Program Manager III

Professional Services Tampa, FL Direct Hire Sep 29, 2026 Program Manager III (Aerospace & Defense) Department: Program Management Location: Tampa, FL. Fully on-site, with no designated remote days. Role Type: Full-time, direct hire (permanent) About Our Client Our client is an aerospace and defense company that develops and delivers solutions for U.S. government and defense customers, including energetics-related programs. They work with government officials, industry partners, suppliers, and manufacturing sites. The culture values integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement, and they are growing their Tampa program management team. Job Description This is a newly created role for an experienced defense Program Manager to lead complex programs from initiation through completion. You will own each program's strategy, schedule, budget, and risk profile. You will also serve as the primary point of contact for customers, partners, and stakeholders.Day to day, you will lead cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain, and you will monitor progress against baselines. You will also brief executive leadership and government customers on program status. Your work directly affects customer satisfaction and the company's ability to deliver high-visibility programs on time and on budget.The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment. They are a strong communicator and negotiator who enjoys mentoring teams and building lasting customer relationships. Duties And Responsibilities Lead the proposal, planning, execution, and delivery of complex defense programs.Develop program strategies, objectives, and performance baselines aligned with customer requirements and company goals.Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, partners, and key stakeholders, managing expectations and ensuring satisfaction.Oversee program scope, schedule, cost, and risk and opportunity management, implementing corrective actions as needed.Develop detailed project plans and milestones and track progress against them.Lead and mentor cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, finance, and supply chain.Develop, manage, and track program budgets and forecasts, and identify cost-efficiency opportunities without compromising quality or compliance.Identify, assess, and mitigate program risks.Ensure adherence to ITAR, FAR, DFARS, and all contractual and internal governance requirements.Prepare and deliver program status reports to executive leadership and customers.Maintain comprehensive program records, documentation, and contract deliverables.Represent the company in internal and external meetings, including with U.S. government officials and senior leadership.Travel up to 25% to manufacturing sites, suppliers, and customer engagements. Required Experience/Skills 8+ years of program management experience within the defense industry.Proven experience managing complex programs exceeding $50M.Strong working knowledge of ITAR, FAR, DFARS, and U.S. defense acquisition processes.Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Visio) and program management tools/ERPs.Ability to pass a background investigation and drug screening.U.S. person status required. Nice-to-Haves Experience with energetics-related programs.PMP or equivalent certification.Master's degree (Engineering, MBA, or related field). Education Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred. Pay & Benefits Summary Salary: $140,000–$160,000 per year, depending on experience. No bonus.Start date: ASAP. Call-to-Action Ready to lead high-visibility defense programs in Tampa? Apply now, and our team will be in touch quickly. Keywords: Program Manager III | Defense Program Manager | Aerospace and Defense | Tampa, FL | ITAR | FAR | DFARS | Energetics | PMP | Complex Programs | Government Contracts | Direct Hire