Program Manager

Job Title: Program Manager Job Description
The Program Manager will oversee multiple defense programs, ensuring alignment with technical requirements, schedules, budgets, and customer expectations. This role is responsible for end-to-end program execution, client engagement, and coordination across cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate brings a strong technical foundation in land systems or defense manufacturing combined with proven program management expertise.
Responsibilities

• Manage multiple defense programs from inception through completion.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, government agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain detailed program schedules; track progress and implement corrective actions.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Identify and mitigate program risks and execution challenges.
• Ensure compliance with DoD regulations, contractual requirements, and industry standards.
• Prepare program status reports, leadership briefings, and strategic communication with senior leadership on resource planning and execution optimization.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and technical advancements.

Essential Skills

• Defense Program Management (DoD / Land Systems)
• Technical Background (Engineering, Manufacturing, or Defense Systems)
• Defense Contracts & DoD Acquisition Processes

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Program Management, or related technical field.
• 5+ years of program management experience within the defense industry.
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition processes and defense contracting.
• Ability to interface effectively with government, military, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Work Environment
This role offers direct impact on critical U.S. defense and land system programs. It is a high-visibility role with customer and leadership interaction, providing the opportunity to manage multiple complex, technically advanced defense programs. The position promises long-term program stability within the defense sector.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Auburn Hills, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/hr.
Individual 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.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Auburn Hills,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 2, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent 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.


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