Program Manager - Defense

Career Area:

Strategy

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.

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

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.

• 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 or equivalent experience desired

• 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: Exten…