Defense Vehicle Program Manager

Jobtailor; Dearborn (MI, MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead and mentor a diverse program management team in the defense sector. This role manages end-to-end program execution, governance, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure on-time, on-cost delivery.

The ideal candidate has proven leadership of complex initiatives, deep knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, and the ability to engage senior technical leaders for strategic program reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required (Engineering, Business Administration, or related field preferred).
• Demonstrated experience in the defense sector and/or defense ground vehicle programs.
• Demonstrated program or project management leadership of complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience partnering with senior technical leaders, such as Chief Engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing program management team.
• Lead end-to-end program execution from capture through delivery and sustainment using gated processes.
• Own scope, schedule, cost, resources, risk, and quality imperatives.
• Establish integrated master schedules, risk registers, financial reviews, and issue dashboards.
• Champion and continuously improve program processes and governance.
• Lead program decision forums with the Chief Program Engineer.
• Drive launch and quality disciplines for on-time, on-cost delivery.
• Identify, quantify, and mitigate technical and business risks and issues.
• Develop contingency plans and gap-closure actions with owners and dates.
• Integrate engineering release, sourcing, validation, manufacturing readiness, quality, and sustainment processes.
• Interface with government and defense industry partners and lead formal program reviews with military/DoD stakeholders.
• Support business development and capture activities, including requirements, proposal content, cost estimates, and execution plans.
• Foster safety, defense-specific compliance, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Program Management Leadership

DoD Acquisition Processes

Risk Management

Cross-Functional Team Development

Defense Sector Experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

• Lead and mentor a high-performing program management team
• Lead end-to-end program execution from capture through delivery and sustainment using gated processes
• Own scope, schedule, cost, resources, risk, and quality imperatives
• Establish integrated master schedules, risk registers, financial reviews, and issue dashboards
• Champion and continuously improve program processes and governance
• Lead program decision forums with the Chief Program Engineer
• Drive launch and quality disciplines for on-time, on-cost delivery
• Identify, quantify, and mitigate technical and business risks and issues
• Develop contingency plans and gap-closure actions with owners and dates
• Integrate engineering release, sourcing, validation, manufacturing readiness, quality, and sustainment processes
• Interface with government and defense industry partners and lead formal program reviews with military/DoD stakeholders
• Support business development and capture activities, including requirements, proposal content, cost estimates, and execution plans
• Foster safety, defense-specific compliance, integrity, and continuous improvement
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, contracts, finance, and business development teams

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required (Engineering, Business Administration, or related technical/business field preferred)
• Demonstrated experience in the defense sector and/or defense ground vehicle programs
• Demonstrated program or project management leadership of complex, cross-functional initiatives
• Experience partnering closely with senior technical leaders, such as Chief Engineers
• Working knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, business development, portfolio planning, engineering, manufacturing, finance, purchasing, and supply chain
• Familiarity with ITAR, CUI, export control, and DFARS compliance frameworks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to deliver executive-level briefings to internal leadership and government/industry customers
• Strong business acumen and ownership of program financial outcomes, including budgets, forecasts, and profitability management within government or defense contract structures
• Resilience and sound judgment in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments
• Proven track record leading and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams across a global organization
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Visa sponsorship is not available

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in program management within the defense sector, focusing on end-to-end execution, risk management, and compliance with DoD acquisition processes. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver on financial outcomes while fostering continuous improvement and safety.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Program Management Leadership
• DoD Acquisition Processes
• Risk Management
• Cross-Functional Team Development
• Defense Sector Experience

Hard Skills

• Program Execution
• Integrated Master Schedules
• Financial Reviews
• Contingency Planning
• Quality Management
• Budget Management
• Proposal Development
• Cost Estimation
• Governance Processes
• Issue Dashboard Creation

Soft Skills

• Excellent Communication Skills
• Resilience
• Sound Judgment

Industry Keywords

• Defense Sector
• ITAR Compliance
• CUI Compliance
• DFARS Compliance
• Government Contracting
• Business Development
• Supply Chain Management
• Manufacturing Readiness
• Military Stakeholder Engagement
• Cross-Functional Initiatives