Program Manager I (Team Lead)

Edmund Optics•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Program Manager I manages defined programs comprising multiple related projects aligned with Edmund Optics’ strategic objectives. The role maximizes organizational value and benefits through coordination, alignment, and integration across projects, stakeholders, and functions. It ensures assigned programs deliver cumulative benefits that support business goals and technological growth by overseeing project interdependencies, coordinating resources, managing benefit realization, and maintaining alignment between execution and strategic direction. The position supports project managers, serves as a customer point of contact for major programs involving assigned key customers, and coordinates with customers, outside sales, engineering, management, and cross-functional teams. It assesses project feasibility and plans, supports risk and opportunity management, leads project meetings and monthly management reviews, and helps improve program and project management tools and practices. The role may manage a Project Analyst and a small team of Project Managers.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder).
Strong understanding of program management principles, including benefit realization, portfolio alignment, and integrated risk management.
Demonstrated ability to support preparation of contracts and agreements and lead proposals for complex engineering programs.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple interrelated projects with diverse stakeholders and deliverables.
Working knowledge of systems engineering and cross-functional collaboration in complex technical environments.
Skill in stakeholder engagement, communication, and negotiation at multiple organizational levels.
Ability to adapt to shifting strategic objectives and dynamic program environments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and Project.
Familiarity with ERP, mechanical, optical, or systems design tools.
Analytical thinking and ability to balance project efficiency with strategic value delivery.
Strong teamwork orientation and ability to collaborate across global sites.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a STEM field, or a related technical field.
Minimum 12 years of program management experience, including experience leading cross-functional technical teams.
Ability to sit or stand for long periods, travel, and work in an office setting.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred but not required.
Previous management experience supervising technical staff or project/program managers preferred.
Experience in optical engineering or related engineering fields is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide support to project managers as required.
Act as a customer point of contact for major programs related to assigned key customers.
Interface with key customers and outside sales on prospective projects.
Facilitate communication among cross-functional teams, executive stakeholders, and customers, ensuring transparency and strategic alignment.
Interface with key customers on specification development in conjunction with Engineering.
Assess and develop or assist with critical project feasibilities, project plans, and compliance matrices.
Adapt program scope, structure, and priorities in response to organizational strategy, customer needs, and technological opportunities.
Assist project managers with risk and opportunity assessments and support development of mitigation and opportunity capture plans.
Lead project meetings and present project schedules and status to customers and management.
Collaborate with Engineering to establish test requirements and resources.
Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
Identify gaps in program and project management tools and establish action plans to address them.
Align project manager tools to support management of complex customer projects and programs.
Foster collaboration across global facilities and promote consistency and best practices across participating projects.
Lead monthly Management Reviews with Project Managers and other stakeholders.
Manage stakeholder communication.
Promote learning, continuous improvement, and proactive change management within the program environment.
Manage a Project Analyst and a small team of Project Managers, as required.