Defense Vehicle Program Manager

Ford Motor Company

Ford program manager leading tactical defense vehicle programs from capture through sustainment. Managing cross-functional execution, compliance, risks, finances, and government stakeholder reviews.

Posted 9/2/2026full-timeDearborn • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $141,700 - $268,300 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in program management within the defense sector, focusing on end-to-end execution, risk management, and compliance with DoD acquisition processes. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver on financial outcomes while fostering continuous improvement and safety.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Program Management LeadershipDoD Acquisition ProcessesRisk ManagementCross-Functional Team DevelopmentDefense Sector Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program ExecutionIntegrated Master SchedulesFinancial ReviewsContingency PlanningQuality ManagementBudget ManagementProposal DevelopmentCost EstimationGovernance ProcessesIssue Dashboard Creation

Soft Skills

Excellent Communication SkillsResilienceSound Judgment

Industry Keywords

Defense SectorITAR ComplianceCUI ComplianceDFARS ComplianceGovernment ContractingBusiness DevelopmentSupply Chain ManagementManufacturing ReadinessMilitary Stakeholder EngagementCross-Functional Initiatives

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and mentor a high-performing program management team
Lead end-to-end program execution from capture through delivery and sustainment using gated processes
Own scope, schedule, cost, resources, risk, and quality imperatives
Establish integrated master schedules, risk registers, financial reviews, and issue dashboards
Champion and continuously improve program processes and governance
Lead program decision forums with the Chief Program Engineer
Drive launch and quality disciplines for on-time, on-cost delivery
Identify, quantify, and mitigate technical and business risks and issues
Develop contingency plans and gap-closure actions with owners and dates
Integrate engineering release, sourcing, validation, manufacturing readiness, quality, and sustainment processes
Interface with government and defense industry partners and lead formal program reviews with military/DoD stakeholders
Support business development and capture activities, including requirements, proposal content, cost estimates, and execution plans
Foster safety, defense-specific compliance, integrity, and continuous improvement
Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, contracts, finance, and business development teams

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree required (Engineering, Business Administration, or related technical/business field preferred)
Demonstrated experience in the defense sector and/or defense ground vehicle programs
Demonstrated program or project management leadership of complex, cross-functional initiatives
Experience partnering closely with senior technical leaders, such as Chief Engineers
Working knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, business development, portfolio planning, engineering, manufacturing, finance, purchasing, and supply chain
Familiarity with ITAR, CUI, export control, and DFARS compliance frameworks
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to deliver executive-level briefings to internal leadership and government/industry customers
Strong business acumen and ownership of program financial outcomes, including budgets, forecasts, and profitability management within government or defense contract structures
Resilience and sound judgment in high-pressure, time-sensitive environments
Proven track record leading and developing high-performing, cross-functional teams across a global organization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Visa sponsorship is not available

Benefits

Comp & perks

Immediate medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage
Flexible family care days
Paid parental leave
New parent ramp-up programs
Subsidized back-up child care
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement
Fertility treatments
Vehicle discount program for employees and family members
Management leases
Tuition assistance
Established and active employee resource groups
Paid time off for individual and team community service
Generous schedule of paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day
Paid time off
Option to purchase additional vacation time