Technical Project Manager

CT19; Oak Ridge (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technical project firm in Oak Ridge is looking for an experienced Technical Project Manager to lead complex programmes. The ideal candidate will have a Master's or PhD in a relevant field and over 10 years of experience in project management, particularly with large budgets. This position requires excellent communication and leadership skills to coordinate cross-functional teams and ensure project success. Join a collaborative environment focused on high-impact, cutting-edge technical projects.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in technical project or programme management.
• Experience managing large programme budgets (e.g. $10M+ annually).
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional R&D or engineering programmes.

Responsibilities

• Lead project delivery across multiple phases of complex technology development.
• Develop and maintain detailed work breakdown structures and project plans.
• Manage project schedules, resources, risks, and reporting across multiple programmes.

Skills

Project management principles

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Technical communication

Education

Master's or PhD in a relevant technical discipline

Tools

Microsoft Project

Wrike

Resource planning tools

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Technical Project Manager to lead and coordinate complex, cross-functional technical programmes from planning through execution and delivery.

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, highly organised professional with a strong technical foundation and proven project leadership experience. The successful candidate will play a key role in driving high-value technical projects, ensuring delivery against scope, budget, timeline, and quality expectations.

You’ll work closely with internal teams, external partners, and senior stakeholders to support the advancement of cutting‑edge technology programmes in a fast‑paced and highly technical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead project delivery across multiple phases of a complex technology development roadmap.
• Develop and maintain detailed work breakdown structures (WBS) and project plans.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure milestones are achieved on time and within budget.
• Manage project schedules, resources, risks, dependencies, and reporting across multiple concurrent programmes.
• Ensure effective communication and alignment between technical, operational, and leadership stakeholders.
• Oversee project governance, performance tracking, and delivery standards.
• Support budget planning, cost control, and fiscal responsibility for programme resources.
• Drive accountability, continuous improvement, and high standards of execution across all project activities.

About You

You are a results‑driven project leader with a strong technical background and a track record of managing sophisticated engineering or scientific programmes. You’re confident operating in multidisciplinary environments and comfortable engaging with both technical teams and executive stakeholders.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in a relevant technical discipline such as:
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics
• Laser Physics
• Optics / Photonics
• Electrical Engineering
• or a related field
• 10+ years of relevant experience in technical project or programme management.
• Strong understanding of project management principles, methodologies, and governance.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross‑functional R&D, engineering, or technology development programmes.
• Experience managing large programme budgets (e.g. $10M+ annually).
• Proficiency with project and resource management tools such as:
• Microsoft Project
• Wrike
• IRR / PGP
• Resource planning tools (e.g. Spotfire, PL sheets, LTFP)
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong executive‑level communication and presentation capability.

Preferred Experience

• Background in one or more of the following highly technical areas:
• Infrared optics
• Plasma physics
• Knowledge of advanced gas laser applications in industrial, medical, or research environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to work on high‑impact, technically advanced programmes at the intersection of science, engineering, and innovation. You’ll join a collaborative environment where technical excellence, strategic execution, and meaningful project leadership are highly valued.