Program Manager – New Product Development & Launch

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly capable Program Manager to lead the development, industrialization, and launch of next-generation technologies, with an initial focus on programs associated with Next Frontier Illumination (NFI). 

This role will drive complex programs from concept through commercialization, coordinating cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and commercial functions. The Program Manager will play a critical role in ensuring programs launch successfully and scale into production while meeting technical, regulatory, and commercial objectives. 

While the initial emphasis will be on NFI initiatives, this role will also support other high-value strategic programs across the organization requiring disciplined execution, strong technical coordination, and reliable product launch management. 

This position offers a strong opportunity for growth and expanded responsibility as the organization scales, including the potential to lead larger strategic programs and mentor additional program management resources over time. 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Leadership 

Lead complex product development programs from concept through development, industrialization, and production ramp.

Own program execution including scope, schedule, risk management, and cross-functional coordination.

Drive disciplined program management using structured stage-gate development processes.

Product Development & Industrialization 

Partner with engineering teams to transition technologies from prototype to manufacturable product.

Coordinate design for manufacturing, reliability, cost, and scalability.

Lead program execution through design verification, validation, and production readiness.

Cross-Functional Coordination 

Serve as the central coordination point between engineering, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, supply chain, and commercial teams.

Ensure alignment across stakeholders to meet technical, regulatory, and market objectives.

Launch & Production Ramp 

Drive successful product launches and support early production ramp and process stabilization.

Monitor launch performance and ensure issues are quickly addressed during scale-up. 

Risk & Issue Management 

Identify program risks early and lead mitigation strategies. 

Maintain clear program communication and escalation paths when needed. 

Strategic Program Support 

Support other high-priority programs across the organization requiring structured program management and accelerated launch timelines.

Qualifications 

Required 

5–10+years of experience in program or project management within regulated or technically complex industries such as medical devices, photonics/optics, aerospace/defense, robotics, or advanced manufacturing. 

Proven experience leading programs through product development, industrialization, and production launch.

Strong understanding of design controls, validation processes, or structured product development environments.

Demonstratedability to lead cross-functional technical teams. 

Experience managing complex technical programs with multiple stakeholders.

Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred 

Experience with optical, photonic, laser, or advanced hardware technologies.

Familiarity with FDA design control processes or other regulated development frameworks.

Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and manufacturing ramp.

PMP or equivalent program management certification.

Key Success Traits 

Strong technical curiosity and ability to work closely with engineering teams.

Highly organized with strong execution discipline.

Comfortable operating in fast-moving development environments.

Ability to drive accountability and alignment across teams.

Focused on delivering successful product launches and scalable production.

Career Growth Opportunity 

As the organization grows, this role offers a path to expanded leadership responsibilities, including the opportunity to manage larger strategic programs, contribute to portfolio-level planning, and potentially build and lead a broader program management function. 

Impact of the Role 

This role will directly contribute to bringing innovative technologies to market and ensuring successful transition from development into scalable production across the organization’s product portfolio.