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Program Manager Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Acquisition Program Manager

Poulsbo, WA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Program Manager - Defense Acquisition & Logistics to lead and support complex Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition, logistics, and ...

Serco USA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level II or III certification in Program Management * Experience in all aspects of DoD acquisition program management-leadership, cost, schedule ...

Leidos

Acquisition Program Manager

Poulsbo, WA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Program Manager - Defense Acquisition & Logistics to lead and support complex Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition ...

Leidos

Acquisition Program Manager

Poulsbo, WA

$131K - $237K/yr

Position Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Program Manager - Defense Acquisition & Logistics to lead and support complex Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition, logistics, and ...

pds

Program Manager - Aerospace & Defense

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$38.46 - $48.08/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lead Mission-Critical Programs as a Program Manager for Aerospace & Defense Location: Tucson, AZ | Pay range: $38.46 - $48.08/hr | Schedule: Mon to Fri; 8am to 5pm PDS Tech Commercial is partnering ...

KBR

Defense Deputy Program Manager

Clearwater, FL

$107K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Defense Deputy Program Manager Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR! Program Summary This position is for a full-time production deputy program manager in the defense/aerospace manufacturing sector, with ...

New

AAR

Manager, Defense Contracts

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$91K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description The Contracts Manager (Defense) is responsible for managing and administering the full ... Generous paid time off program * Professional development and career advancement opportunities ...

AAR Corporation

Manager, Defense Contracts

Wood Dale, IL

$91K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Contracts Manager (Defense) is responsible for managing and administering the full life cycle ... Generous paid time off program * Professional development and career advancement opportunities ...

AAR Corporation

Manager, Defense Contracts

Wood Dale, IL

$91K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Contracts Manager (Defense) is responsible for managing and administering the full life cycle ... Generous paid time off program * Professional development and career advancement opportunities ...

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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 Aug 19, 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 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.

More about Program Manager Defense jobs

What cities are hiring for Program Manager Defense jobs?

Cities with the most Program Manager Defense job openings:

What states have the most Program Manager Defense jobs?

States with the most job openings for Program Manager Defense jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Program Manager Defense jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Manager Defense jobs are:

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

UxS Program Manager, Defense Maritime Operations & Government Relations

Fathom Robotics

Ventura, CA • Remote

Full-time

Medical

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Fathom Robotics:

Fathom Robotics provides operations, maintenance, training, and applied engineering services for uncrewed maritime systems supporting U.S. Government and commercial defense programs. We have multiple active projects across a variety of government and commercial clients and are actively fielding systems in operational environments.

Role Overview:

Fathom Robotics is hiring a Program Manager to own the full lifecycle of select UxS operations and engineering programs, from pricing and writing the proposal that wins the work to leading the team that executes it. You will work across prime contractors, OEMs, and government customers in both office and field environments. If you want ownership that starts before a contract exists and carries through delivery, this is the role.

Location: Hybrid, anywhere in the United States, with preference for close proximity to Fort Worth, TX or Ventura, CA. Approximately 30% travel to customer sites, government offices, and field test locations

Work Type: Full-Time

An example day in the role:

No two days on this job look the same, but a typical stretch might include:

• Morning: check in with engineers on the shop floor to hear progress and hurdles on active projects, then align resources and UxS operator support for upcoming testing

• Midday: brief a government customer on project status and set expectations. Scope shifts constantly on these programs, and translating that shift into a documented, priced change for both the execution team and the customer is one of the most constant parts of the job

• Afternoon: travel to a government facility to meet a new customer with an urgent need, and assess whether Fathom's skills and current workload can support it

• Across all of it: take dynamic, ambiguous problems and turn them into simple, executable plans, and enjoy moving between engineers, government customers, and prospective clients over the course of a single day

Requirements

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on program management experience
  • 5 or more years of program or project management experience within defense or government contracting
  • Demonstrated experience building bottom-up cost proposals for government contracts, including labor rate development and pricing across firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, and cost-reimbursement contract types
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to travel approximately 30 percent of the time, including participation in field test and demonstration events with time on the water
  • US person status required (defense program context)
  • Must be able to pass a background check and be eligible to obtain a SECRET clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience on maritime or unmanned systems programs
  • PMP certification or equivalent program management credential
  • Existing relationships within the Navy or broader unmanned maritime systems community
  • Active SECRET clearance

Benefits

We offer a flexible ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) plan, giving employees the freedom to choose their own health coverage through an online shopping platform. Each employee receives a $750 stipend to put toward their plan, and the funds can also be used toward other eligible health expenses. This approach lets you tailor your coverage to fit your individual needs rather than a one-size-fits-all option.

Compensation: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.