Head of Program Management

DSJ Global; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

DSJ Global is seeking a Head of Program Management to lead a portfolio of hardware development programs across optical, electro-optical, imaging, and precision instrumentation technologies. You will oversee cross-functional teams and drive execution from concept through production, partnering with engineering, operations, and executive leadership.

The ideal candidate has a strong technical background, 10+ years in complex hardware programs, and a track record in regulated industries such as

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field required.
• 10+ years leading complex engineering or hardware development programs.
• 5+ years managing program managers, project managers, or technical teams.
• Proven experience delivering hardware products in defense, aerospace, medical device, or regulated industries.
• Strong technical background in optics, photonics, electro-optics, instrumentation, or electromechanical systems.
• Experience with customer-funded programs, budgets, schedules, and deliverables; PMP is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Program Management function across multiple customer-facing and internal programs.
• Drive program planning, budgeting, risk management, and milestone execution.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and business development to deliver complex hardware systems.
• Establish and improve PM processes, metrics, and reporting structures.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for program execution and strategic planning.
• Mentor project managers and technical leaders to foster accountability and collaboration.

Skills

Program management leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Budgeting & financial planning

Risk management

Mentoring & people leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

MS Project

Jira

Smartsheet

Job description

We are seeking a Head of Program Management to lead a portfolio of complex hardware development programs across optical, electro-optical, imaging, and precision instrumentation technologies. This leader will oversee cross-functional teams, drive execution from concept through production, and serve as a key partner to engineering, operations, and executive leadership.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise, experience delivering hardware products, and a proven track record managing programs supporting defense, aerospace, medical, and advanced technology applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Program Management function, managing multiple customer-facing and internal development programs.
• Drive program planning, resource allocation, budgeting, risk management, and milestone execution.
• Partner with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and business development teams to ensure successful delivery of complex hardware systems.
• Establish and improve program management processes, metrics, and reporting structures.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for program execution and strategic planning.
• Mentor project managers and technical leaders while fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience leading complex engineering or hardware development programs.
• 5+ years of management experience leading program managers, project managers, or technical teams.
• Proven success delivering hardware products in defense, aerospace, medical device, or other highly regulated industries.
• Strong technical background in optics, photonics, electro-optics, instrumentation, electromechanical systems, or related technologies.
• Experience managing customer-funded development programs, budgets, schedules, and technical deliverables.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as MS Project, Jira, Smartsheet, or equivalent.
• PMP certification preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Defense or aerospace programs involving advanced optical or electro-optical systems.
• Product development from R&D through manufacturing and commercialization.
• Experience operating within ISO or other regulated quality environments.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to lead high-impact engineering programs that support cutting-edge technologies across defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial markets while helping shape the future growth and execution strategy of a highly innovative engineering organization