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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 Sep 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 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.

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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 are popular job titles related to Program Manager Defense jobs?

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

Program Manager Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Manager Defense job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Business Development Manager, Defense

Nashville, TN • On-site

Whisper Aero
See more jobs at Whisper Aeroexternal

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Key responsibilities

  • Identify, pursue, and capture new business opportunities within the defense sector.

  • Build and maintain relationships with key defense stakeholders, including government entities, end users, and contractors.

  • Attend major government customer meetings and engagements to ensure contracts are maintained or expanded.

Job description

Our Company
Whisper Aero is pioneering a more compelling and connected future by delivering cleaner, quieter, and more efficient propulsion solutions. Today's open rotor propulsion systems are challenged by safety, noise, and performance limitations at all scales. Whisper's breakthrough technologies allow aircraft to fly anywhere at any time without disturbing communities, at greater speeds, and with incredible improvements in efficiency and cost. Their innovations also enable a new generation of air moving products that can blend into the soundscapes of daily life. Whisper was founded by industry veterans, Mark Moore and Ian Villa, and continues to innovate a future that's as considerate as it is compelling with its world-class team in Tennessee.
About the Role
Whisper Aero is seeking a Business Development Manager, Defense in either Nashville, TN, Washington, D.C., or hybrid (1 week onsite per month in Crossville or Nashville, TN). The Business Development Manager, Defense at Whisper Aero focuses on driving growth in the defense sector by identifying opportunities, managing key relationships, and promoting our innovative technologies. You will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to align our products with defense industry needs, directly contributing to our market expansion and business strategies.
What You'll Do
  • Identify, pursue, and capture new business opportunities within the defense sector, aligning with Whisper Aero's growth objectives.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key defense stakeholders, including government entities, end users, and contractors, to foster trust and collaboration.
  • Collaborate with internal product and engineering teams, such as product and engineering, to ensure alignment between customer needs, product offerings, and messaging.
  • Attend major government customer meetings and engagements to ensure contracts awarded stay awarded or expanded and expectations that are set can remain upheld.
  • Provide feedback to design and product teams for collateral that would be used for customer engagements (e.g., handouts, presentations, booth designs, webpages, social media)
  • Facilitate discussions with our supply chain and engineering team to assist in supplier/customer outreach, partnership discussions, contract execution (MSA, NDA, SoW, etc.)
  • Compose and support the development and submission of compelling proposals for government contract opportunities, ensuring compliance with regulations and alignment with company goals.
  • Represent Whisper Aero to external stakeholders by articulating our value proposition, competitive edge, and technological advancements through presentations and discussions at company events and industry events.
  • Contribute to the development of business strategies and roadmaps for the defense sector, informed by market trends, customer feedback, and industry insights.
  • Monitor defense policy, budgets, and relevant Department of War (DoW) programs to identify emerging opportunities and stay ahead of industry trends.
  • Develop stakeholder mappings for our defense programs inclusive of contacts at the DoW, suppliers, customers, competitors.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) related field required.
  • Must meet U.S. Person status.
  • Minimum of five years of experience in defense-related business development, program management, or acquisition roles.
  • Experience working with government contracting teams and working on government contracts of various types
  • Experience negotiating data assertions with a knowledge of the differences between SBIR data rights, GPR, or other types of data rights
  • Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) security clearance.
  • Strong understanding of defense policies, budget cycles, and the defense/national security industry.
  • Experience with DoW programs, platforms, and enabling technologies.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders, including government entities and industry partners.
  • Willingness and ability to travel (approximately 25% to 50% of work time).

Bonus Qualifications
  • Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
  • Existing TS/SCI security clearance.
  • Experience with government small business contracting, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR), Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), Other Transaction Authority (OTA) processes.
  • Familiarity with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or piloted aircraft platforms.
  • Established relationships with Program Executive Offices (PEOs) and decision-makers within the DoD.
  • Familiarity developing workflows with AI tools like Claude Code, Codex (not just ChatGPT)

Benefits:
  • Top-tier Benefits: Employee-first focused comprehensive benefits package, minimum of 90% employer-paid plans for employees and dependents with optional HSA/FSA account offerings
  • PTO & Federal Holidays: Starting at four weeks of paid time off for vacation, sick, and personal days
  • Competitive Salary: Value-based compensation, plus enjoy Tennessee's no-income-tax life
  • End of Year Bonuses: For eligible employees
  • We always have beverages and snacks available to energize you throughout the day, with paid team meals based on office demands.
  • 401(k)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Professional Development Stipend

Whisper Aero is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Whisper Aero also participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

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