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Entry Level Technical Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

viaPhoton

Engineering Program Manager

Naperville, IL

$128K/yr

If you're at your best managing technical projects, leading teams through problems, and delivering ... Engineering Program Manager JD What's in it for you? * Robust health, dental, and vision coverage ...

viaPhoton

Engineering Program Manager

Aurora, IL

$127K/yr

If you're at your best managing technical projects, leading teams through problems, and delivering ... Engineering Program Manager JD What's in it for you? * Robust health, dental, and vision coverage ...

Microsoft

Circular Center Program Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $186K/yr

Overview As a Microsoft Circular Center Program Manager (CCPM), you will support the field ... Technical College degree in Computer Science, Math, Telecommunications, Electrical/Mechanical ...

New

Loomis

Onboarding Program Manager

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$82K - $124K/yr

Job Summary The Onboarding Program Manager is responsible for designing, building, and continuously ... Identify and inventory all pockets of technical content across the organization. * Curate ...

Burroughs

Onboarding Program Manager

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$82K - $124K/yr

Job Summary The Onboarding Program Manager is responsible for designing, building, and continuously ... Identify and inventory all pockets of technical content across the organization. * Curate ...

cap

Cytology Technical Specialist

Winnetka, IL · On-site

$75K - $94K/yr

Managing, planning, directing, and delivering discipline specific technical program/products and Resource Committee projects content to meet customers' needs and support College objectives. * Serving ...

Burroughs, Inc.

Onboarding Program Manager

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$82K - $124K/yr

Job Summary The Onboarding Program Manager is responsible for designing, building, and continuously ... Identify and inventory all pockets of technical content across the organization. * Curate ...

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All JobsTechnical Program JobsEntry Level Technical Program Manager JobsEntry Level Technical Program Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Technical Program Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$91.7K

$150K

$173.6K

How much do entry level technical program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level technical program manager in Chicago, IL is $150,038.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,900.00 and $172,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level Technical Program Managers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level Technical Program Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple priorities, gaining trust from engineering teams, and quickly learning technical concepts. To overcome these, it's important to proactively communicate with stakeholders, ask clarifying questions, and seek mentorship from more experienced program managers. Building strong organizational skills and leveraging project management tools can also help manage tasks efficiently. Staying curious and continuously learning about the technology stack will further enhance your effectiveness in the role.

What does an Entry Level Technical Program Manager do?

An Entry Level Technical Program Manager helps coordinate and oversee technology projects within an organization. They work closely with engineering, product, and design teams to ensure projects are completed on time and meet quality standards. Their responsibilities often include managing schedules, tracking progress, communicating between teams, and addressing issues as they arise. While they may not have direct authority over teams, they play a crucial role in keeping everyone aligned and making sure project goals are achieved.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Technical Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Technical Program Manager, you need a solid understanding of project management principles, basic technical knowledge (such as software development or IT infrastructure), and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with tools like Jira, Trello, Microsoft Project, and basic Agile or Scrum methodologies is often required. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills help you effectively manage projects and coordinate across teams. These competencies ensure that projects are delivered on time, within scope, and meet stakeholder expectations in a dynamic technical environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Technical Program Manager vs Entry Level Project Coordinator?

AspectEntry Level Technical Program ManagerEntry Level Project Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field; some certifications like PMP or Agile certifications are a plusBachelor's degree in business, management, or related field; certifications are less common
Work EnvironmentTech companies, engineering teams, product developmentVarious industries including IT, marketing, construction, and corporate settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in technology and engineering sectors to oversee technical projectsCommon across multiple industries to coordinate project tasks and schedules

While both roles involve project coordination, the Entry Level Technical Program Manager focuses on managing technical projects, often requiring technical knowledge and certifications. The Entry Level Project Coordinator typically handles administrative and scheduling tasks across various industries. The TPM role is more technical and strategic, whereas the coordinator role is more administrative and supportive.

What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Technical Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Technical Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Technical Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Technical Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Technical Program Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Entry Level Technical Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Technical Program Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,038 per year, or $72.1 per hour.
Engineering Program Manager

Engineering Program Manager

viaPhoton

Naperville, IL

$128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Who We Are

We are changing the norm by being customer-focused, technology-led. viaPhoton is reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. We design and deliver custom-engineered, end-to-end fiber connectivity solutions for the data centers, 5G networks, and AI infrastructure shaping the next decade, and our customers need them in weeks, not months. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and 4x'd our revenue in the last year alone, and we're just getting started. We're looking for people who want to do their best work with a team that's moving fast.

About the Role

You'll drive execution of our most important engineering projects from concept through production. You'll be the connector between engineering, business, and manufacturing, making sure complex work gets done on time and within budget. If you're at your best managing technical projects, leading teams through problems, and delivering results, this is your role.

  • Drive product development, automation, and process engineering projects and initiatives from concept to completion
  • Collaborate across business, engineering, and production teams to define and achieve project success
  • Identify and resolve key project risks and issues, keeping teams aligned and focused
  • Communicate project status to leadership and stakeholders with clear reporting on plans, risks, and progress
  • Create new methodologies and solutions to support company growth and help the team scale

What You'll Bring

  • Have a BS degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Computer Engineering
  • Have led development, automation, or process engineering programs from concept through production
  • Have overseen project planning, execution, and delivery across cross-functional teams
  • Can balance competing stakeholder needs and build comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets
  • Are self-directed, pick up new things quickly, and stay flexible as priorities shift

Want to read the full job description? Engineering Program Manager JD

What's in it for you?

  • Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1
  • 401(k) with 4% match, vests immediately after a 90-day waiting period
  • Flexible PTO that grows over time
  • 10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays
  • Monthly team events
  • Click here to view our full benefits overview.

Location: Naperville, IL

Schedule: Mon–Fri | Onsite

Compensation: $75,000 to $85,000 base, plus annual bonus

We're building something big, and we want good people along for the ride. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.

At viaPhoton, we are committed to furthering our culture of inclusion. We reinforce this through our core values and beliefs as well as our processes and strategic goals. We remind team members to seek various viewpoints, learn and be hungry with curiosity, and gain trust.

We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit and qualifications. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, health condition, genetic information, marital or family status, military or veteran status, socioeconomic background, or any other status protected by applicable law.

We provide reasonable accommodations and adjustments throughout the hiring process. If you need one, please let us know. Any personal data you share with us is handled confidentially and in line with applicable data protection law.