Program Manager – Defense Manufacturing

General Motors

. Lead cross-functional defense manufacturing programs and strategic initiatives from pre-award capture support through contract execution .

Posted 10/12/2026full-timeUnited StatesSeniorLead💰 $134,700 - $207,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in program management within the defense industry, focusing on cross-functional team leadership, risk management, and compliance with government contracting requirements. Proficient in developing and executing strategic initiatives, managing budgets, and ensuring quality in manufacturing processes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program ManagementDefense Industry ExperiencePMP CertificationRisk AssessmentCross-Functional Team Leadership

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program ManagementBudget ManagementRisk ManagementSchedule DevelopmentPerformance MeasurementContract ExecutionDesign-for-ManufacturingStakeholder EngagementQuality Management SystemsGovernment Contracting

Soft Skills

Communication SkillsProblem SolvingTeam BuildingCoachingMentoring

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft OfficeGoogle Workspace

Certifications & Qualifications

PMP CertificationSecret U.S. Security Clearance

Industry Keywords

Defense ManufacturingGovernment ProcurementSupply Chain ManagementMissile ProgramsContractual Compliance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PMP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead cross-functional defense manufacturing programs and strategic initiatives from pre-award capture support through contract execution
Integrate customer and partner requirements into executable plans
Manage program cost, schedule, performance, quality, and risk
Coordinate business units and suppliers to manufacture and deliver components and systems
Support design-for-manufacturing reviews
Lead pre-contract readiness, resource planning, risk assessment, work breakdown structure development, CDRL planning, stakeholder engagement, and start-of-work preparation
Direct execution against contractual requirements
Develop integrated master schedules, milestones, deliverables, and ownership structures
Develop and manage program budgets, monitor financial performance, identify variances, and implement corrective actions
Define performance measures and KPIs and provide decision-ready reporting
Identify, assess, communicate, and mitigate risks and opportunities
Serve as a point of contact for government customers, defense primes, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
Prepare and deliver materials for gate reviews, executive updates, customer reviews, and government leadership engagements
Ensure compliance with quality-management systems, contractual obligations, company processes, and customer requirements
Build a collaborative, high-performing team through coaching, mentoring, workload balancing, and team-member development
Represent GM Defense in customer meetings, industry engagements, program reviews, and partner discussions
Protect sensitive company, customer, and program information

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline
8+ years of experience in program management or an equivalent discipline
10+ years of experience in the defense industry, government contracting, or government procurement
Must be a U.S. Person: U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident, asylee, or refugee
U.S. citizenship required to comply with federal government contract provisions
Eligible to obtain Secret U.S. Security Clearance after hire
Demonstrated success developing and leading high-performing cross-functional teams
Strong written, verbal, and executive-level communication skills
Ability to navigate ambiguity, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions with limited supervision
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and/or Google Workspace
Working knowledge of defense manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and/or sustainment environments
Ability to connect customer requirements to operational execution
Ability to work independently in a hybrid environment with distributed internal and external teams
Willingness and ability to travel as required
Active Secret U.S. Security Clearance as of the first day of work preferred
PMP certification or equivalent program-management credential preferred
Experience spanning multiple defense-industry functions preferred
Experience managing or supporting missile programs preferred
No GM immigration-related sponsorship available
Position subject to export control restrictions
Regular travel requirement of 25–50%

Benefits

Comp & perks

Incentive pay program with payouts based on company, job-level, and individual performance
Medical, dental, and vision benefits
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Accounts
Retirement savings plan
Sickness and accident benefits
Life insurance
Paid vacation and holidays
Tuition assistance programs
Employee assistance program
GM vehicle discounts
Company vehicle evaluation program, subject to successful motor vehicle report review
Remote/hybrid work arrangement
Periodic and regular business travel opportunities