Strategic Project Manager, Defense & Software Programs

JMJ PHILLIP; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Leadership training

Job summary

JMJ PHILLIP is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead planning, coordination, and execution of complex engineering and software programs in Houston. You will manage schedules, coordinate cross‑functional teams, track deliverables, and ensure alignment with customer requirements and program objectives.

The role requires 5+ years of PM experience in defense, aerospace, or software development, strong knowledge of Agile, and proficiency with Jira or Monday.com.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Computer Science, Project Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of project management experience supporting defense, aerospace, engineering, or software development programs.
• Experience managing cross-functional engineering and technical teams.
• Strong knowledge of Agile project management methodologies.
• Proficiency with Jira, Monday.com, or similar project management software.
• Familiarity with government contracting terminology and compliance frameworks.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to obtain or maintain a Secret Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and communicate detailed project schedules aligned with contractual milestones.
• Monitor project progress against baseline schedules and identify potential delays.
• Coordinate project timelines and ensure on-time delivery of key deliverables.
• Coordinate activities across engineering, systems integration, quality assurance, testing, and documentation teams.
• Manage task sequencing and resource allocation to maximize project efficiency.
• Support cross-functional collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
• Maintain project risk registers and develop mitigation strategies.
• Escalate critical issues and recommend corrective actions when necessary.
• Conduct regular project status meetings and executive briefings.
• Prepare project reports and communicate progress to leadership and customers.
• Manage scope changes and facilitate resolution of project challenges.
• Manage project work using Jira, Monday.com, or similar project management tools.
• Maintain accurate task tracking and project documentation.
• Ensure visibility into project status and resource utilization.
• Monitor contractual deliverables to ensure compliance with project requirements and quality standards.
• Coordinate documentation handoffs and project closeout activities.
• Support adherence to government contracting and engineering processes.

Skills

5+ years PM experience

Leadership

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering/CS/PM

Tools

Jira

Monday.com

Job description

JMJ PHILLIP is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead planning, coordination, and execution of complex engineering and software programs in Houston. You will manage schedules, coordinate cross‑functional teams, track deliverables, and ensure alignment with customer requirements and program objectives.

The role requires 5+ years of PM experience in defense, aerospace, or software development, strong knowledge of Agile, and proficiency with Jira or Monday.com.