Program Manager

iHire; Columbus (MS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mission-driven environment

Collaboration with experts

Competitive salary

Opportunities to advance

Job summary

An established industry player in aerospace and defense is seeking a seasoned Program Manager to lead mission-critical programs. This dynamic role requires deep domain knowledge and a proven track record in managing complex projects that directly impact national security. You will coordinate high-impact programs, ensuring adherence to schedules and budgets while collaborating with cross-functional teams. If you are ready to take on significant challenges and make a real difference in defense technology, this opportunity offers a mission-driven environment with competitive compensation and the chance to work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in Aerospace or Defense program management.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and manage scheduling, pricing, and technical performance of defense programs.
• Serve as the main contact for internal stakeholders and customer needs.

Skills

Program Management

DFARS Compliance

Communication Skills

Risk Management

Project Management Tools

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Program Manager – Aerospace & Defense

Location: Columbus, Mississippi

Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site

Ready to drive mission-critical programs in defense and aerospace? Our client is looking for a seasoned Program Manager with deep domain knowledge, a track record of execution, and a commitment to excellence.

We’re not building toys—we build systems that matter. In the aerospace industry, your work has real-world implications in national security, innovation, and advanced defense technologies. If you're fluent in DFARS, understand the stakes, and can lead programs from proposal to execution, you may be the person we’re looking for.

Your Mission

• Coordinate, track, and manage the scheduling, pricing, and technical performance of high-impact defense programs.
• Serve as the central point of contact for internal stakeholders—owning program status updates, issue resolution, and customer needs with confidence.
• Support proposal development, including detailed plans, specs, and financial documentation.
• Track and manage program costs—labor, materials, overhead—ensuring accuracy and transparency.
• Identify risks before they become problems; implement mitigation strategies decisively.
• Maintain program integrity by ensuring adherence to master schedules and milestones.
• Prepare and deliver program management reviews and leadership-level reporting.
• Collaborate across engineering, operations, and executive teams to move programs forward.

Your Background

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Experience in Aerospace or Defense program management is a must—this role isn’t for beginners.
• Deep familiarity with DFARS compliance and defense contracting.
• PMP, PgMP, or equivalent certification—we need proven program leadership, not just job titles.
• Hands-on experience with project management tools and performance metrics.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication skills—you’ll be talking to engineers, executives, and government customers.
• Must be a U.S. person as defined by 22 U.S.C. 6010 (i.e., U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident).

What We Offer

• A mission-driven environment where your work directly supports national defense.
• Collaboration with some of the most respected minds in aerospace and defense.
• The stability of a company backed by decades of technical achievement—and the agility to innovate like a startup.
• Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities to advance.

You're not just managing programs—you’re delivering capability, ensuring readiness, and shaping the future of defense.

Think you're up to the task? Apply now.

Employment Type: Full Time

Years Experience: 5 - 10 years

Salary: $120,000 - $150,000 Annual

Bonus/Commission: No

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Quality Assurance, Information Technology, and Analyst

Industries

IT Services and IT Consulting