Program Manager II

Communications and Power Industries, Inc.; Kilgore (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Communications and Power Industries, Inc. (CPI) seeks a Program Manager to drive SatCom program delivery across engineering, operations, and business teams.

You will own planning, scheduling, and financial oversight to meet scope and schedule commitments, coordinating with customers and internal partners. The role requires a US citizenship, 5–7 years in technical programs, and experience with NRE and complex subcontracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in a Technical, Engineering-Related, or Business-Related field of study.
• Master’s degree or PMP certification is preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in technical programs in a manufacturing environment, ideally within SatCom, Telecom, Defense, or Aerospace industries.
• Experience with programs that include NRE is preferred.
• Familiarity with FAR/DFARs and ITAR Regulations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all phases of SatCom programs from proposal development through execution and closeout, ensuring timely and successful delivery of projects.
• Oversee programs with extensive Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE), ensuring effective management throughout the development lifecycle.
• Develop cohesive program plans with budgets, schedules, and performance requirements.
• Manage changes to the program to maintain configuration control and funding alignment.
• Analyze program financial data and maintain budgets, forecasts, and cost to complete.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Budgeting & cost control

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical, engineering-related, or business-related field of study

Master’s degree or PMP certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Project

MS Office

ERP systems

Master Schedule creation

Job description

Description

MUST BE A US CITIZEN

The Program Manager (PM) plays a critical role in driving the execution of multiple programs within the Satellite Communications (SatCom) portfolio. This position owns day-to-day program delivery, including planning, coordination, scheduling, and financial oversight, to ensure commitments are met on time and within scope. Operating at the intersection of engineering, operations, and business, the PM aligns cross-functional teams, manages stakeholder expectations, and maintains clear, consistent communication with customers and internal partners. Success in this role requires disciplined program management, strong analytical judgment, and the ability to navigate and support technically complex initiatives.

YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR:

• Program Management & Execution:


• Lead and manage all phases of SatCom programs from proposal development through execution and closeout, ensuring timely and successful delivery of projects.


• Oversee programs with extensive Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE), ensuring effective management throughout the development lifecycle.


• Develop cohesive program plans that outline clear budgets, schedules, work plans, and performance requirements, ensuring alignment with business and customer goals.


• Lead and manage all Changes to the Program (Internal and External) to maintain Configuration Control and Secure any changes to the program are funded accordingly and to minimize scope creep.


• Analyze program financial data and maintain a strong understanding of program budgets, forecasts and cost to complete, ensuring adherence to financial objectives while maximizing profit and cash flow.


• Develop and manage integrated Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)-based budgets and schedule baselines, including management reserves, particularly for advanced development programs or complex subcontracts.


• Assist in identifying cost drivers and improvement opportunities to maintain or improve program financial health.


• Risk & Opportunity Management:


• Participate in identifying, tracking and mitigating program risks, elevate issues when necessary.


• Support risk mitigation strategies and opportunity analysis to enhance program performance.


• Customer and Stakeholder Relations:


• Serve as the primary point of contact for external customers and internal leadership, providing regular program/product status updates and ensuring customer satisfaction.


• Coordinate communication across engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, leadership and other key stakeholders to maintain program visibility and momentum.


• Lead cross-functional teams in the development and execution of program plans, promoting collaboration and alignment across technical, operational, and business functions.


• Foster a positive and high-performing team environment, guiding team members through conflict resolution, motivation, and team-building activities.


• Program Planning & Scheduling:


• Develop and maintain integrated program schedules using project management software


• Track progress against milestones and support corrective actions when delays or risks arise.


• Contribute to development and upkeep of product-oriented WBS and related documentation.


• Negotiation & Decision-Making:


• Demonstrate expertise in negotiating program/product decisions with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment on scope, budgets, and timelines.


• Balance program needs with customer requirements, ensuring satisfaction without compromising technical or business goals.

YOU ARE THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THIS JOB IF YOU HAVE:

U.S. Citizenship Required: Due to government contract and facility security requirements, this position is limited to U.S. citizens. Candidates requiring employment authorization through an EAD, visa, or other non-citizen work authorization are not eligible for consideration.

• Education:


• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in a Technical, Engineering-Related, or Business-Related field of study.


• Master’s degree or PMP certification is preferred.


• Experience:


• 5-7 years of experience in technical programs in a manufacturing environment, ideally within SatCom, Telecom, Defense, or Aerospace industries.


• Experience with programs that include NRE, moderate technical complexity preferred.


• Familiarity with FAR/DFAR’s and ITAR Regulations preferred


• Prior experience managing domestic and international programs preferred


• Proficient in Microsoft Project, MS Office and Familiarity with creating and maintaining Master Schedules using project management software and working knowledge of ERP systems and related processes.


• Working knowledge of program cot tracking and schedule performance tools.


• Ability to lead and manage programs under various contract types including Firm-Fixed Price (FFP), Cost-Reimbursable, and Commercial.


• Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop and maintain program plans, budgets, schedules.


• Solid risk and opportunity management and problem-solving skills.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information to leadership and customers clearly.


• Ability to assess quality of deliverables and ensure compliance with requirements.


• Demonstrated teamwork, conflict-resolution, and interpersonal skills.


• Must be able to travel as needed

Desired Skills:

• Experience in SatCom, Telecom, aerospace or defense industries is highly desirable. Candidates with other relevant experience will also be considered.


• 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.

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, assist in diagnosing medical conditions, empower scientific discoveries and space exploration, 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:

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 Affactive 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.