Senior Program Manager
2 days ago
Plano
Job Description The Senior Program Manager will drive a multi-program portfolio within the Satellite Communications (SatCom) domain, owning end-to-end execution, financial governance, stakeholder alignment, and strategic decision-making. This role requires a leader who can operate with precision in a high-complexity engineering environment while advancing program excellence through modern, technology-enabled practices—including early adoption of AI-supported tools that enhance productivity, risk intelligence, and cross-functional visibility. ** MUST BE A US CITIZEN AND ABLE TO OBTAIN AND MAINTAIN A DoD SECRET CLEARANCE. YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR: Program Management & Execution • Lead and manage all phases of SatCom programs from proposal through closeout, ensuring disciplined delivery against scope, schedule, budget, and quality., • Oversee programs with significant Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) and high technical complexity., • Build and maintain integrated program plans outlining budgets, schedules, workstreams, and performance metrics., • Leverage modern program management toolsets—including AI-supported workflows where appropriate—to streamline reporting, accelerate decision velocity, and enhance operational rigor. Financial Management • Analyze and manage program cost, revenue, and margin performance, ensuring alignment with financial objectives., • Build and administer integrated Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)-based budgets and schedule baselines, including management reserves for development-heavy or complex subcontract programs., • Use data-driven and AI-enabled financial insights where beneficial to strengthen forecasting accuracy and performance tracking. Risk & Opportunity Management • Identify, quantify, and mitigate program risks; proactively surface and execute on opportunities to enhance business, technical, and financial outcomes., • Lead structured risk reviews and model risk scenarios using modern analysis methods—including AI tools when appropriate—to elevate predictive capabilities. Customer & Stakeholder Relations • Serve as the primary interface for customers and internal leadership, providing transparent and timely program status, risk posture, and actionable recommendations., • Partner with engineering, operations, supply chain, and executive stakeholders to define and meet program deliverables. Team Leadership & Development • Lead high-performing cross-functional teams; drive accountability, alignment, and a culture of continuous improvement., • Mentor team members in modern program execution methods—including emerging digital and AI-supported practices that increase organizational maturity. Program Planning & Scheduling • Develop and maintain a Master Schedule using industry-standard project management systems., • Own development of product-oriented WBS and WBS Dictionaries to maintain structural clarity and performance alignment. Negotiation & Decision-Making • Navigate complex negotiations with internal and external partners to align scope, budgets, timelines, and technical requirements., • Make sound trade-off decisions balancing customer expectations, engineering realities, and business constraints. YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS JOB IF YOU HAVE: Education: • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Technical, Engineering-Related, Business, or related field of study. Experience: • 6-9 years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, Program Planning, or Scheduling—ideally in SatCom, Telecom, Defense, or Aerospace., • Experience leading programs with significant NRE and technical complexity., • Hands-on experience with Master Schedules and advanced project management systems., • Familiarity with AI tools used within program management—such as AI-driven reporting, schedule analytics, risk intelligence, or workflow automation—is a plus., • Experience championing emerging tools, digital modernization, or methods that enhance organizational program management maturity., • Knowledge of contract management and government regulations related to satellite communications programs is a plus., • Familiarity with satellite system architecture, payload development, or space-based communication technologies is beneficial. Skills & Competencies: • Proficiency managing diverse contract types including FFP, Cost-Reimbursable, and Commercial., • Strong planning skills with the ability to structure and execute against integrated budgets, schedules, and performance baselines., • Expertise in risk and opportunity management., • Exceptional communication skills—able to distill complex issues for customers, executives, and cross-functional teams., • Strong leadership capabilities with a track record of driving collaboration, resolving conflict, and developing teams., • Strong understanding of supply chain and business operations within complex, high-tech environments. Certifications (Preferred): • PMI certification (PMP) or equivalent Project Management certification. Security Clearance: • Must be a U.S. citizen able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance; current clearance preferred. Salary Range $124,000 - $180,000 / year This role is ideal for a seasoned program manager with a proven track record in leading complex, multi-phase programs. The Senior Program Manager will have a deep understanding of technical requirements, financial management, and risk mitigation, ensuring successful program outcomes in the fast-paced SatCom industry. Candidates with prior experience in telecom, defense, or aerospace industries are also encouraged to apply. Shaping the future through innovation and discovery! With a history spanning more than seven decades, Communications & Power Industries’ thousands of products have impacted people’s lives in numerous unseen ways every day. Our highly engineered products serve as the backbone of modern-day commercial and military communications systems, aid in the treatment of cancer, assist in diagnosing medical conditions, support and protect soldiers, sailors, and pilots, empower scientific discoveries and space exploration, help ensure the safety of imported foods and materials, and much more. CPI is headquartered in Plano, Texas and is a global manufacturer of electronic components and subsystems. We have manufacturing locations in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. With a heritage of technological excellence, our team serves customers in the communications, defense, medical, industrial, and scientific markets. WHAT WE OFFER: Whether you are a seasoned professional or just embarking on your career, CPI is an ideal place to expand your knowledge and expertise. We cultivate a healthy, dynamic, and team-oriented environment that empowers our employees to develop, create and deliver innovative, reliable technology solutions to power, connect, protect, and support a better tomorrow. We offer our employees an attractive compensation package with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including health and wellness programs, career development, generous retirement savings plan with company match and more! WHO WE ARE: We value the unique and diverse skills, qualities, and backgrounds that each employee brings to CPI, and we respect each employee as an integral member of our growing team. CPI is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all current and prospective employees, as well as to promoting a culture of inclusion and respect for everyone. We celebrate the innovation that diversity creates in the work environment, and we recognize that each employee brings their own unique capabilities, experiences, and perspectives to the organization. It is this variety that adds value to our teams, as well as to our stakeholders. We welcome and encourage applicants to reach their full potential with us. CPI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics. #LI-KC1