Center Program Manager for Intelligent Software & Systems Center (ISC)

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Purdue’s benefits package

Job summary

Purdue University in West Lafayette is inviting applications for a Center Program Manager position at the newly established Intelligent Software & Systems Center. This role entails coordinating activities with industry partners, supporting interdisciplinary projects, and managing program operations.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree, two years of relevant experience, and skills in project management and communication. This position plays a crucial role in shaping the future of intelligent software research at Purdue.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with research centers, academic institutions, technology organizations, or industrial R&D groups.
• Familiarity with AI and software systems.
• Experience in program management and strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate interactions with industrial partners and consortium members.
• Support planning and execution of seminars and workshops.
• Facilitate collaboration among faculty and external partners.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, business, communications, management, or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The newly established Intelligent Software & Systems Center (ISC) in the College of Engineering at Purdue University invites applications for a Center Program Manager to help launch and grow a new interdisciplinary research center focused on the future of intelligent software and AI-driven computing systems.

This is a unique opportunity to help shape a strategically important center at one of the nation’s leading engineering institutions while working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, software systems, high-performance computing, and industry collaboration.

The appointment is expected to begin in Fall 2026.

About the Intelligent Software & Systems Center (ISC)

ISC is a newly founded research center within the College of Engineering at Purdue University. The center aims to pioneer the next generation of intelligent software systems that are adaptive, efficient, trustworthy, and capable of continuous self-improvement.

ISC will serve as a cross-disciplinary hub connecting researchers in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, High-Performance Computing, and related fields to accelerate innovation in intelligent software technologies.

Center Vision

Position Purdue as a national leader in AI-driven software and systems research spanning edge computing, cloud and distributed systems, high-performance computing (HPC), autonomous software infrastructures, and AI-enabled engineering systems.

What You’ll Be Doing

Industry and External Engagement

• Coordinate interactions with industrial partners and consortium members
• Help develop and maintain strategic industry relationships
• Organize industry-facing workshops, advisory meetings, and outreach activities
• Assist with partnership development and external communications
• Help coordinate collaborative projects and technology translation activities

Program and Center Operations

• Coordinate center activities across Purdue’s West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses
• Support planning and execution of seminars, workshops, and special events
• Assist with strategic planning and program development
• Help prepare reports, presentations, promotional materials, and center communicationsCoordinate internal meetings and center initiatives

Research and Community Support

• Facilitate collaboration among faculty, students, and external partners
• Support proposal development and interdisciplinary initiatives
• Help build a vibrant research and innovation community around ISC

What We’re Looking For

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, business, communications, management, or a related field
• Two (2) years of experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with research centers, academic institutions, technology organizations, or industrial R&D groups
• Familiarity with AI, software systems, computing, or engineering research environments
• Experience in program management, event coordination, industry engagement, or strategic partnerships
• Experience coordinating interdisciplinary or cross-organizational initiatives

Skills Needed

• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate across diverse stakeholders
• Professionalism and interpersonal skills suitable for academic and industry environments
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Additional Information

• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream

Compensation Information:

Professional 2

Pay Band S065

Job Code#20002104

Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University