Senior Program Manager, Problem Sourcing & Prototyping

The Tatitlek Corporation; Mountain View (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tatitlek Corporation in Mountain View, CA seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead the Innovation with Academia Student Prototyping program within DIU. You will translate strategy into executable plans across government, academia, industry, and contractors to deliver rapid, early‑stage prototypes and measurable outcomes.

The role requires 20+ years of program management, a master’s degree, and a PMP certification, with strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communications skills to

Qualifications

• Twenty or more years of experience in program management, program operations, or related roles in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Program Management, Public Administration, or Engineering.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Demonstrated ability to lead programs from planning through execution, including managing priorities, milestones, deliverables, risks, dependencies, and outcomes.
• Strong ability to translate strategic direction into executable plans, bring structure to ambiguity, and adapt programs as priorities and needs evolve.
• Experience working with or within higher education institutions is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, monitoring, and continuous improvement of assigned IWA student prototyping program(s) and initiatives.
• Translate government direction and program objectives into executable plans, milestones, deliverables, and operating rhythms.
• Ensure successful delivery of program requirements, milestones, deliverables, and outcomes.
• Communicate program status, achievements, risks, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.
• Establish, track, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) and program metrics to measure effectiveness and impact.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, participant experience, and program outcomes.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of program funding while maintaining compliance with contractual, organizational, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate across IWA programs and cross-cutting functions to ensure effective intake and handoffs and integrated execution.
• Prepare executive‑level briefings, recommendations, decision materials, and program reporting for government leadership.
• Develop and maintain program documentation, operating procedures, and performance records.
• Occasional travel to support program activities and stakeholder engagements may be required.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all student prototyping program activities.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with a broad range of stakeholders including senior management, government contractors, Federal personnel, university researchers, and student teams.
• Foster collaboration among diverse partners to advance program objectives.
• Prepare and deliver executive‑level briefings, reports, presentations, and program documentation.
• Communicate program status, achievements, risks, and recommendations to leadership and stakeholders.

Job description

The Tatitlek Corporation in Mountain View, CA seeks a Senior Program Manager to lead the Innovation with Academia Student Prototyping program within DIU. You will translate strategy into executable plans across government, academia, industry, and contractors to deliver rapid, early‑stage prototypes and measurable outcomes.

The role requires 20+ years of program management, a master’s degree, and a PMP certification, with strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communications skills to