Technical Program Manager – DOD Projects (Security Clearance Required)

GPD Optoelectronics Corp.; Salem (NH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

GPD Optoelectronics Corp. in Salem, NH is seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager to lead DoD electro-optic programs, overseeing full lifecycle from planning to execution while ensuring security and cost controls.

The role requires active U.S. security clearance, strong cross-functional leadership, and proven ability to manage multi-million dollar projects in regulated environments; the candidate will report to the CEO in a on-site office setting.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in technical program or project management, with at least 5 years supporting DoD programs.
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-million-dollar technology programs in classified or secure environments.
• Active U.S. government security clearance.
• Familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS.
• Proficiency in program management tools (Microsoft Project, Jira, Confluence, Primavera).
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel ~20%.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage DoD technical programs for customers, including planning, execution, risk management, scheduling, budgeting, and performance monitoring.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for government stakeholders, COs, and CORs.
• Oversee cross-functional teams of engineers, analysts, and subcontractors to deliver capabilities in areas such as mission critical electrooptic subsystems.
• Ensure compliance with DoD standards and maintain program plans, including work breakdown structures, integrated master schedules, and earned value management reporting.
• Identify, track, and mitigate technical, schedule, and cost risks; proactively resolve issues to maintain momentum.
• Prepare and deliver program reviews, status reports, and technical briefings to senior DoD leadership.
• Support business development activities, including proposals, technical volumes, and capture efforts for new DoD opportunities.
• Manage program financials, staffing, resource allocation, and subcontractor performance.

Skills

DoD program management

Security clearance

DoD acquisition processes

FAR/DFARS

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Jira

Confluence

Microsoft Project

Primavera

CMMC data handling

Contract types (FFP)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Physical Sciences

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

Microsoft Project

Jira

Confluence

Primavera

Job description

Our unwavering commitment to unparalleled service, responsiveness, and collaboration has led to even MORE opportunity and growth here at GPD! We are seeking an experienced Technical Program Manager to lead complex electro optic technology programs supporting DoD initiatives. This role involves overseeing the full lifecycle of technical projects, ensuring alignment with DoD requirements, managing cross-functional teams, and delivering high-quality outcomes on time and within budget. The position requires an active U.S. security clearance (Secret or TS/SCI) and deep familiarity with government contracting environments.

• Security Clearance: Active Secret (minimum); must be maintainable
• Preference will be given to candidates within a commutable distance to Salem, NH.

This full-time, exempt, office-based role will report to the CEO and will be located in our Salem, NH location.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Lead and manage technical programs for DoD customers, including planning, execution, risk management, scheduling, budgeting, and performance monitoring.
2. Serve as the primary point of contact for government stakeholders, Contracting Officers (COs), and Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs).
3. Oversee cross-functional teams of engineers, analysts, and subcontractors to deliver capabilities in areas such as mission critical electrooptic subsystems.
4. Ensure compliance with DoD standards and develop and maintain detailed program plans, including work breakdown structures, integrated master schedules, and earned value management (EVM) reporting.
5. Identify, track, and mitigate technical, schedule, and cost risks; proactively resolve issues to maintain program momentum.
6. Prepare and deliver program reviews, status reports, and technical briefings to senior DoD leadership.
7. Support business development activities, including proposals, technical volumes, and capture efforts for new DoD opportunities.
8. Manage program financials, staffing, resource allocation, and subcontractor performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or a related Physical Sciences (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• 8+ years of progressive experience in technical program or project management, with at least 5 years supporting DoD programs.
• Proven track record managing complex, multi-million-dollar technology programs in classified or secure environments.
• Active U.S. government security clearance.
• Contract familiarity with FFP or Cost+ FFP.
• Deep knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, FAR/DFARS, and government contracting.
• Proficiency in program management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Confluence, Primavera).
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, mission-oriented environments with evolving requirements.
• Familiarity with CMMC data handling.
• Strong problem-solving, risk management, and decision-making abilities.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies relevant to DoD priorities.
• Prior military or government service experience a plus.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Misc

Able to lift 20 lbs.

Travel approx. 20%

GPD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

About GPD

At GPD Optoelectronics, we believe that by operating with integrity and trust we drive constant organizational improvement, which strengthens our relationships with our employees and customers. Customer success remains our highest priority, so we strive to deliver high-quality products on time, and provide unparalleled service, responsiveness, and collaboration. Founded in 1973 as Germanium Power Devices Corp, we began by making high-quality germanium transistors. Since the early 1980’s we have earned our place as a trusted manufacturer of both germanium and indium gallium arsenide photodiodes. We are located in Salem, NH.