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Program Manager Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vulcan Elements

Manager, Defense Applications

Durham, NC · On-site

As the Manager, Defense Applications, you will own the end-to-end customer pipeline for defense programs - from initial engagement through qualification, contract award, and production ramp. You will ...

Apply Early

Vulcan Elements

NC · On-site

As the Manager, Defense Applications, you will own the end-to-end customer pipeline for defense programs - from initial engagement through qualification, contract award, and production ramp. You will ...

Apply Early

Curtisswright

Program Manager

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

Program Manager - Defense Electronics - Onsite Position Relocation may be available for select candidates We have a rewarding opportunity to for a Program Manager to join our team in Santa Clarita ...

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Program Manager Defense information

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$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do program manager defense jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for program manager defense in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Program Manager in 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Manager in Defense, and why are they important?

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 in the defense sector 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.
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Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Program Manager, Defense Manufacturing Program Office

Program Manager, Defense Manufacturing Program Office

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Oak Ridge, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Oak Ridge National Laboratory rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 103 rated laboratories

Job description

Requisition Id 16685
Overview:
As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation's most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.
The National Security Science Directorate, NSSD, Defense Manufacturing Program Office (DMPO) leads a large portfolio of applied research and development programs centered around additive manufacturing, qualification/certification, additive manufacturing feedstocks, carbon fiber and composites, caron-carbon materials, machining, data analytics, metrology, flexible automation and systems research.
We are seeking applications for our Program Manager position. Successful candidates will work across our research portfolio working with our sponsors, staff and laboratory leadership. The position reports directly to the NSSD Defense Manufacturing Program Director.
Major Duties/Responsibilities:
Strategic Development and Outreach
  • Work directly with critical staff and partners to evolve ORNL collaborative research portfolio to target national security and energy needs.
  • Maintain and continue to develop relationships with senior leadership and key collaborators, including multiple program sponsors from the Department of War acting as a trusted advisor.
  • Work directly with staff to deliver on existing R&D programs and the associated reporting. Represent the Chief Manufacturing Officer in key program meetings in their absence.

Leadership
  • Guide and support the ORNL manufacturing teams, ensuring exemplary program delivery.
  • Provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to manufacturing staff and embedded project managers.
  • Collaborate with ORNL leadership to develop program engagement strategies and provide input into long range NSSD science strategies. Develop and implement strategic resource plans for existing programs.
  • All team members deliver ORNL's mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace - in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Portfolio and Project Management
  • Lead the identification and implementation of project management processes, methods, tools, guidelines and standards to establish a stable framework that supports all project teams and partners to improve the probability of successful project delivery.
  • Track all program costs and provide written and verbal reports to program sponsors. Make decisions concerning project and program spending, within program parameters and guidelines.
  • Facilitate collaboration and best-practice sharing among project managers, key ORNL manufacturing collaborators, and external equities.
  • Regularly review and evaluate opportunities to improve the project management best practices in order to achieve higher maturity in manufacturing programs.
  • Responsible for creating and maintaining the project controls policies, procedures and systems/tools that facilitate the successful development and maintenance of multiple projects in the National Security Sciences Directorate, including:
    • Project work breakdown structure (WBS) and dictionary
    • Summary and detailed, logic driven, resource loaded schedules
    • Summary and detailed cost estimates
    • Actual costs and accrual integration
    • Risk identification and management
    • Change control
    • Develop, present, and reinforce project management process and systems training for all applicable project staff
    • Prepare and support various project reviews, including internal and external project status reviews

Basic Qualifications:
  • BS in a science or engineering field and seven (7) years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in applied R&D project management and/or business/industry.
  • Demonstrated experience leading diverse teams.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in science or engineering field.
  • Program management skills and experience, plus significant knowledge of project planning tools with evidence of practical application. Excellent analytical, strategic conceptual thinking, strategic planning and execution skills.
  • Understanding of current and emerging manufacturing technologies.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, along with an ability to work effectively adapt to management of competing program priorities.
  • Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
  • Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within given timeframes, and adapt to constantly evolving needs.

Special Requirements:
  • Q and SCI Clearance: This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a clearance from the Department of Energy. As such, this position is a Workplace Substance Abuse (WSAP) testing designated position. WSAP positions require passing a pre-placement drug test and participation in an ongoing random drug testing program.
  • Visa Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.
We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.
If you have trouble applying for a position, please email ORNLRecruiting@ornl.gov.
ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.

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