Program Manager - Defense

Caterpillar Inc.; Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 148,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) plans

Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Wellness programs

Employee discounts

Career development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Defense seeks a highly motivated Program Manager to lead complex Navy defense programs. You will manage customer engagement, strategic planning, financial oversight, risk mitigation, and cross-functional team leadership to deliver on schedule and within contract requirements.

As the primary interface with Navy customers and internal stakeholders, you will drive mission-critical solutions that enhance naval readiness and support Caterpillar Defense’s commitment to excellence and

Qualifications

• 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 PAEs and DRPM for Submarines preferred.
• Influencing: ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.
• Cross-team integration: leading diverse teams to achieve results.

Responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate program teams and processes.
• Liaise and bridge gaps among project teams; translate objectives into program goals.
• Plan and monitor program development to meet quality standards and deadlines.
• Manage program scope to ensure projects are implemented and delivered on time and budget.

Skills

Navy acquisition programs

Program management

Cross-team collaboration

Influencing strategies

Budget/financial management

Risk mitigation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Master’s degree in engineering or related discipline

Job description

Career Area:

Strategy

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you’rejoining 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’tjust 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 & Peoria, IL.
• Domestic travel up to 20%
• Domestic relocation assistance is not offered for this position

This 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 - $221,640.00

Compensation 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:

October 20, 2026 - October 29, 2026

Any 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.