DoD Program Manager - IPT Lead & Compliance Expert

Aston Carter; Virginia; On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston Carter is seeking a Program Manager to lead complex, multi-disciplinary DoD programs from initiation to completion within DoD acquisition frameworks. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, align with customer goals, and communicate with government stakeholders and partners to ensure rigorous technical execution.

Key duties include budgeting, risk management, vendor oversight, and ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS.

Qualifications

• 5+ years managing DoD contracts through full lifecycle.
• Experience with budget planning, cost analysis, tracking expenditures, and cost reduction strategies.
• Contract execution and vendor oversight in a DoD manufacturing or defense acquisition environment.
• Familiarity with FAR and DFARS regulations.
• Leadership of Integrated Project Teams across engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and procurement.
• PMP certification is required.
• Ability to communicate complex systems to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong stakeholder and vendor relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) spanning engineering, production, quality, supply chain, procurement, and development to deliver program objectives.
• Define and align project scope, schedules, milestones, and KPIs with internal stakeholders, government customers, research laboratories, and industry partners.
• Ensure programs remain aligned with customer priorities and the organization’s integrated operations strategy throughout the lifecycle.
• Serve as a primary liaison with PMOs, government agencies, and subcontractors, representing the organization in all program-related engagements.
• Lead budget planning activities, including cost analysis, forecasting, and financial tracking in accordance with DoD acquisition guidelines such as FAR and DFARS.
• Manage program budgets and track expenditures, implementing cost reduction strategies while maintaining program quality and performance.
• Oversee subcontractor performance and vendor coordination, ensuring timely procurement and effective management of suppliers and partners.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and technical teams to evaluate, select, and integrate new technologies into program solutions.
• Ensure all technical deliverables meet defined program requirements, contractual obligations, and customer expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across the program lifecycle by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, technologies, and outcomes.
• Ensure strict compliance with DoD acquisition regulations, export control laws, and internal policies and procedures.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks, developing and implementing contingency plans to maintain schedule, cost, and performance targets.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and reporting for internal leadership and external stakeholders, including government customers and partners.
• Provide clear, proactive communication to senior leadership and stakeholders on program status, risks, issues, and corrective actions.
• Lead programs from start to completion, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and achievement of all technical and contractual requirements.

Skills

DoD program management

Budget management

Vendor management

IPT leadership

DoD FAR/DFARS knowledge

PMP certification

Stakeholder communication

Technical communication

Job description

Aston Carter is seeking a Program Manager to lead complex, multi-disciplinary DoD programs from initiation to completion within DoD acquisition frameworks. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, align with customer goals, and communicate with government stakeholders and partners to ensure rigorous technical execution.

Key duties include budgeting, risk management, vendor oversight, and ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS.