Defense Vehicle Program Manager

Socket.dev; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford in Dearborn, MI seeks a Program Manager to lead and mentor a defense-oriented program management team, ensuring on-time delivery across global ground vehicle programs.

You will work directly with the Chief Program Engineer (CPE), guiding strategy, driving cross-functional collaboration, and navigating a regulated defense environment to accelerate development of defense-adjacent solutions.

Qualifications

• Experience in defense sector or defense/military ground vehicle program development.
• Direct experience with DoD acquisition, government contracting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing program management team to ensure on-time delivery.
• Direct resources and oversee complex, global defense ground vehicle programs.
• Collaborate with the Chief Program Engineer (CPE) to influence key decisions.

Skills

Program management

Defense industry experience

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

In this position...

Lead and mentor a high-performing program management team, driving key processes and ensuring on-time delivery as we bring Ford's world-class commercial solutions to tactical defense applications. We are seeking a program leader with proven defense sector or defense/military ground vehicle program experience to serve as a key advisor to the Chief Program Engineer (CPE), navigating the complexities of global product development within a highly regulated defense environment.

This critical role is essential to the success of our product development lifecycle as we bring Ford's world-class commercial solutions to tactical defense applications. As Program Manager, you will lead and develop a team, manage resources effectively, and ensure the seamless execution of complex, global defense and defense-adjacent ground vehicle programs. Working directly with the Chief Program Engineer (CPE), you will provide strategic guidance and support while driving cross-functional collaboration and influencing key decisions as we build out this incubating business.

Given the unique regulatory, contractual, and technical demands of defense programs, candidates should bring direct experience with DoD acquisition, government contracting, and/or defense/military ground vehicle development. This requires a high degree of collaboration, strong decision-making skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment shaped by government and defense industry requirements.