Senior Program Manager, Advanced Propulsion

First Search Inc.; Bloomfield (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

LiquidPiston is seeking a highly driven Program Manager to lead complex development programs focused on bringing a breakthrough rotary diesel engine to production. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, and customer engagement, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment, balancing hands-on program execution with cross-functional coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field (Mechanical, Aerospace, or similar preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in program or project management within engineering, product development, or R&D environments.
• Experience managing complex, cross-functional technical programs from concept through production.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience interfacing directly with customers.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end program execution from concept through production, ensuring delivery on schedule, within scope, and on budget.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and cost tracking.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, managing communication, expectations, and long-term relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with Chief Engineers and Technical Program Leads to define program scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, testing, and quality to ensure alignment and execution.
• Monitor program progress, identify risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and deliverables.
• Track and report program performance to internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Manage key program elements including client interactions, on-site coordination, cybersecurity considerations, intellectual property matters, and invoicing.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

LiquidPiston is seeking a highly driven Program Manager to lead complex development programs focused on bringing a breakthrough rotary diesel engine to production. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, and customer engagement, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment, balancing hands-on program execution with cross-functional coordination.