IT Program Manager –SONET to Nokia SAR

Astreya • Oakland, CA

10d • $92,880 - $154,800

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled IT Program Manager to lead a high-priority critical infrastructure modernization program. In this role, you will oversee the accelerated 6-month deployment strategy, planning, and execution to replace legacy SONET multiplexers with Nokia SAR systems across dozens of utility sites. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in utility-grade telecom migrations, ensuring zero downtime for critical protection/control circuits while strictly adhering to public utility regulations and grid safety standards.

Requirements

• 8+ years of IT/Telecom Program Management experience, with explicit experience managing projects within a Regulated Public Utility environment.
• Proven track record of leading fast-paced legacy-to-next-gen migrations (specifically SONET to IP/MPLS or Carrier Ethernet).
• Solid understanding of utility-specific applications, including SCADA protocols, teleprotection, and substation communications.
• Strong conceptual understanding of Nokia SAR hardware portfolios and Nokia NSP (Network Services Platform).
• PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP certification required.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

Nice To Haves

• Deep familiarity with utility safety protocols and substation physical/cyber security regulations.
• Exceptional problem management skills to handle unexpected connectivity issues during tight, real-time utility maintenance windows.

Responsibilities

• Drive an aggressive 6-month program schedule, tracking daily site/circuit migration velocities and critical paths.
• Manage resource allocation across internal technicians, network engineers, and Project Managers.
• Identify, mitigate, and track risks, specifically focusing on supply chain logistics and tight maintenance window constraints.
• Manage the multi-phased lifecycle of decommissioning legacy SONET rings while maintaining active grid teleprotection circuits.
• Ensure migration designs seamlessly support time-sensitive utility traffic (e.g., SCADA, teleprotection, differential relaying) over IP/MPLS.
• Partner with engineering to validate Nokia SAR configurations for strict timing/synchronization requirements.
• Ensure all network changes, asset tracking, and deployment processes comply fully with NERC CIP standards and utility regulations.

Benefits

• Medical provided through UHC (PPO, HSA, Surest options) / Medical provided through Kaiser (HMO option only) for California employees only
• Dental provided through UHC Nationwide
• Vision provided by UHC
• Flexible Spending Account for Health & Dependent Care
• Pre-Tax Account for Commuter Benefit/Parking & Transit (location-specific)
• Continuing Education and Professional Development via various integrated platforms, e.g. Udemy and Coursera
• Corporate Wellness Program provided by Goomi Group
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Days
• 401k Plan
• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Critical Illness, Critical Hospital, and Voluntary Accident Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement (available 6 months after start date, capped)
• Paid Time Off (accrued and prorated, maximum of 120 hours annually)
• Paid Holidays
• Any other statutory leaves, paid time, or other ancillary benefits required under state and federal law

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior