{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"1e61006d85bbca2b800056bc","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/1e61006d85bbca2b800056bc","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/1e61006d85bbca2b800056bc","title":"Defense Program Manager","description":"Job Title: Program Manager – Defense Systems\n\nLocation: Onsite - Mukilteo, WA\n\nPlacement Type: Direct Placement\n\nPM position focuses:\n\n-Program execution\n\n-Customer interface\n\n-Schedule management\n\n-Financial performance\n\n-Operational coordination\n\nJob Description\n\nThis Program Manager role supports a dynamic defense systems portfolio, including hypersonics, strategic missile defense, tactical missiles, and integrated defense systems. You will lead complex programs that integrate launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, and mission‑critical defense hardware across air, land, and sea. In this position, you guide programs from planning and development through qualification, production, delivery, and contract completion, ensuring they meet cost, schedule, technical, quality, and customer objectives. You serve as the organizational leader for program execution, partnering closely with engineering and cross‑functional teams to deliver tailored, mission‑ready solutions for demanding defense applications.\n\nResponsibilities\n\nLead assigned defense programs through planning, development, qualification, production, delivery, and contract completion.\nOwn overall program performance against cost, schedule, technical, quality, contractual, and customer objectives.\nDevelop and maintain integrated program plans, including schedules, budgets, milestones, resource requirements, and performance metrics.\nCoordinate cross‑functional execution across engineering, operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, contracts, finance, and test organizations.\nServe as the primary program interface for customers, prime contractors, government stakeholders, suppliers, and internal leadership.\nIdentify technical, programmatic, supply‑chain, cost, and schedule risks and drive effective mitigation and recovery plans.\nLead recurring program reviews and clearly communicate financial performance, risks, key decisions, dependencies, and corrective actions.\nSupport design reviews, test‑readiness reviews, qualification activities, production‑readiness reviews, and customer acceptance events.\nManage contractual deliverables, statements of work, program changes, customer requests, and scope changes throughout the program lifecycle.\nSupport proposals, cost and schedule estimates, contract negotiations, and follow‑on program opportunities to drive program growth.\nFocus on program execution, customer interface, schedule management, financial performance, and operational coordination rather than deep technical engineering design.\nLeverage engineering resources for technical decision‑making while providing clear leadership, direction, and accountability for program outcomes.\nProvide regular program reporting, including status updates, progress against milestones, and variance explanations using project management tools.\nLead and motivate cross‑functional program teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a strong focus on mission success.\nEngage regularly with customers to manage expectations, address issues proactively, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.\n\nEssential Skills\n\nBachelor’s degree in engineering, business, program management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.\nAt least 5 years of experience supporting or managing aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or similarly complex technical programs.\nDemonstrated experience in program management, including cost management, schedule management, and program planning.\nProven ability to manage program budgets and financial performance, including cost control and variance analysis.\nExperience coordinating production support and operations in aerospace manufacturing, defense industry, or related environments.\nStrong background in resource planning and cross‑functional coordination across engineering, operations, supply chain, and manufacturing.\nExperience with stakeholder management and program leadership in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.\nFamiliarity with contract management and government programs, including managing statements of work and program changes.\nProficiency with project management tools and Microsoft Excel for planning, tracking, and reporting.\nStrong communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation capabilities for internal and external audiences.\nDemonstrated leadership capabilities, including the ability to lead program teams and influence outcomes without direct authority.\nExperience working with or within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in a production or program environment.\n\nAdditional Skills & Qualifications\n\nMaster’s degree in a related technical field or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).\nExperience managing Department of Defense, U.S. government, allied‑defense, or prime‑contractor programs.\nExperience with missile systems, propulsion, launch systems, payload integration, separation systems, energetic devices, or related flight hardware.\nExperience managing programs from early development through qualification and full‑rate production.\nKnowledge of government contracting and fixed‑price, cost‑reimbursable, or incentive‑based contract structures.\nExperience with Earned Value Management (EVM), cost‑account management, or similar financial‑performance methods.\nExperience supporting proposals, cost and schedule estimates, negotiations, contract modifications, and follow‑on program capture.\nProject Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent formal program‑management training.\nExperience with program scheduling tools and methodologies, including development and maintenance of integrated master schedules.\nExperience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) or product‑lifecycle management (PLM) systems for managing complex hardware programs.\nExperience leading engineering teams to develop mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.\nStrong customer management skills, including the ability to build relationships, manage expectations, and resolve issues.\nProven ability to deliver clear, concise program reporting to internal leadership and external stakeholders.\n\nWork Environment\n\nThis role is primarily onsite in Mukilteo, WA, within a growing defense organization that develops and manufactures mission‑critical hardware for missile defense, propulsion, launch systems, payload systems, UAV components, safe and arm systems, and integrated defense solutions. The schedule follows a 9/80 structure, providing every other Friday off, and the organization offers benefits such as tuition reimbursement and an immediately vesting 401(k).\n\nJob Type & Location\n\nThis is a Permanent position based out of Mukilteo, WA.\n\nPay and Benefits\n\nThe pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $170000.00/yr.\n\nIndividual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.\n\n-Medical ((PPO, HMO, HDHP) , dental (HMO and PPO options), and vision coverage -Health Savings Account (HSA) -401(k) with immediate vesting of employer match (100% vested immediately) -Profit sharing program -Life and AD&D insurance -Short- and long-term disability coverage -Employee Assistance Program (24/7 confidential counseling and support resources) -Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance *Requesting formal benefits package but they can also review the details on their website (scroll to bottom of page): https://karman-sd.com/careers/\n\nWorkplace Type\n\nThis is a fully onsite position in Mukilteo,WA.\n\nApplication Deadline\n\nThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.\n\nAbout Actalent\n\nActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.\n\nThe company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.\n\nIf you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.\n\nSan Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.\n\nMassachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.\n\nUse of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.","company":"Actalent","rawCompany":"actalent","city":"Everett","state":"WA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-31T09:10:28.438Z","occupations":[{"code":"13-1082.00","title":"Project Management Specialists","slug":"project-management-specialists"},{"code":"11-1021.00","title":"General and Operations Managers","slug":"general-and-operations-managers"},{"code":"11-9041.00","title":"Architectural and Engineering Managers","slug":"architectural-and-engineering-managers"}],"industries":[{"code":"928110","title":"National Security","slug":"national-security"},{"code":"336411","title":"Aircraft Manufacturing","slug":"aircraft-manufacturing"},{"code":"336419","title":"Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Defense Program Manager","description":"Job Title: Program Manager – Defense Systems\n\nLocation: Onsite - Mukilteo, WA\n\nPlacement Type: Direct Placement\n\nPM position focuses:\n\n-Program execution\n\n-Customer interface\n\n-Schedule management\n\n-Financial performance\n\n-Operational coordination\n\nJob Description\n\nThis Program Manager role supports a dynamic defense systems portfolio, including hypersonics, strategic missile defense, tactical missiles, and integrated defense systems. You will lead complex programs that integrate launch and deployment systems, propulsion, payload protection, and mission‑critical defense hardware across air, land, and sea. In this position, you guide programs from planning and development through qualification, production, delivery, and contract completion, ensuring they meet cost, schedule, technical, quality, and customer objectives. You serve as the organizational leader for program execution, partnering closely with engineering and cross‑functional teams to deliver tailored, mission‑ready solutions for demanding defense applications.\n\nResponsibilities\n\nLead assigned defense programs through planning, development, qualification, production, delivery, and contract completion.\nOwn overall program performance against cost, schedule, technical, quality, contractual, and customer objectives.\nDevelop and maintain integrated program plans, including schedules, budgets, milestones, resource requirements, and performance metrics.\nCoordinate cross‑functional execution across engineering, operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, contracts, finance, and test organizations.\nServe as the primary program interface for customers, prime contractors, government stakeholders, suppliers, and internal leadership.\nIdentify technical, programmatic, supply‑chain, cost, and schedule risks and drive effective mitigation and recovery plans.\nLead recurring program reviews and clearly communicate financial performance, risks, key decisions, dependencies, and corrective actions.\nSupport design reviews, test‑readiness reviews, qualification activities, production‑readiness reviews, and customer acceptance events.\nManage contractual deliverables, statements of work, program changes, customer requests, and scope changes throughout the program lifecycle.\nSupport proposals, cost and schedule estimates, contract negotiations, and follow‑on program opportunities to drive program growth.\nFocus on program execution, customer interface, schedule management, financial performance, and operational coordination rather than deep technical engineering design.\nLeverage engineering resources for technical decision‑making while providing clear leadership, direction, and accountability for program outcomes.\nProvide regular program reporting, including status updates, progress against milestones, and variance explanations using project management tools.\nLead and motivate cross‑functional program teams, fostering collaboration, accountability, and a strong focus on mission success.\nEngage regularly with customers to manage expectations, address issues proactively, and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.\n\nEssential Skills\n\nBachelor’s degree in engineering, business, program management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.\nAt least 5 years of experience supporting or managing aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or similarly complex technical programs.\nDemonstrated experience in program management, including cost management, schedule management, and program planning.\nProven ability to manage program budgets and financial performance, including cost control and variance analysis.\nExperience coordinating production support and operations in aerospace manufacturing, defense industry, or related environments.\nStrong background in resource planning and cross‑functional coordination across engineering, operations, supply chain, and manufacturing.\nExperience with stakeholder management and program leadership in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.\nFamiliarity with contract management and government programs, including managing statements of work and program changes.\nProficiency with project management tools and Microsoft Excel for planning, tracking, and reporting.\nStrong communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation capabilities for internal and external audiences.\nDemonstrated leadership capabilities, including the ability to lead program teams and influence outcomes without direct authority.\nExperience working with or within enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in a production or program environment.\n\nAdditional Skills & Qualifications\n\nMaster’s degree in a related technical field or a Master of Business Administration (MBA).\nExperience managing Department of Defense, U.S. government, allied‑defense, or prime‑contractor programs.\nExperience with missile systems, propulsion, launch systems, payload integration, separation systems, energetic devices, or related flight hardware.\nExperience managing programs from early development through qualification and full‑rate production.\nKnowledge of government contracting and fixed‑price, cost‑reimbursable, or incentive‑based contract structures.\nExperience with Earned Value Management (EVM), cost‑account management, or similar financial‑performance methods.\nExperience supporting proposals, cost and schedule estimates, negotiations, contract modifications, and follow‑on program capture.\nProject Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent formal program‑management training.\nExperience with program scheduling tools and methodologies, including development and maintenance of integrated master schedules.\nExperience with enterprise resource planning (ERP) or product‑lifecycle management (PLM) systems for managing complex hardware programs.\nExperience leading engineering teams to develop mechanical and pyrotechnic components and systems.\nStrong customer management skills, including the ability to build relationships, manage expectations, and resolve issues.\nProven ability to deliver clear, concise program reporting to internal leadership and external stakeholders.\n\nWork Environment\n\nThis role is primarily onsite in Mukilteo, WA, within a growing defense organization that develops and manufactures mission‑critical hardware for missile defense, propulsion, launch systems, payload systems, UAV components, safe and arm systems, and integrated defense solutions. The schedule follows a 9/80 structure, providing every other Friday off, and the organization offers benefits such as tuition reimbursement and an immediately vesting 401(k).\n\nJob Type & Location\n\nThis is a Permanent position based out of Mukilteo, WA.\n\nPay and Benefits\n\nThe pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $170000.00/yr.\n\nIndividual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.\n\n-Medical ((PPO, HMO, HDHP) , dental (HMO and PPO options), and vision coverage -Health Savings Account (HSA) -401(k) with immediate vesting of employer match (100% vested immediately) -Profit sharing program -Life and AD&D insurance -Short- and long-term disability coverage -Employee Assistance Program (24/7 confidential counseling and support resources) -Tuition reimbursement and educational assistance *Requesting formal benefits package but they can also review the details on their website (scroll to bottom of page): https://karman-sd.com/careers/\n\nWorkplace Type\n\nThis is a fully onsite position in Mukilteo,WA.\n\nApplication Deadline\n\nThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.\n\nAbout Actalent\n\nActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.\n\nThe company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.\n\nIf you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.\n\nSan Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.\n\nMassachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.\n\nUse of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.","datePosted":"2026-08-31T09:10:28.438Z","dateModified":"2026-08-31T09:10:28.438Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Actalent","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Everett","addressRegion":"WA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"1e61006d85bbca2b800056bc"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/1e61006d85bbca2b800056bc"}}