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Program Manager Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Curtiss-Wright

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 ...

Leidos

Acquisition Program Manager

Poulsbo, WA · On-site

$131K - $237K/yr

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 ...

New

ARMORWORKS ENTERPRISES INC

Senior Program Manager

Chandler, AZ · On-site

$112K - $113K/yr

The Senior Program Manager is responsible for leading complex Department of Defense (DoD) Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) programs from contract award through serial production. This ...

Vaya Space

Project Manager - Defense Systems

Cocoa, FL · Hybrid

$100K/yr

Project Manager - Defense Systems Summary Vaya Space is a privately owned space and defense company ... Experience with project management of Department of War contracts and research programs. * Proven ...

CentroMotion

Sales Manager-Defense Programs

The Sales Manager is responsible for driving revenue and profit growth within the global defense ... Wellness Program: Participate in health coaching, monthly webinars, quarterly challenges, and earn ...

TCOM, L.P.

Program Manager

Columbia, MD · On-site +1

$140K - $190K/yr

Position Overview The Program Manager is responsible for leading all phases of TCOM's Lighter-Than ... Department of Defense security clearance * Willingness and ability to travel domestically and ...

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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 9, 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.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Senior Program Manager - Defense Health Agency (DHA)

Senior Program Manager - Defense Health Agency (DHA)

KSA Integration

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$123K - $124K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Description

KSA Integration is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that provides business and management solutions through two core portfolios: (1) Warrior Readiness, and (2) Warrior Care. We are a rapidly growing government contractor that has built a reputation for focused customer service, on-time performance, and continuous improvement. To demonstrate this, KSA has been awarded the Inc. Best Workplaces, a prestigious list of businesses recognized for the value placed on company culture, standout worker benefits, and the prioritization of employee well-being, every year from 2019 to 2025. KSA also earned recognition on the Best for Vets List by Military Times from 2019 to 2025 and garnered the Department of Labor "Hire Vets" Platinum Medallion Award from 2021 to 2025.


Position Overview: This position supports the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Disability Evaluation System (DES) Support contract as a Program Manager (Senior). This contract provides program management, policy, quality assurance, and administrative support for the DES, SCAADL, Physical Disability Board of Review (PDBR), and Compensation & Benefits Handbook in direct support of DASD (HSP&O) and the DHA Director. The Program Manager serves as the single point of accountability for KSA's performance, leading a multidisciplinary team across policy, analytics, records, and administrative functions.


This Position is Contingent Upon Award 


Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision (82% of employee's premium paid by company, 25% towards dependents)

HSA / FSA Medical Plans

PTO

Flexible Work Environment and Encourage Work/Life Balance

401K with Company Match

Observes all federal holidays

Professional Development/Tuition Reimbursement Program 

Annual Career Development Process


Job Type: Full-time/Exempt


Location: On-site, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, VA


Anticipated Start Date: Upon Contract Award (Estimated August-October 2026)


Position Responsibilities:

  • Direct all contract operations, staffing, schedule, quality, and deliverables; serve as the primary interface to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and Government leadership.
  • Lead strategic planning and policy development across the Military Departments' DES and SCAADL programs; oversee compliance analysis against DoD policy and DoDM 1332.18, Volume 2.
  • Direct the DES Quality Assurance Program - QA policies, surveillance, outcome analysis, and reporting (annual, biennial, triennial).
  • Oversee data-quality monitoring across program systems (including VA VTA) and the production of standardized and ad hoc analytic reports informing policy decisions.
  • Manage records-management support, suspense logs, meeting facilitation (recurring quarterly/monthly), briefings, and written documentation for senior DoD principals up to the DASD/DHA Director level.
  • Recruit, retain, and supervise key and non-key personnel (~25-30 FTE); ensure 12-month key-personnel continuity and seamless transition-in/out.


Requirements


  • 10+ years of progressive program/project management on DoD or DHA professional-services contracts, including supervision of multidisciplinary teams of 20 or more staff.
  • Demonstrated experience with the DES/IDES, MEB/PEB processes, SCAADL, or closely related military-health/wounded-warrior program management.
  • Working knowledge of DoDM 1332.18 Vol 2, DoD 5110.4-M, and supporting systems (VTA, DPRIS, or similar).
  • Proven success in briefing and supporting senior DoD/Government leadership at the DASD or DHA Director level.
  • Bachelor's degree required. Must be able to pass an ADP/IT II (non-critical sensitive) background investigation;      U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

  • PMP certification; master's degree.
  • Prior DHA or OSD Health Affairs (HSP&O) experience; retired senior military officer (O-5/O-6) with warrior-care background.
  • Experience standing up or recompeting a Government program-support contract.

KSA Integration is an equal opportunity employer. 

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