Program Manager

Job Description

We are seeking a Program Manager to lead strategic product development and commercialization initiatives within a technical manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing cross-functional programs that support business growth, new product introduction, and operational objectives.

The Program Manager serves as a central point of coordination across engineering, laboratory, manufacturing, supply chain, commercial, and business leadership teams to ensure successful execution of complex technical initiatives.

The ideal candidate combines technical aptitude, product development experience, program leadership skills, and the ability to drive alignment among diverse stakeholder groups.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic product development and commercialization programs from initiation through implementation.
• Develop and maintain program plans, schedules, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, laboratory, supply chain, commercial, and leadership teams.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to achieve program objectives, timelines, and deliverables.
• Facilitate stage-gate and product lifecycle management processes.
• Monitor program performance, identify risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Communicate program status, priorities, and key decisions to stakeholders at all levels.
• Support new product introduction and commercialization efforts.
• Align technical, operational, and business objectives to support successful program execution.
• Lead meetings, reviews, and project planning activities to ensure stakeholder alignment and accountability.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to program execution and project management practices.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional programs in a manufacturing, engineering, or technical environment.
• Experience managing projects throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Experience working with engineering teams and technical stakeholders.
• Knowledge of stage-gate program management methodologies.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience coordinating activities across multiple functional groups and locations.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to operate effectively within evolving business and technical environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering, Technical Studies, Manufacturing, Business, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting product development, product lifecycle management, or commercialization programs.
• Experience in technical manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading programs involving engineering, manufacturing, quality, laboratory, supply chain, or operations teams.
• PMP certification or equivalent project/program management training.
• Experience supporting regulated or quality-driven manufacturing environments.
• Experience working with optical fiber, fiber optic products, cabling technologies, telecommunications products, or related technologies.
• Experience supporting aerospace, medical device, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing industries.
• Familiarity with quality management systems such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or ISO 13485.

Key Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Program leadership
• Stakeholder management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Organizational effectiveness
• Communication and influence
• Risk management
• Problem solving
• Adaptability
• Decision making

Work Environment

This role operates within a collaborative technical and manufacturing environment supporting product development and commercialization initiatives. The position involves regular interaction with engineering, laboratory, manufacturing, supply chain, commercial, and leadership teams.

The role offers the opportunity to influence strategic initiatives, drive cross-functional alignment, and contribute to the successful launch and commercialization of new products and technologies.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Avon, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $150000.00/yr.

Benefits: • Competitive base salary ($130,000 - $150,000) • Annual bonus / short-term incentive eligibility • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance • Wellness and well-being programs • 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting • Generous PTO program • 10 paid holidays • Tuition assistance • On-the-job training and career development • Internal advancement opportunities with a promote-from-within culture • Clean, climate-controlled, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities • Relocation assistance and/or sign-on support may be available for the right candidate Employee Value Proposition: • High-visibility Program Management role supporting a strategic growth initiative • Ownership of a major program impacting future business growth • Exposure to engineering, R&D labs, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial leadership • Opportunity to lead development and commercialization of advanced optical fiber and photonics technologies • Work across multiple domestic and international locations • Direct impact on new product development, technology scale-up, and next-generation AI/data center infrastructure programs • Strong long-term career growth within a global technology manufacturer

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Avon,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.