Sr Manager, Technical Program Management

LightPath Technologies, Inc. is a leading global provider of precision optics and photonics solutions, serving defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets. With decades of expertise and a strong culture of innovation, LightPath designs and manufactures advanced optical components and systems that power some of the world’s most demanding applications. We offer a collaborative, technology-driven environment, opportunities to work on cutting-edge programs, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports our employees’ health, growth, and work-life balance.

We are currently looking for a Senior Manager of Technical Program Management to lead the company’s program management function, building and developing a team of Technical Project Managers who execute complex, cross-functional engineering programs from concept through volume production. This role establishes program management discipline across optics, integrated optical assemblies, electronics, software, and manufacturing processes—serving as the bridge between engineering execution and executive leadership while ensuring customer commitments, contractual obligations, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and mentor a team of Technical Project Managers, establishing clear performance expectations, growth trajectories, and succession planning
• Define career frameworks and competency models for the TPM function; recruit and develop talent as the organization scales

Portfolio & Program Governance

• Own portfolio-level program planning, resource allocation, and prioritization across concurrent customer and internal development programs
• Establish and maintain standardized program management processes including stage gates, schedule management, cost tracking, and risk mitigation
• Drive executive-level program reviews, providing clear visibility into program health, risks, and business impact
• Ensure integration of systems engineering practices (requirements management, DFMEA, V&V planning) into program execution

Cross-Functional Leadership & Escalation

• Partner with VP Engineering and functional leads to align technical roadmaps with program commitments
• Provide escalation management for critical technical, schedule, or customer issues; drive rapid resolution across organizational boundaries
• Serve as senior customer-facing interface for strategic programs, design reviews, and executive briefings

Compliance & Excellence

• Ensure programs comply with quality systems, export controls, and customer or regulatory requirements
• Drive continuous improvement of program management tools, processes, and metrics

Required:

• BS or MS in Engineering or related technical discipline
• 10 years of technical program/project management experience in complex, multidisciplinary hardware/software development environments
• 3 years managing and developing project or program managers
• Proven ability to influence stakeholders at all levels—engineering teams to executives to customers
• U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred:

• Prior experience managing programs for or with U.S. defense primes (e.g., aerospace, defense, or national security customers)
• Familiarity with defense contracting environments, including contractual milestones, deliverables, and customer oversight expectations
• Experience in optics, photonics, electronic sensors, aerospace, or high-reliability electromechanical systems
• Background in systems engineering practices (requirements traceability, DFMEA, design verification and validation)
• PMP or equivalent certification
• Experience in regulated and compliance-driven environments (AS9100, ISO 9001, CMMC, or similar)