Program Manager

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

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Program Manager

Job Description

This Program Manager role leads complex, multi-disciplinary programs in support of Department of Defense (DoD) initiatives. You will oversee cross-functional efforts, ensure alignment with customer goals and regulatory requirements, and drive programs from initiation through completion within established DoD acquisition frameworks. Acting as a key liaison between government stakeholders, senior leadership, and external partners, you will ensure seamless communication, technical rigor, and successful execution across the entire program lifecycle.

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 key performance indicators (KPIs) in collaboration 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 program management offices (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.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing Department of Defense (DoD) contracts and programs, including full lifecycle oversight from initiation through completion.
• Proven expertise in budget management, including planning, cost analysis, tracking expenditures, and implementing cost reduction strategies.
• Hands‑on experience with contract execution and vendor/subcontractor oversight in a DoD manufacturing or defense acquisition environment.
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition processes and regulations, including familiarity with FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement).
• Demonstrated success in leading Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) and driving effective cross-functional collaboration across engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and procurement.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is required.
• Ability to manage defense manufacturing programs, including coordination of quality, supply chain, procurement, and stakeholder management activities.
• Strong stakeholder management and vendor management skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain productive relationships with government customers and industry partners.
• Technically savvy, with the ability to understand, evaluate, and clearly communicate complex systems, technologies, and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present program status, risks, and recommendations clearly and confidently.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with a track record of guiding teams, making informed decisions, and driving accountability.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to ma