Project Manager- Manufacturing & Optical

Title: Technical Program Manager III, Advanced OpticsLocation: Onsite at Keene, NHDuration: 12 Months with possibility of extension based on demandSchedule: Full-time, M-F, 8 am-5 pm. Some OT is possible based on project need (approval required).Only W2 candidates are eligible for this position. Third-party or C2C candidates will not be consideredThis position requires U.S. Citizens only to meet the DoD requirements.Scope of Position:· Senior project manager to support various projects for client's Advanced Optics (AO) division.· Responsible for leading technical teams and working with internal and/or external customers to define and execute programs and meet customer needs.· Defines and executes overall program plans, including project schedules, budgets, and people resource needs, to enable programs to scale appropriately in each stage to meet technical, schedule, and cost targets.· Drives progress from initiation through delivery, reconfirming each program's value proposition at each stage, and recommending the progression (or elimination) of programs at each stage to leadership, as appropriate.· Constantly monitors for changes in customer requirements/scope or other assumptions and determines the impact on program strategy, business case, business model, predicted level of risk, resource requirements, speed, and value proposition.· Works with customers during each stage to keep them engaged, to manage the scope of programs, and to interpret their perception of the product being developed.· Sets key program messages and manages the information flow related to program direction, issues, needs, and progress with key program constituencies including business leadership, corporate leadership, customers, and team members.· Develops and manages a compelling business case (including P&L and balance sheet implications) and value proposition for the product relative to the division's strategy, market needs, and competition.· Identifies commercial, technical, and manufacturing levers to improve the program's business case.· Oversees product testing and evaluation to confirm the initial value proposition, build fundamental understanding of the technology that enables continue differentiation, and ensure manufacturing implementation of requirements are met.· Identifies potential origins of strategic control, ensures that intellectual property is protected.· Utilizes client's Tollgate process to direct program activities.Required Education:· BS in Engineering - Optical, Mechanical or related field (or experience in optics) (preferred), Associate's Degree with significant relevant experience (minimum).Required Years and Area of Experience:· 5-7+ years with proven record of executing technical programsRequired Skills· Project management/leadership· Ability to lead technical teams in resolution of problems and execution of strategy· Ability to interact with customers, building strong relationships for success· Ability to work cross functionally (commercial, technical, technology)· Able to track and manage program spending, revenue, resources & schedule· Proficient use of Microsoft Office Tools (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Project)· Able to set project direction using project management tools (i.e., MS Project, risk assessment, scope management, etc.)· Able to make sound decisions by blending analytical thinking with practical judgment· Ability to discern technical approaches by asking the right questions of the team· Strong formal and informal communication skills· Ability to articulate clear direction, risks and program purpose across multiple organizational levels (management to project team)· Able to define, prioritize & defend milestones· Applies appropriate process discipline / process controls, including modeling the appropriate behaviors to their teamsDesired Skills:· MS degree or higher in optics· Ability to assist in the organization of systems for program management· Familiarity with client's innovation process· Knowledge and experience working with the S&T organization or other research groups· Experience with Stage 3 to Stage 5 transfer to manufacturing· Experience with SAP/manufacturing environmentSoft Skills (Communication/Team/Leadership):· Ability to articulate clear direction and program purpose· Entrepreneurial attitude and approach toward the creation of new programs· Creative problem solver· Desire to create products and processes that grow the AO platform· Process discipline oriented. Follows established protocols and processes. Evaluates opportunities for improvements.· Organized, rigorous attention to detail. Self-starter/motivated· Experience leading internal or external technical teams in the creation of new products or services. Demonstrated ability to work with customers is a strong advantage.Interview Process: Two rounds - first-round phone screen, second-round panel interview with case study.