Research Program Manager

East Penn Manufacturing Company • Ann Arbor, MI

15d

About The Position

The Research Program Manager at Navitas Systems, an East Penn company plays a critical role in advancing next-generation lithium battery systems for defense, commercial, and energy applications. This position is responsible for leading multiple complex research projects while strategically guiding the broader Research Program. The role ensures that all projects meet scope, cost, quality, and timing objectives while aligning research efforts with the company’s long-term strategy and technology roadmap. Responsibilities span the entire program lifecycle—from initial concept through execution. The Research Program Manager drives project planning, execution, financial performance, and reporting, while also fostering collaboration, innovation, and cross-functional alignment. The ideal candidate combines program management expertise with the ability to engage industry partners, government agencies, and national laboratories, providing strategic insights that shape both program outcomes and business priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business, or related discipline required; master’s degree preferred.
• 8 + years of experience in program management and/or project leadership, which may include 2+ years managing government-funded research projects.
• Proven experience in program management and strategic planning.
• Strong leadership and motivational skills with proven ability to influence at all levels.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation).
• Highly analytical with ability to synthesize data into strategic recommendations.
• Team-based problem-solving expertise (8D, Six Sigma, or equivalent methods).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and program management tools (Smartsheet, SharePoint, or similar).

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with lithium-ion batteries, energy storage systems, or advanced electronics.
• Experience with government-funded programs and reporting requirements.
• Background in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering

Responsibilities

• Manage several concurrent research projects through all phases of the research lifecycle, leveraging the phase-gate framework.
• Plan, develop, and execute project schedules, budgets, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to accelerate delivery of high-value research outcomes.
• Conduct regular phase-gate reviews with leadership, ensuring clear go/no-go decisions.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate risks while ensuring scope, timing, and cost objectives are met.
• Lead milestone reviews, drive open issues to closure, and ensure disciplined execution using program management methods.
• Monitor performance metrics and KPIs across projects to ensure alignment with business priorities and continuous improvement.
• Deliver executive-level updates, including program summaries, and phase-gate reviews
• Track and report program revenue, costs, and variances against budget
• Act as liaison between Research teams and leadership functions such as resource planning, technology development, and corporate strategy.
• Provides advisory support and assistance to the department managers as needed.
• For externally funded projects: serve as the primary customer point of contact by setting up and chairing contractual review meetings, reviewing and delivering all contractual obligations, and managing contract modifications, extensions, and subcontracts to maximize customer benefit and ensure alignment with Navitas strategic objectives.
• Other duties as assigned by management

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Group health insurance that includes high quality medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage with a low employee premium
• Retirement Savings Plan with company match and a 3% employer contribution
• Paid company holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee assistance program
• Fitness Discounts
• Promotional opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees