Program Manager II

Communications & Power Industries (CPI)•Kilgore, TX

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Manager II drives the execution of multiple programs within the Satellite Communications (SatCom) portfolio. The role owns day-to-day program delivery—including planning, coordination, scheduling, and financial oversight—to ensure commitments are met on time and within scope. Working across engineering, operations, and business functions, the Program Manager aligns teams, manages stakeholder expectations, and maintains communication with customers and internal partners while supporting technically complex initiatives. The position can be based at the company’s Plano or Kilgore, Texas plants. Employees based in Plano are expected to spend up to 50% of their time in Kilgore, working closely with the manufacturing and production team. Travel is required as needed. U.S. citizenship is required due to government-contract and facility-security requirements. The role leads programs from proposal development through execution and closeout, including programs with substantial non-recurring engineering (NRE). It develops program plans, budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements; manages program changes and configuration control; monitors financial performance, risks, opportunities, and schedule progress; and serves as a primary contact for customers and internal leadership. It also leads cross-functional teams and supports collaboration, conflict resolution, and team development. A bachelor’s degree in a technical, engineering-related, or business-related field is required. Candidates should have 5–7 years of programmatic experience in technical programs in a manufacturing environment. A master’s degree or PMP certification is preferred. Relevant experience in SatCom, telecom, defense, or aerospace is desirable.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship; candidates requiring employment authorization through an EAD, visa, or other non-citizen work authorization are not eligible.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in a technical, engineering-related, or business-related field.
5–7 years of programmatic experience in technical programs in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Project and Microsoft Office.
Familiarity with creating and maintaining master schedules using project management software.
Working knowledge of ERP systems and related processes.
Working knowledge of program cost tracking and schedule performance tools.
Ability to lead and manage programs under Firm-Fixed Price (FFP), Cost-Reimbursable, and commercial contract types.
Strong analytical skills and ability to develop and maintain program plans, budgets, and schedules.
Risk and opportunity management and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to leadership and customers.
Ability to assess deliverable quality and ensure compliance with requirements.
Teamwork, conflict-resolution, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or PMP certification.
Experience with programs involving NRE and moderate technical complexity.
Familiarity with FAR/DFAR and ITAR regulations.
Prior experience managing domestic and international programs.
Experience in SatCom, telecom, aerospace, or defense industries.
Knowledge of contract management and government regulations related to satellite communications programs.
Familiarity with satellite system architecture, payload development, or space-based communication technologies.
International program management experience.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all phases of SatCom programs, from proposal development through execution and closeout, to deliver projects on time.
Oversee programs with extensive non-recurring engineering (NRE) throughout the development lifecycle.
Develop program plans covering budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements, aligned with business and customer goals.
Manage internal and external program changes, maintain configuration control, secure funding for changes, and minimize scope creep.
Analyze program financial data and manage budgets, forecasts, and cost-to-complete to meet financial objectives and maximize profit and cash flow.
Develop and manage integrated Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)-based budgets and schedule baselines, including management reserves where applicable.
Identify program cost drivers and opportunities to improve financial health.
Identify, track, and mitigate program risks; escalate issues when necessary; and support opportunity analysis.
Serve as a primary contact for external customers and internal leadership, provide program and product status updates, and support customer satisfaction.
Coordinate communication among engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, leadership, and other stakeholders.
Lead cross-functional teams in developing and executing program plans and foster collaboration across technical, operational, and business functions.
Promote a positive, high-performing team environment through conflict resolution, motivation, and team-building activities.
Develop and maintain integrated program schedules using project management software.
Track progress against milestones and support corrective actions when delays or risks arise.
Contribute to development and maintenance of product-oriented WBS documentation.
Negotiate program and product decisions with internal and external stakeholders and balance customer requirements with technical and business goals.