Program Manager

Job Title: Program Manager

Job Description

The Program Manager will lead the design and delivery of new products and support key business accounts in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. This role manages complex technical programs from post-sale through industrialization, ensuring they meet scope, schedule, budget, quality, and regulatory requirements. The Program Manager serves as the primary interface between internal teams and external customers, driving execution excellence, proactive risk management, and strong customer relationships while identifying new business opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the scope, schedule, budget, and risks for multiple projects from post-sale through delivery and industrialization.
• Act as the primary interface for project execution and communication for both internal research and development programs and customer-driven programs.
• Represent the voice of the customer to leadership, ensuring customer needs and expectations are clearly understood and addressed.
• Prepare and deliver clear, concise status reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Collaborate cross-functionally and across multiple sites to resolve execution challenges and ensure deliverables and milestones are met, including design reviews, Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), and First Article Inspections (FAI).
• Ensure all projects comply with relevant quality and regulatory requirements, such as ISO, ITAR, IEC, and MIL-STD standards.
• Drive proactive risk management by identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks throughout the program lifecycle.
• Continuously improve program execution by capturing lessons learned and implementing process enhancements.
• Foster strong, long-term relationships with assigned key accounts through consistent communication and alignment on technical and delivery expectations.
• Identify and communicate new business opportunities early by maintaining close engagement with key customers.
• Support contract negotiations and change management in partnership with Sales, Product Management, and Finance teams.
• Participate in the development of Statements of Work (SOWs) for new projects and in the preparation of responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs).

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, business administration, or equivalent, with demonstrated experience.
• 7 years of experience managing technical programs in a manufacturing or defense environment.
• Demonstrated experience applying Earned Value Management (EVM) principles and tools for cost and schedule performance tracking.
• Familiarity with government contracts and the ability to interpret and comprehend contract language.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across departments in a multi-site, multi-cultural environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interaction with internal teams and external customers.
• Proficiency in MS Project for project planning and tracking.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications for documentation, analysis, and communication.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and related business processes.
• Ability to travel as needed, with a valid driver’s license and valid passport.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, science, business administration, or a related field is preferred.
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification is preferred.
• Knowledge of RF systems, high voltage technologies, or power electronics is strongly preferred.
• Experience working within quality and regulatory frameworks such as ISO, ITAR, IEC, and MIL-STD.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong customer relationships and support key accounts.
• Experience supporting contract negotiations, change management, and the development of SOWs and RFP/RFQ responses.

Work Environment

The role operates in a fast-paced, dynamic environment focused on the design, development, and delivery of technically complex products, often in manufacturing and defense-related settings. The Program Manager collaborates closely with cross-functional teams across multiple sites and cultures, using tools such as MS Project, MS Office, and ERP systems to plan, track, and report on program performance. Work involves regular interaction with customers, internal stakeholders, and leadership, as well as adherence to rigorous quality and regulatory standards, including ISO, ITAR, IEC, and MIL-STD. The position requires the flexibility to travel domestically and internationally as needed to support program execution, customer meetings, and key project milestones

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of State College, PA.

The pay range for this position is $62.50 - $72.12/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in State College,PA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $63 - $72