Program Manager

Cubic Corporation•Chicago, IL

56d•$105,000 - $175,000

About The Position

The Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the execution of hardware and software development programs, from concept through delivery and close-out. This role ensures performance within contract scope, budget, and schedule while managing risk, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Reporting to the Senior Program Director, the Program Manager supports the delivery of successful outcomes across transportation or infrastructure programs typically valued between $5-$20 million. This position exercises moderate autonomy and decision-making authority, working under general supervision to guide programs through all phases of the lifecycle.

Requirements

Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a Master's degree; or a PhD with 5 years experience; or equivalent experience.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex, high-stakes programs through full lifecycle.
Strong financial acumen and command of Earned Value Management (EVM) principles.
Solid understanding of contract terms, subcontractor oversight, and change order management.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Familiarity with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS) and project scheduling tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera).
Strong risk management and problem-solving abilities.
Familiarity government procurement and contracting standards is expected.

Nice To Haves

PMP certification desirable.
Transportation industry experience is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

Program Execution:â¯Oversee the execution of assigned programs in accordance with contractual commitments, internal policies, and lifecycle best practices. Monitor performance across technical, schedule, and financial metrics.
Customer Interface:â¯Serve as a point of contact for customers. Build trust and maintain strong relationships through transparent communication, proactive issue resolution, and continuous engagement.
Cross-Functional Leadership:â¯Coordinate multidisciplinary teams spanning engineering, procurement, subcontracting, manufacturing, test, quality, and installation. Drive alignment and execution across all stakeholders.
Requirements & Compliance Management:â¯Oversee requirement development, traceability, and validation to ensure contractual compliance. Ensure linkage to CDRLs, test procedures, and verification activities.
Financial Performance:â¯Monitor program financials including cost-to-complete, ETC, EAC, and cash flow. Apply earned value principles and monitor performance metrics such as CPI and SPI to control deviation and mitigate risks.
Risk & Opportunity Management:â¯Identify and mitigate risks, escalate critical issues promptly, and implement risk reduction strategies. Drive identification and capture of opportunities for program growth, improvements, and efficiencies.
Contract & Change Management:â¯Support the development of change orders and contract modifications in coordination with contracts, legal, and finance teams. Assist the Senior Program Director in identifying potential entitlements under the contract, recognizing deviations that may warrant cost or schedule recovery.
Proposal & Business Development:â¯Assist in the creation of proposals, technical approaches, cost estimates, and statements of work for new opportunities and follow-on business.
Mentorship & Collaboration:â¯Mentor junior program staff and contribute to developing a high-performance program management culture. Collaborate with the Senior Program Director and broader leadership to drive organizational success.
Compliance:â¯Adhere to company values and all company policies and procedures, including the code of conduct, quality, security, and occupational health, safety, environmental, and human resource policies and procedures.
Additional Duties:â¯Perform other duties assigned by the manager from time to time, as may be reasonably required.