Program Manager

Job Title: Program Manager

Job Description

This Program Manager role leads complex, multi-disciplinary programs in support of Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives. You will oversee cross-functional efforts, ensure alignment with customer goals and regulatory requirements, and drive programs from initiation through completion within established DoD acquisition frameworks. Acting as a key liaison between government stakeholders, senior leadership, and external partners, you will ensure seamless communication, technical rigor, and successful execution across the entire program lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) spanning engineering, production, quality, supply chain, procurement, and development to deliver program objectives.

• Define and align project scope, schedules, milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) in collaboration with internal stakeholders, government customers, research laboratories, and industry partners.

• Ensure programs remain aligned with customer priorities and the organization's integrated operations strategy throughout the lifecycle.

• Serve as a primary liaison with program management offices (PMOs), government agencies, and subcontractors, representing the organization in all program-related engagements.

• Lead budget planning activities, including cost analysis, forecasting, and financial tracking in accordance with DoD acquisition guidelines such as FAR and DFARS.

• Manage program budgets and track expenditures, implementing cost reduction strategies while maintaining program quality and performance.

• Oversee subcontractor performance and vendor coordination, ensuring timely procurement and effective management of suppliers and partners.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and technical teams to evaluate, select, and integrate new technologies into program solutions.

• Ensure all technical deliverables meet defined program requirements, contractual obligations, and customer expectations.

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across the program lifecycle by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, technologies, and outcomes.

• Ensure strict compliance with DoD acquisition regulations, export control laws, and internal policies and procedures.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, developing and implementing contingency plans to maintain schedule, cost, and performance targets.

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and reporting for internal leadership and external stakeholders, including government customers and partners.

• Provide clear, proactive communication to senior leadership and stakeholders on program status, risks, issues, and corrective actions.

• Lead programs from start to completion, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and achievement of all technical and contractual requirements.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and programs, including full lifecycle oversight from initiation through completion.

• Proven expertise in budget management, including planning, cost analysis, tracking expenditures, and implementing cost reduction strategies.

• Hands-on experience with contract execution and vendor/subcontractor oversight in a DoD manufacturing or defense acquisition environment.

• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition processes and regulations, including familiarity with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement).

• Demonstrated success in leading Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) and driving effective cross-functional collaboration across engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and procurement.

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is required.

• Ability to manage defense manufacturing programs, including coordination of quality, supply chain, procurement, and stakeholder management activities.

• Strong stakeholder management and vendor management skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain productive relationships with government customers and industry partners.

• Technically savvy, with the ability to understand, evaluate, and clearly communicate complex systems, technologies, and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present program status, risks, and recommendations clearly and confidently.

• Strong leadership capabilities, with a track record of guiding teams, making informed decisions, and driving accountability.

• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related field.

• Experience working within DoD manufacturing environments, including familiarity with production, quality assurance, and supply chain processes.

• Background in defense acquisition and program management for complex technical systems.

• Experience coordinating with government program management offices, research laboratories, and industry partners.

• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and innovation across programs, processes, and technologies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks early and implement effective mitigation strategies.

• Comfort working with structured program management methodologies and tools to track scope, schedule, budget, and performance.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in Stafford, Virginia, within a professional, defense-focused environment that supports Department of Defense programs. You will work closely with engineering, production, quality, supply chain, procurement, and leadership teams in a collaborative, cross-functional setting. The position involves regular interaction with government stakeholders, program management offices, and subcontractors, requiring clear communication and a high level of professionalism. The workday follows standard business hours, with the potential for additional effort during critical program milestones or deadlines. The environment emphasizes adherence to DoD regulations, structured program management practices, and disciplined execution, while supporting the integration of advanced technologies and continuous improvement across programs.

Maxwell Willette

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Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Stafford, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $170000.00 - $190000.00/yr.

healthcare, vision, dental, 401K, PTO, Holiday

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Stafford,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The 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.

If 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 View email address on click.appcast.io (%View email address on click.appcast.io) for other accommodation options.

San 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.

Massachusetts 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.

Use 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.