communicate significant issues, impacts, risks, and recommendations in a timely and professional manner.
  • Interface professionally with senior military and civilian leadership.
  • Handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain appropriate contractor/Government role boundaries.
Risk, Issue & Performance Management
  • Identify risks and performance issues affecting contract execution.
  • Coordinate corrective actions and recommend practical mitigation strategies.
  • Track action items, dependencies, staffing concerns, schedule issues, and program execution risks.
  • Support continuous improvement of contract management processes and reporting methods.
  • Ensure contract activities remain aligned with Government priorities, mission needs, and performance expectations.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Systems Engineering, or a related operational field.
  • Minimum ten years of professional experience in project management, team leadership, and program scheduling.
  • At least four years of experience directly supporting Department of War, DoD, or federal agency programs.
  • Demonstrated experience managing contractor teams in a federal program environment.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and maintaining resource-loaded Integrated Master Schedules.
  • Experience using Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent enterprise scheduling tools.
  • Strong experience tracking milestones, dependencies, risks, issues, deliverables, staffing, and performance.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to interface professionally with senior military and civilian leadership.
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Salary Description
145,000 - 160,000

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