Senior Project Program Manager

Real Time Recruitment Solutions (RTRS); Boston (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment and engineering firm is searching for an Engineering Program Manager to lead complex hardware programs. The ideal candidate will have a multidisciplinary background with 5–10 years of experience in engineering program management. Responsibilities include coordinating cross-functional teams, managing schedules and budgets, and ensuring alignment across stakeholders. This hands-on role is based in Boston and requires regular travel. Explore this unique opportunity to make a significant impact in exciting real-world projects.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of experience in engineering program or project management.
• Background in complex hardware development environments (defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing).
• Proven experience leading cross-functional engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end engineering programs from concept through prototype and validation.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across various engineering disciplines.
• Oversee testing, field trials, and iterative design improvements.

Skills

Strong understanding of systems engineering and product development

Proficiency with program/project management tools

Ability to lead Integrated Product Teams

Confident communicator with technical stakeholders

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline

Tools

Program/project management tools

Job description

Engineering Program Manager – Advanced Product Development

Work Type: Full-time, On-site

Travel: 20–40%

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Program Manager to join a growing R&D and prototyping team working on advanced, mission‑critical products used in demanding real‑world environments.

This is a highly hands‑on role suited to someone who thrives at the intersection of engineering, product development, and program execution. You will lead engineering programs from early concept through prototype development and field validation, working closely with cross‑functional technical teams.

The Role

As Engineering Program Manager, you will own the delivery of complex hardware programs, balancing performance, manufacturability, cost, and schedule. You will translate user needs and business objectives into executable engineering plans and ensure alignment across engineering, manufacturing, and stakeholder teams.

This role requires a multidisciplinary mindset, with exposure to mechanical systems, materials, textiles, and integrated product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end engineering programs from concept through prototype and validation
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across mechanical, materials, textile, and systems engineering
• Apply systems engineering principles to ensure requirements, verification, and configuration control
• Develop and manage schedules, budgets, risks, and resources
• Drive design optimization for performance, durability, cost, and manufacturability
• Oversee testing, field trials, and iterative design improvements
• Interface with external stakeholders, suppliers, and partners as required

Experience & Background

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred
• 5–10+ years of experience in engineering program or project management
• Background in complex hardware development environments (defense, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or similar)
• Proven experience leading cross-functional engineering teams
• Mechanical systems
• Textiles or flexible materials
• Automotive, off‑road, aeronautical, or ruggedized products
• Military experience or familiarity with military equipment is highly valued

Program & Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of systems engineering and product development life cycles
• Proficiency with program/project management tools
• Ability to lead Integrated Product Teams and resolve technical and delivery challenges
• Knowledge of compliance, export controls, or regulated environments is beneficial
• Confident communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Comfortable translating technical detail into clear execution plans
• Demonstrated leadership in matrixed or fast-moving organizations
• Hands‑on role with regular time spent in lab or prototype environments
• Primarily on-site, with some flexibility as projects demand
• Regular travel to test events, suppliers, and field locations

If you’re motivated by building real products, enjoy working close to the engineering, and want to see your work tested in demanding environments, this role offers a rare opportunity to make a tangible impact.

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Real Time Recruitment Solutions (RTRS) by 2x.