Strategic Defense Program Manager

Honeywell Aerospace; Clearwater (FL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Disability coverage

401(k) match

Educational assistance

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Vacation/Sick time

Job summary

Honeywell Aerospace in Clearwater, FL seeks a Strategic Defense Program Manager to lead complex aerospace programs, align with business objectives, and deliver against US defense requirements on a hybrid schedule. You will report to the Program Director, define scope and deliverables, manage timelines, budgets, and risks, and build strong interagency relationships to support national security initiatives.

This role demands a Security Clearance, cross-functional leadership, and a track record in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a technical field.
• Minimum Secret Security Clearance.
• PMP preferred; certification may be required if not held.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage large defense programs.

Responsibilities

• Promote a zero-harm working environment and ensure quality, on-time delivery.
• Lead aerospace programs aligned with customer and business goals.
• Define program scope, objectives, and deliverables with cross-functional teams.
• Develop and implement program plans with timelines, budgets, and resources.
• Monitor progress and manage risks to keep schedules and budgets.
• Maintain stakeholder communication and drive continuous improvement.
• Build relationships with customer and DoD representatives.

Skills

Security clearance

PMP experience

Leadership

Cross-functional

Defense programs

Aerospace standards

Program management tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Job description

Job Description

As a Strategic Defense Program Manager you will lead complex strategic level aerospace programs ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer requirements with no negative impact to US nuclear strategic capability. You will be responsible for defining program scope, objectives, and deliverables while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive successful program execution. Your role will include leading teams, developing and implementing program plans, managing timelines, budgets, and resources, and mitigating risks to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.

Job Description

As a Strategic Defense Program Manager you will lead complex strategic level aerospace programs ensuring alignment with business objectives and customer requirements with no negative impact to US nuclear strategic capability. You will be responsible for defining program scope, objectives, and deliverables while collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive successful program execution. Your role will include leading teams, developing and implementing program plans, managing timelines, budgets, and resources, and mitigating risks to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery. You will report directly to our Program Director and work out of our Clearwater, FL location on a hybrid work schedule. The position will start on 1/4/2027. In this role, you will impact US national security by building strong intercompany and interagency relationships, driving operational excellence, fostering innovation, and ensuring the successful delivery of critical US strategic programs key to the US defense posture.

Responsibilities

• Promote a zero-harm working environment by advising on personnel assignments, supporting diverse functional areas to support the Honeywell Aerospace team members and ensuring team members have the tools and the confidence to build quality products, delivered on time and at a reasonable cost.
• Lead and manage aerospace programs to ensure successful execution and delivery aligned with customer and business goals
• Define program scope, objectives, and deliverables in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Develop and implement detailed program plans including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation
• Monitor program progress and ensure adherence to schedules and budgets
• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks and issues impacting program delivery
• Coordinate communication with stakeholders to provide updates and resolve concerns
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize program management processes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the customer and Department of Defense representatives

Qualifications

YOU MUST HAVE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution preferably in a technical discipline such as the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics.
• Minimum Secret Security Clearance
• Proficiency with program management tools and methodologies tailored to aerospace industry requirements. PMP certification is preferred. Applicants without PMP certification will be required to obtain.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive collaboration
• Experience managing large-scale defense programs
• Extensive experience in program management with a proven record of leadership
• knowledge of aerospace industry standards, regulations, and best practices

Us Person Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen due to contractual requirements

WE VALUE

• Alignment with Honeywell Aerospace's core values and priorities which focus on delivering for customers, executing with discipline, and building a high-performance culture
• Master's degree from an accredited institution preferably in a technical discipline such as the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics.
• Prior military experience is a plus with the ability to translate defense mission requirements into programmatic execution.
• Strong expertise in defining program scope, resource allocation, budget management, and risk mitigation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Adaptability to changing program requirements and business priorities
• Passion for innovation, continuous improvement and taking care of the team.

Join a company that's reintroducing itself to the aviation community we've helped advance for more than a century. At Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA), we're launching as an independent, publicly traded aerospace and defense company built on a legacy of operational excellence and mission-focused execution.

Our new brand identity pairs that heritage with real momentum, as we build technology that helps pilots navigate with confidence, aircraft operate more efficiently, and operators stay ahead of change. With our systems on board 90% of the world's aircraft, your work here has reach that's rare to find anywhere else.

Focusing on our customers, investing in innovation, and building a culture of accountability and performance is how we're shaping what comes next.

Every horizon. Every mission. Every day.

Benefits

Beyond a performance-driven salary, you'll work alongside dedicated experts on technology that's advancing aviation. As a Honeywell Aerospace employee, you're eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts
• Employee assistance program and educational assistance
• Parental leave and 12 paid holidays
• Paid time off for vacation, personal and sick time

Explore your benefits: https://honeywellaerospacebenefits.com/

POSTING TIMELINE

The application period for the job is estimated to be 40 days from the job posting date; however, this may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Honeywell Aerospace Products And Services Are Found On Aircraft Across Commercial Aviation, Defense And Space. We Operate Through Three Business Areas

• Electronic Solutions develops the avionics, navigation systems, sensors and electromagnetic defense technology on board 90% of the world's aircraft
• Engines & Power Systems provides the propulsion, auxiliary power and electrical systems that keep those aircraft flying
• Control Systems supplies the thermal and motion control systems that support takeoff, landing and the safety of everyone on board

With approximately 58,000 employees worldwide and net sales of $17.4B in 2025, we are also advancing systems for autonomous and supersonic platforms — bringing the same focus on safety and efficiency to the next era of flight. Explore our businesses: https://www.honeywellaerospace.com