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Program Manager Defense Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

... defense. We specialize in systems engineering, advanced analytics, R&D programs, and strategic ... The Program Manager serves as the senior leader responsible for the overall management, direction ...

... defense. We specialize in systems engineering, advanced analytics, R&D programs, and strategic ... The Program Manager serves as the senior leader responsible for the overall management, direction ...

... defense. We specialize in systems engineering, advanced analytics, R&D programs, and strategic ... The Program Manager serves as the senior leader responsible for the overall management, direction ...

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 · On-site

$157K - $236K/yr

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 · On-site

$157K - $236K/yr

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

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$157K - $236K/yr

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

Washington, DC · On-site

$182K - $223K/yr

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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

Program Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

$182K - $223K/yr

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 ...

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 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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Program Manager Defense information

See Washington, DC salary details

$43.6K

$121.7K

$177.8K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in Washington, DC is $121,709.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,000.00 and $150,100.00 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 Washington, DC?

For Program Manager Defense jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in Washington, DC 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 $121,709 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Program Manager with Security Clearance

Agile Defense, Inc.

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$150K - $165K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

About Agile Defense At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next. Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests. Requisition #: 1769 Job Title: Program Manager  Location: Ashburn, VA Clearance Level: Secret, Must Have Clearance to Start Required Certification(s): PMP & ITIL V3 (or V4) Job Description The Program Manager will be responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and overall success of customer enterprise infrastructure initiatives. In this role, you will lead and mentor a high-performing, multi-domain engineering team consisting of Project Managers, Network Architects, Zero-Trust Subject Matter Experts, Network Engineers, Cloud Engineers, and Video Teleconferencing (VTC) Engineers and the provision of exceptional customer service.  The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of successful delivery of task order requirements, deliverables, work products, program financial health and ensuring a high-quality customer experience for Agile Defense’s DHS customer. The Program Manager will serve as the Contractor’s Point of Contact (POC) for the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).   The Program Manager owns cost, schedule, and performance, drives risk management and contract compliance, and ensures seamless coordination among stakeholders, subcontractors, and cross-functional engineering teams. Education and Background Bachelor’s degree in management information systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (e.g., Information Technology, Networking and Telecommunications), or five years of experience in a technical field with a bachelor’s degree in another field, or eight years of experience without a bachelor’s degree. Years of Experience Minimum of seven (7) years of verifiable management experience in organizing, directing, and managing contract operation support functions, managing time and materials or firm and multiple complex and inter-related projects for a large, complex Federal agency.    Minimum of five (5) years of verifiable experience in networking,mobility, cloud and information technology as well as Agile and Scrum methodologies. Required Skills * Leads a team of Project Managers through all program phases including concept, development, implementation, evaluation and closeout; ensures successful integration of all program segments and services.    * Develop and provide input to the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS) for program control, status monitoring, and reporting purposes to identify program milestones, major tasks, efforts, dependencies, risks, resources, and activities across prime and subcontractor efforts  * Plan and lead formal reviews and produce meeting minutes including Weekly Status Reports, Program Management Reviews, and Integrated Baseline Reviews  * Support documentation of all business and workflow processes in this area.  * Acts as a subject-matter expert to multiple tasks and/or programs.  * Support new Agile Defense engagements as transitional program or operations lead.  * Provide writing support in support of corporate response to RFI/RFPs/RFQs from various customers.  The Program Manager will be responsible for performing program management activities that include, but are not necessarily limited, to the following:   * Key Performance Indicator tracking and metrics reporting   * Quality control, to include developing a Quality Control Plan (QCP) to ensure the performance standards met  * Risk management   * Complex Invoicing   * Staffing   * Sub-contractor management  * Assist with managing, documenting and communicating on-schedule, be part of a rotational on-call schedule, and serve as final point of escalation on an on-call schedule.   * Reporting to include Weekly Status Reports (WSRs) and articles on significant accomplishments answering the so what. Preferred Skills * Network, Cloud and SAFE Agile Certifications are highly desired.  * Previous experience supporting DHS and CBP highly desired Working Conditions On-site four days a week. $150,000 - $165,000 a year Our Core Values Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together.  What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are. * Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do. * Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated. * Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support. * Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task. * Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges. * Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.