NIAR Program Manager - ATLAS

WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY; Wichita, Northern (KS, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wichita State University’s NIAR ATLAS unit seeks a Program Manager to oversee research programs involving advanced composites, ensuring on-time delivery, budget control, and scope management. You will coordinate with engineering, contracts, and finance teams to drive successful project outcomes.

The role requires strong communication, risk management, and cross-functional leadership, with proficiency in MS Project, Visio, and the Microsoft 365 suite.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Five years of related program management experience (each 30 hours of college coursework substitutes for one year; max four years).
• Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory program activities to ensure on-time delivery and compliance with standards.
• Provide oversight of program scope, production, and budget; ensure alignment with project goals.
• Coordinate with internal and external resources and stakeholders including engineering, contracts, and finance.
• Generate reports and updates for stakeholders to communicate progress and risks.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulations across all program activities.

Skills

Program management

Risk management

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Time management

Data analysis

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

MS Project

MS Visio

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

MS Outlook

Job description

Department: NIAR ATLAS

Campus Location: Wichita, KS - WSU Main Campus

Hire Type: Full Time

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Export Compliance Requirement:This position requires access to EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required to be eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and must meet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”.

Job Details

Job Details

ATLAS is looking for a Program Manager with a good understanding of material and process specifications, manufacturing techniques, and certification and qualification testing for advanced composites materials.

Job Summary

Performs program management in the laboratory to ensure satisfactory completion of research projects and programs. Manages laboratory research and testing and directs laboratory activities in matters of significance. Manages program requirements, production, scope, and budget. Coordinates with internal and external resources and/or stakeholders including engineering, contracts, finance, and other research laboratories.

Essential Functions

Manages laboratory activities related to the program, including research, testing; manages program requirements including production, scope, and budget Provides oversight of the work of the program to ensure that the work is completed on time and in accordance with established standards or specifications Evaluates program effectiveness by collecting and analyzing data in support of key performance metrics Ensures that activities are in compliance with policies and regulations Coordinates with and provides reports and updates to internal and external resources and stakeholders

Required Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent

Five (5) years of related program management experience; Every 30 hours of related college coursework can be substituted for one (1) year of experience (maximum of four (4) years).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Serves as primary point of contact for an entire statement of work and responsible for on-time delivery, costs, and overall performance.
Provides risk management and mitigation strategies for on-time deliveries.
Should have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Must be proficient in the following computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Project, MS VISIO.
Demonstrated ability providing technical and management assistance and support to customers.
Demonstrated ability to understand and interpret program requirements.
Demonstrated ability leading collaboration of research activities.
Demonstrated technical aptitude.
High degree of energy, enthusiasm, and motivation for customer satisfaction.
Demonstrated ability providing support in defining current and future technology advances that enhance and ensure laboratory prominence.
Demonstrated ability in assisting with the preparation of long and short term business plans for a program.
Experience working with cross-functional teams to ensure successful completion of program activities.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Excellent time-management and critical thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Physical Requirements

Ability to inspect and/or surveil materials, equipment, reports, and/or incidents and identify any errors, needs and/or determining factors.
Ability to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially, both receptively and expressively.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment including but not limited to phone, printers, copiers, and calculators.
Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchange information.
Ability to use tools, equipment, and technology necessary to do the job. This includes dexterity in instrument manipulation.
Ability to move or traverse across campus, within buildings and offices, and/or across external environments.