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Submarine Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Min of 2 yrs experience as a Program Manager. * Demonstrated experience in leading a multi-fauceted professional DOD acquisition team. * Subject Matter Expertise in Navy submarine Combat Systems.

PMS 397 - COLUMBIA Class Submarine Program Office, PMS 450 - VIRGINIA Class Submarine Program ... Manager; and interfacing with an end item customer. * Desired: Min of 10 yrs experience with ...

Min of 2 yrs experience as a Program Manager. * Demonstrated experience in leading a multi-fauceted professional DOD acquisition team. * Subject Matter Expertise in Navy submarine Combat Systems.

$107K - $179K/yr

Project Officer for a NAVSEA submarine program office Asst. Program Manager for a NAVSEA submarine program office Test & Evaluation Director, NAVSEA Submarine Program office Developed and executed ...

... to the SBSD Program Manager; and interfacing with an end item customer. * Desired: Min of 10 yrs experience with leading Navy Programs. * Preferred: Submarine Acquisition Program Management ...

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Submarine Program Manager information

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$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do submarine program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for submarine program manager 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 does a Submarine Program Manager do?

A Submarine Program Manager oversees all aspects of submarine development, procurement, maintenance, and operations within a naval or defense organization. They coordinate teams of engineers, technical experts, and contractors to ensure that submarine projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet all performance and safety requirements. Their responsibilities also include risk management, stakeholder communication, and compliance with regulatory standards. Submarine Program Managers play a critical role in ensuring the effectiveness and readiness of a nation's submarine fleet.

How does a Submarine Program Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

A Submarine Program Manager works closely with cross-functional teams including engineers, procurement specialists, quality assurance, and logistics personnel to ensure project milestones are met. Frequent coordination meetings and status updates are essential, as the role requires integrating technical, budgetary, and scheduling considerations. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are vital in aligning the efforts of diverse teams, often across multiple locations, to deliver complex submarine systems on time and within scope.

What is the difference between Submarine Program Manager vs Submarine Systems Engineer?

AspectSubmarine Program ManagerSubmarine Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering, Project Management CertificationBachelor's/Master's in Engineering or related field, Professional Engineer license often preferred
Work EnvironmentProject oversight, coordination, and management in defense or naval industryDesign, development, and technical analysis within submarine systems
Industry UsageUsed in defense contractors, naval agencies, and government projectsPrimarily in engineering teams within similar organizations
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on project leadership and management rolesFocuses on technical engineering responsibilities

The Submarine Program Manager oversees the entire submarine development project, coordinating teams and managing budgets. In contrast, the Submarine Systems Engineer focuses on designing and analyzing specific submarine systems. Both roles require engineering credentials, but the Program Manager emphasizes project leadership, while the Systems Engineer concentrates on technical expertise.

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

To thrive as a Submarine Program Manager, you need a solid background in engineering or project management, experience with defense or naval programs, and often a security clearance. Familiarity with project management software, defense acquisition systems, and relevant certifications like PMP are typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this complex, multidisciplinary environment. These competencies are critical for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with strict technical and security standards.
Infographic showing various Submarine Program Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Program Analyst-Submarine Industrial Base

Systems Planning and Analysis

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The AUKUS, Submarines, and Industrial Base Group (ASIG), within the Sea, Land, Air Division, provides timely, objective, analytic assessments that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis to Director Submarine Program directorates and key stakeholders surrounding submarine platform construction. Director Submarine Program unifies submarine platform procurement activities, which includes the Columbia-class SSBN program (a Major Defense Acquisition Program and the Navy's top acquisition priority), the Virginia-class SSN program, the new SSN-X program (developing the next generation attack submarine), and the AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office, to bring improved capabilities to our undersea forces. Analysts and Engineers supporting Director Submarine Program will continue SPA's decades of support to the SSBN force, as well as supporting oversight of cutting-edge attack submarine construction, assisting in developing the design requirements for the SSN platform of the future, and helping plan and execute new and innovative strategies to strengthen the critical submarine shipbuilding industrial base. These are high-profile, major acquisition and manufacturing programs of significant importance to the future capabilities of the US Navy in an era of renewed strategic competition. #MC
Responsibilities
SPA has an immediate need for a Program Analyst supporting industrial base analysis for AUKUS efforts in Alexandria, VA. #MC
The Program Analyst will serve as strategic advisor and trusted agent for a high-profile client organization, focusing on rigorous efforts to strengthen the submarine manufacturing industrial base surrounding developing AUKUS efforts. The Program Analyst will apply a strong familiarity with defense manufacturing and undersea warfare systems to help identify, develop, and execute new strategies and initiatives to support submarine industrial base and supply chain development. In this role, you will navigate complex stakeholder relationships across government and private industry, manage standup and execution of new initiatives, perform detailed analysis of industrial base and supply chain for undersea warfare systems, and regularly communicate progress and challenges through briefs, analytic products, and decision support for senior client leadership and officials.
This position is based out of SPA's Alexandria, VA HQ, with potential for light telework and some travel to client and stakeholder locations, including potential international travel.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations, management or other relevant field
  • 3+ years supporting defense manufacturing, Navy shipbuilding, or defense acquisition program initiatives, including project management experience
  • Proven ability to navigate, coordinate, and communicate between government and private industry stakeholders
  • Proven ability to use Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint, to perform data analysis and communicate to decision makers
  • Ability to work on-site in Alexandria, VA up to full time, depending upon client needs
  • Current DoD security clearance - minimum Secret, with the ability to maintain it throughout employment

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience working on Navy Undersea Warfare Systems, submarine, or other undersea related programs
  • Direct experience working in defense manufacturing
  • Experience supporting foreign military sales (FMS) and DoD Acquisition program(s)
  • Experience developing or implementing advanced technology, supply chain, industrial base, or manufacturing improvement and risk reduction initiatives