Program Manager - Defense

Caterpillar Inc.•Peoria, IL

3d•$147,760 - $221,640•Onsite

About The Position

Caterpillar Defense is seeking a Program Manager to lead complex defense programs supporting the U.S. Navy. The role is accountable for overall program performance, including customer engagement, strategic planning, financial management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional team leadership. The Program Manager serves as the primary interface with Navy customers and internal stakeholders, ensuring objectives are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. The position supports mission-critical solutions to enhance naval readiness and Caterpillar Defense’s operational excellence, innovation, and customer success. The role organizes and coordinates processes and procedures for program project teams; connects teams and translates corporate objectives into program objectives and practices; plans and monitors program development to meet quality standards and goals; and manages program activities so projects are implemented, accepted, and completed by established deadlines. The position is based in Irving, Texas, or Peoria, Illinois, and requires domestic travel up to 20%. It is subject to Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information restrictions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, must not hold dual citizenship with another country, and must be willing to present evidence of U.S. citizenship. Domestic relocation assistance is not offered.

Requirements

Experience supporting U.S. Navy acquisition programs, including shipbuilding, sustainment, modernization, or related defense programs.
Experience supporting U.S. Navy major program acquisition, including shipbuilding programs, with knowledge of Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) organizations.
Working knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies, with the ability to impact decisions within and outside the organization.
Working understanding of cross-team integration and the ability to lead employees across functions, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate to solve problems.
Extensive knowledge of program management policies and techniques, including planning, organizing, monitoring, and controlling related projects and efficiently using technical and administrative resources.
Degree or equivalent experience desired.
U.S. citizenship; applicants must not hold dual citizenship with another country and must be willing to present evidence of U.S. citizenship.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting the Undersea / Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager (DRPM) for Submarines.
Prior service as a U.S. Navy Engineering Duty Officer with Level III qualification in Program Management and membership in the Defense Acquisition Corps Acquisition Professional Community.
Master’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline.
Service in a U.S. Navy program office such as PMS 397 or PMS 450.
Experience supporting submarine procurement, maintenance, modernization, sustainment, and policy initiatives.
Knowledge of customer major programs and upcoming U.S. Navy acquisition initiatives.

Responsibilities

Organize and coordinate processes and procedures for all project teams within the program.
Serve as a liaison among project teams and foster collaboration across the program.
Translate corporate objectives into program objectives and practices.
Plan and monitor program development to ensure quality standards and goals are achieved.
Manage program activities to ensure projects are implemented, accepted, and completed within established deadlines.
Lead customer engagement, strategic planning, financial management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional team coordination.
Serve as the primary interface with Navy customers, internal team members, and stakeholders.
Ensure program objectives are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.