Career Area:
Strategy
Job Description:
Role Definition
Caterpillar Defense is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Program Manager to lead the execution of complex defense programs supporting the U.S. Navy. This role is responsible for overall program performance, including customer engagement, strategic planning, financial management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional team leadership.
The successful candidate will serve as the primary interface with Navy customers, key internal team members and stakeholders, ensuring program objectives are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. This position offers the opportunity to drive mission-critical solutions that enhance naval readiness while contributing to CAT Defense's commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and customer success.
What You Will Do:
Organizing and coordinating processes and procedures for all project teams to follow within the program.
Serving as a liaison and building bridges among project teams within the program. Translating corporate objectives into program objectives and practices.
Planning and monitoring program development to ensure that quality standards and goals are achieved.
Managing all aspects of an organizational program to ensure projects within the program are implemented, accepted and accomplished within a set deadline.
Degree Requirement
Degree or equivalent experience desired
What You Will Have:
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. Experience supporting Undersea / Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager (DRPM) for Submarines is preferred.
Influencing: Working Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization.
Cross-Team Integration: Working Understanding of the importance of inter-team collaboration in breaking down silos and achieving business results; ability to lead employees from various functions to communicate, coordinate work across divisions, and collaborate in solving problems as one team.
Program Management: Extensive Knowledge of the policies and techniques to manage a set of related projects within a program; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control the set of projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve program objectives.
What Will Put You Ahead:
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 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.
Additional Information:
This position is in Irving, TX.
Domestic travel up to 20%
Domestic relocation assistance is not offered for this position
This job is subject to Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) which prohibits the release of technology and technical data to non-U.S. citizens.). By applying to this position, you acknowledge that you are a U.S. citizen; not hold dual citizenship with another county; and are willing to present evidence of your U.S. citizenship.
Summary Pay Range:
$147,760.00 - $221,640.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
September 17, 2026 - October 1, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
