Defense Programs Manager: Delivery & Partnerships

Wolfspeed; North Carolina; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Wolfspeed, a leading provider in silicon carbide technology, is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to own and accelerate delivery with defense contractor partners. You will manage end-to-end programs, maintain IMS schedules, and drive accountability across prime and sub-tier contractors.

The role requires 7+ years in program management within a defense context, strong negotiation and communication skills, and an active U.S. Secret clearance or ability to obtain.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field.
• 7+ years of program management experience, with at least 5 years inside a defense contractor (prime or significant sub-tier).
• Deep understanding of how defense prime contractors operate — their internal processes, incentives, culture, and decision-making structures
• Demonstrated track record of driving results and holding teams/partners accountable in a contractor environment
• Strong negotiation, communication, and influencing skills — comfortable pushing back on large organizations professionally and effectively
• Experience managing Integrated Master Schedules and multi-milestone program plans
• Active U.S. Secret Security Clearance (or ability to obtain)

Responsibilities

• Serve as Wolfspeed’s primary point of contact with defense prime and sub-tier contractor program teams
• Hold contractors accountable to committed schedules, technical deliverables, and quality standards
• Proactively identify and elevate risks, delays, or gaps in contractor performance before they impact program outcomes
• Drive resolution of technical, contractual, and schedule issues across contractor organizations
• Manage program execution end-to-end — from contract award through delivery and acceptance
• Maintain Integrated Master Schedules (IMS) and track milestones across multiple concurrent contractor-driven programs
• Lead regular program reviews, status calls, and action item tracking with contractor teams
• Coordinate with Wolfspeed’s engineering, operations, and supply chain functions to ensure internal readiness supports contractor demand
• Build deep, trusted working relationships with defense contractor program managers, engineering leads, and procurement teams
• Leverage knowledge of how prime contractors operate internally to navigate their processes efficiently and advocate for Wolfspeed’s priorities
• Represent Wolfspeed professionally and credibly in environments where the other side of the table is a large, experienced defense organization
• Identify expansion opportunities within existing contractor relationships and feed them to business development
• Support proposal and pricing efforts for follow-on programs with current defense contractor customers

Skills

Program management

Defense contractor experience

Negotiation

Communication

Influencing skills

Integrated Master Schedules

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related technical field

Job description

Wolfspeed, a leading provider in silicon carbide technology, is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to own and accelerate delivery with defense contractor partners. You will manage end-to-end programs, maintain IMS schedules, and drive accountability across prime and sub-tier contractors.

The role requires 7+ years in program management within a defense context, strong negotiation and communication skills, and an active U.S. Secret clearance or ability to obtain.