Design Project Manager – Defense Contractors

Jacobs; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 111,500 - 177,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Unlimited Paid Time Off

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Jacobs is seeking a Project Manager based in Virginia Beach, VA, to manage high-impact projects for Defense Contractors. The successful candidate will lead multi-discipline teams from design through construction, focusing on federal projects. Responsibilities include client communication, budget management, and ensuring project quality and adherence to Jacobs' standards.

Requirements include a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture and experience in client-facing roles. Benefits include health insurance, 401(k), and unlimited PTO.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex projects in the Federal market.
• US Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple projects within budget and scope.
• Serve as primary contact with clients.
• Develop project proposal fees and scope.
• Create communication plans and conduct status meetings.
• Monitor financial project metrics and schedules.
• Guide project document development and quality.

Skills

Client-facing project management

Multi-discipline team leadership

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture

Job description

Overview

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

At Jacobs, we challenge what is currently accepted so we can shape innovative and lasting solutions for tomorrow. If you’re interested in a long and rewarding career working with the industry’s best and most innovative solution leaders, then Jacobs is where you belong. In the Federal Solutions Building & Infrastructure group, we are comprised of architects, planners, engineers, as well as endless specialty services to support our clients and projects.

Do you have a passion and experience for managing high-impact complex projects in the Federal market with Defense Industry Clients? We are seeking a Project Manager to lead Defense Contractor projects such as production facilities for aircraft, ships, and rocket motors, and campus buildouts. As a member of our team, you will lead design projects consisting of multi-discipline teams of engineers and architects from design kick‑off through construction. You will primarily support federal projects for Defense Contractors or Department of Defense and Federal Civilian clients using Design‑Bid‑Build, Design‑Build, and other Lean Design‑Build delivery methods.

You’ll lead projects by effective, skilled project management techniques to enhance the design solutions, leverage project delivery costs, and add value to the business. You’ll play an integral role in forming long‑term client relationships, engaging team members on projects, and collaborating with talented resources throughout Jacobs.

Responsibilities

• Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously, completed on time, within project and construction budgets and in accordance with agreed scope.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the client from beginning to end.
• Develop the project proposal fees and scope by coordination with discipline directors and design leads for specific budget and scope definition to then lead in fee negotiations with the client.
• Facilitate the creation of communication plans, ensuring that appropriate information is exchanged among key stakeholders, and conduct status review meetings among project team members and clients through project execution.
• Determine, monitor and manage financial project metrics, schedules and staffing requirements for each project.
• Guide the overall development and quality of the project documents and adherence with Jacobs Quality Program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Architecture
• Experience as a client‑facing Design Project Manager managing multiple disciplines
• US Citizenship

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Registration (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) is preferred; Project Management Institute (PMI) Certification will be considered.
• Demonstrated design and project management experience within Federal and/or DOD markets.
• Project management and project execution experience with Defense Industrial Clients.
• Experience leading design teams in Design‑Build contracts.

Benefits

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $111,500.00 to $177,700.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Job posted on June 12, 2026. This position will be open for at least 3 days.