Program Manager - Defense

Job description

Career Area: Strategy Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. About Caterpillar Defense: Caterpillar Defense proudly serves all branches of the U.S. military and federal government, allied militaries and governments, and original equipment manufacturers. For over 100 years, we have supplied reliable products and solutions to government agencies and military forces worldwide, supporting people who put their lives on the line to provide security, generate energy and supply humanitarian aid. Today, we continue to deliver leading-edge products and global services, working around the clock and around the world to deliver the power and performance that customers need. Caterpillar’s largest single customer is the U.S. Department of Defense.190,000+ machines, tanks, tactical vehicles, and submarines move missions forward with Cat engines. We also provide solutions for power generation and surface ships. Cat has powered crucial engineering and logistical operations in every major conflict since WWI. Job Summary: Caterpillar Defense is seeking a Program Manager to fill a position on the sales team for the machine segment. This position is responsible for coordinating with internal product, engineering, sales and contracting organizations, and external customers to translate unique customer requirements into marketable items for direct sales through federal government contracting mechanisms. Customers can include US Department of Defense and Federal agencies, as well as international allied militaries, Caterpillar dealers and third-party governmental marketing and sales organizations. What You Will Do: Serve as the primary customer focal point to resolve problems before, during, and after delivery by providing specific direction for the performance of all work to meet cost, quality and required contract delivery schedules. Provide the lead direction in the company effort for major proposals including scope of supply, suppliers, exception to terms, influencing establishment of prices and assist in negotiating final agreements. Develop specific plans for program execution and monitor actual performance. Negotiate changes to programs including cost, price, supplier selection, etc. Direct changes required due to performance or reliability problems. Develop, implement, and achieve annual business plan including revenue, cost of sales, direct costs, and accountable profit. Identify product opportunities and determine technology enhancements which offer cost/value for the customer. Assist in negotiating contracts with the buying commands and organizations. Determine the scope of work including costing and pricing. Work with Purchasing and Contracting to identify, select, negotiate, and administer supplier and subcontractor execution. Review and approve dealer and supplier PO’s, subcontracts, and invoices. Lead efforts to align customer product requirements with commercial product group offerings. This can include collaboration on NPI, CPI and NTI programs, parts and product obsolescence, S&OP planning, factory/facility production coordination and establishing effective communication forums amongst all impacted organizations. Carefully evaluate problems and execution challenges and work with respective organizations to develop solutions and achieve agreement and decision on execution paths to eliminate. Sets program priorities and establish work plans to complete broadly defined assignments and achieve desired results. Impacts key quality goals including Customer Satisfaction, Continuous Improvement, Timeliness, Accuracy, Efficiency, Cost Savings, Process Quality, etc. The position monitors adherence to quality and technical standards and develops action plans for addressing below standard performance. Travel to the field to monitor and resolve issues regarding customer satisfaction, future product needs and oversee supplier and subcontractor execution and quality. What Skills You Will Need : Influencing: Knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to impact decisions within and outside own organization. Cross-Team Integration: 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: 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. Top Candidates Will Have: Previous experience with commercial and US Government contracting, purchasing, and funding Thorough knowledge of machine products, product applications, technology, and Caterpillar systems & processes Additional Information: Up to 30% travel expected Caterpillar Inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been helping customers build a better, more sustainable world and are committed and contributing to a reduced-carbon future. Our innovative products and services, backed by our global dealer network, provide exceptional value that helps customers succeed. #LI This position requires a government security clearance; you must be a U.S. Citizen for consideration. 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 This position requires working onsite five days a week. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: September 17, 2026 - September 27, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .