Program Manager - Defense

Caterpillar Brazil; Irving (TX); On-site; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) savings plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Defense is seeking a Program Manager in Irving, TX to lead defense programs for the U.S. Navy. You will manage interfaces with Navy customers and internal teams to ensure schedule, budget, and compliance with contracts and regulations.

The role requires Navy program experience, strong leadership, and ability to drive cross-team collaboration, with travel up to 20%. This is a full-time position based in Irving, Texas.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Navy acquisition programs and related defense programs.
• Knowledge of Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) organizations and major program acquisition.
• Understanding of cross-team collaboration and driving results as one team.

Responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate processes for all project teams within the program.
• Act as liaison across project teams, translating objectives into program plans.
• Plan and monitor development to meet quality standards and goals.
• Oversee program scope to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.

Skills

Influencing

Cross-Team Integration

Program Management

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in engineering or related technical discipline

Navy Engineering Duty Officer qualification Level III

Job description

## Program Manager - DefenseApply: Irving, Texas: Full time: Posted Today: R0000394783**Career Area:**Strategy**Job Description:****Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.**When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.**About Caterpillar Defense**Caterpillar Defense proudly serves all branches of the U.S. military and federal government, allied militaries and governments, and original equipment manufacturers. For over 100 years, we have supplied reliable products and solutions to government agencies and military forces worldwide, supporting people who put their lives on the line to provide security, generate energy and supply humanitarian aid.Today, we continue to deliver leading-edge products and global services, working around the clock and around the world to deliver the power and performance that customers need. Caterpillar’s largest single customer is the U.S. Department of Defense.190,000+ machines, tanks, tactical vehicles, and submarines move missions forward with Cat engines. We also provide solutions for power generation and surface ships. Cat has powered crucial engineering and logistical operations in every major conflict since WWI**Role Definition**Caterpillar Defense is seeking a highly motivated and experienced **Program Manager** to lead the execution of complex defense programs supporting the U.S. Navy. This role is responsible for overall program performance, including customer engagement, strategic planning, financial management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional team leadership.The successful candidate will serve as the primary interface with Navy customers, key internal team members and stakeholders, ensuring program objectives are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to drive mission-critical solutions that enhance naval readiness while contributing to CAT Defense's commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and customer success. **What You Will Do:*** Organizing and coordinating processes and procedures for all project teams to follow within the program.* Serving as a liaison and building bridges among project teams within the program. Translating corporate objectives into program objectives and practices.* Planning and monitoring program development to ensure that quality standards and goals are achieved.* Managing all aspects of an organizational program to ensure projects within the program are implemented, accepted and accomplished within a set deadline.**Degree Requirement** Degree or equivalent experience desired**What You Will Have:*** Experience supporting U.S. Navy acquisition programs, including shipbuilding, sustainment, modernization, or related defense programs.* Experience supporting U.S. Navy major program acquisition including shipbuilding programs, with knowledge of Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) organizations. Experience supporting Undersea / Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager (DRPM) for Submarines is preferred.* **Influencing:** Working Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.* **Cross-Team Integration:** Working Understanding of the importance of inter-team collaboration in breaking down silos and achieving business results; ability to lead employees from various functions to communicate, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate in solving problems as one team.* **Program Management:** Extensive Knowledge of the policies and techniques to manage a set of related projects within a program; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control the set of projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve program objectives.**What Will Put You Ahead:*** Prior service as a U.S. Navy Engineering Duty Officer with Level III qualification in Program Management and membership in the Defense Acquisition Corps Acquisition Professional Community.* Master’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline.* Service in a U.S. Navy program office such as PMS 397 or PMS 450.* Experience supporting submarine procurement, maintenance, modernization, sustainment, and policy initiatives.* Knowledge of customer major programs and upcoming U.S. Navy acquisition initiatives.**Additional Information:*** This position is in Irving, TX.* Domestic travel up to 20%* Domestic relocation assistance is not offered for this positionThis job is subject to Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) which prohibits the release of technology and technical data to non-U.S. citizens.). By applying to this position, you acknowledge that you are a U.S. citizen; not hold dual citizenship with another county; and are willing to present evidence of your U.S. citizenship.**Caterpillar Inc.** is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed.### ### **Summary Pay Range:**$147,760.00 - $221,640.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.**Benefits:**Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.* Medical, dental, and vision benefits\\** Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)\\** 401(k) savings plans\\** Health Savings Account (HSA)\\** Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)\\** Health Lifestyle Programs\\** Employee Assistance Program\\** Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts\\** Career Development\\** Incentive bonus\\** Disability benefits* Life Insurance* Parental leave* Adoption benefits* Tuition Reimbursement \\* These benefits also apply to part-time employees### ### ### **Posting Dates:**September 17, 2026 - October 1, 2026Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.