Defense Manufacturing Program Lead

GM Defense; Milford Charter Township (MI); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

GM Defense is seeking a Program Manager, Defense Manufacturing, to lead cross-functional programs and strategic initiatives from pre-award capture through contract execution. This role requires coordinating with government customers, defense primes, suppliers, and internal teams to deliver on cost, schedule, and performance commitments.

You will oversee start‑of‑work readiness, resource planning, risk management, and design‑for‑manufacturing reviews, with frequent travel and hybrid work options

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience in program management or equivalent
• 10+ years of experience in the defense industry
• U.S. Person and eligible for Secret clearance
• U.S. citizenship required to comply with federal government contract provision
• Eligible to obtain Secret U.S. Security Clearance after hire
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams
• Strong written, verbal, and executive-level communication
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace
• Working knowledge of defense manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and/or sustainment environments
• Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment with distributed teams
• Willingness and ability to travel as required

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams through the full program lifecycle and align stakeholders
• Support capture and pre-contract activities through planning and risk assessment
• Direct execution against contractual requirements and ensure cost/schedule/technical commitments
• Translate customer requirements into work breakdown structures and schedules
• Develop and manage program budgets and monitor financial objectives
• Define performance measures and provide status reporting to stakeholders
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks and opportunities
• Engage government customers, primes, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Prepare materials for internal gate reviews and executive updates
• Ensure compliance with quality-management systems and customer requirements
• Develop a collaborative, high-performing team environment
• Represent GM Defense in customer meetings and partner discussions

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Government contracting

Executive communication

Ambiguity navigation

MS Office/Google Workspace

Defense manufacturing knowledge

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline

Job description

GM Defense is seeking a Program Manager, Defense Manufacturing, to lead cross-functional programs and strategic initiatives from pre-award capture through contract execution. This role requires coordinating with government customers, defense primes, suppliers, and internal teams to deliver on cost, schedule, and performance commitments.

You will oversee start‑of‑work readiness, resource planning, risk management, and design‑for‑manufacturing reviews, with frequent travel and hybrid work options