Senior Project Manager – Advanced Optics (AO)

Schedule: MondayFriday, 8:00 AM 5:00 PM. Some overtime may be required based on project needs (approval required).
Interview Process: Two rounds initial phone screen followed by a panel interview with a case study.
Assignment Duration: One year, with the possibility of extension based on demand.

The Senior Project Manager will support various projects within Advanced Optics (AO) division. Responsibilities include:

• Lead technical teams and collaborate with internal and external customers to define and execute programs, ensuring alignment with customer requirements.

• Develop and execute program plans, including schedules, budgets, and resource allocations, scaling programs appropriately through each stage.

• Monitor program progress from initiation through delivery, assessing value proposition, and recommending program continuation or termination to leadership.

• Track changes in customer requirements or Product, evaluating impacts on program strategy, business case, risk, resources, and schedule.

• Maintain ongoing customer engagement, managing expectations, and interpreting feedback on product development.

• Communicate key program information, including direction, issues, and progress, to leadership, customers, and teams.

• Develop and manage a compelling business case, including financial implications (P&L, balance sheet) and competitive positioning.

• Identify commercial, technical, and manufacturing levers to enhance program value.

• Oversee product testing and evaluation to validate value propositions, support technology understanding, and ensure manufacturing requirements are met.

• Protect intellectual property and maintain strategic control over program innovations.

• Utilize Tollgate process to direct program activities effectively.

• BS in Engineering (Optical, Mechanical, or related field) preferred.

• Associates Degree with significant relevant experience is the minimum requirement.

• 57+ years of experience successfully executing technical programs.

• Strong project management and leadership abilities.

• Ability to lead technical teams in problem-solving and strategy execution.

• Strong customer interaction skills with a proven ability to build relationships.

• Ability to work cross-functionally across commercial, technical, and technology teams.

• Track and manage program spending, revenue, resources, and schedule.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project).

• Skilled in project management tools (MS Project, risk assessment, Product management).

• Ability to make sound decisions by combining analytical thinking with practical judgment.

• Strong technical discernment and ability to ask the right questions to guide the team.

• Excellent formal and informal communication skills.

• Ability to articulate clear direction, risks, and program purpose across multiple organizational levels.

• Ability to define, prioritize, and defend milestones.

• Applies appropriate process discipline and models the desired behaviors to the team.

• MS degree or higher in Optics.

• Experience organizing systems for program management.

• Familiarity with innovation process.

• Knowledge of research and S&T organizations.

• Experience transferring programs from Stage 3 to Stage 5 into manufacturing.

• Experience with SAP and manufacturing environments.

• Strong ability to articulate program direction and purpose.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with an innovative approach to new programs.

• Creative problem-solving capabilities.

• Passion for developing products and processes that expand the AO platform.

• Process-oriented, disciplined, organized, and detail-focused.

• Self-motivated and proactive.

• Demonstrated experience leading internal or external technical teams in product or service development.

• Experience working with customers is a strong advantage.