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Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Chicopee, MA (NOW HIRING)

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Program Manager

Suffield, CT · On-site

Program Manager - Engine Development This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per ... We understand that innovation involves risk and we're not afraid to fail as we move forward. Equal ...

LiquidPiston

Program Manager

Suffield, CT · On-site

Program Manager - Engine Development This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per ... We understand that innovation involves risk and we're not afraid to fail as we move forward. Equal ...

Treehouse Foundation

Program Director

Easthampton, MA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

We are known for innovation in foster care, vital aging, intergenerational connection, and affordable housing. The Program Director will be responsible for the following: * Supervision and Management ...

Treehouse Foundation

Program Director

Easthampton, MA · On-site

We are known for innovation in foster care, vital aging, intergenerational connection, and affordable housing. The Program Director will be responsible for the following: * Supervision and Management ...

Holyoke YMCA

Senior Program Director

Holyoke, MA

$55K - $70K/yr

Innovation : Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y's work and impact in the community. Program/Project Management : Ensures program or ...

Holyoke YMCA

Senior Program Director

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

... Innovation : Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y's work and impact in the community. · Program/Project Management : Ensures program or ...

Greater Holyoke YMCA

Senior Program Director

Holyoke, MA · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

... Innovation : Creates and implements new and relevant approaches and activities that improve and expand the Y's work and impact in the community. • Program/Project Management : Ensures program or ...

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All JobsInnovation Program JobsInnovation Program Manager JobsInnovation Program Manager Jobs in Chicopee, MA

Innovation Program Manager information

See Chicopee, MA salary details

$38.7K

$108K

$157.8K

How much do innovation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation program manager in Chicopee, MA is $108,021.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $133,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an innovation program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Innovation Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, strategy development, and a background in business or technology, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications like PMP. Familiarity with innovation frameworks, agile methodologies, and collaboration tools such as Jira or Trello is typically required. Strong leadership, creative problem-solving, and effective stakeholder communication are critical soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills enable the successful design, execution, and scaling of innovative initiatives, ensuring organizational growth and competitive advantage.

What does an innovation program manager do?

An Innovation Program Manager oversees and coordinates initiatives that drive innovation within an organization. They design, implement, and manage programs that encourage creative thinking, development of new products, and improvement of existing processes. Their responsibilities often include collaborating with cross-functional teams, managing budgets, measuring program outcomes, and fostering a culture of innovation. By identifying emerging trends and technologies, they help organizations stay competitive and adapt to changes in the market.

What is the difference between Innovation Program Manager vs Product Manager?

AspectInnovation Program ManagerProduct Manager
Primary FocusDeveloping and managing innovation initiatives and programsOverseeing product development and lifecycle
Required SkillsInnovation strategy, project management, cross-functional collaborationProduct design, market analysis, user experience
Work EnvironmentCorporate innovation labs, R&D departments, cross-industryTech companies, consumer goods, software firms
CertificationsProject management, innovation management certificationsProduct management certifications (e.g., Pragmatic, Scrum)

While both roles involve strategic planning and cross-functional work, the Innovation Program Manager focuses on fostering new ideas and managing innovation initiatives, whereas the Product Manager concentrates on developing and delivering specific products to market.

How does an innovation program manager typically foster collaboration across different departments?

An Innovation Program Manager often acts as a bridge between various teams—such as R&D, marketing, finance, and operations—to drive new initiatives. They facilitate workshops, organize cross-functional meetings, and implement structured processes for idea generation and evaluation. By maintaining open communication channels and aligning stakeholders on shared goals, they ensure that innovative projects have broad support and clear direction. This collaborative approach is essential to overcome silos and accelerate the implementation of creative solutions.
What job categories do people searching Innovation Program Manager jobs in Chicopee, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Innovation Program Manager jobs in Chicopee, MA are:
What cities near Chicopee, MA are hiring for Innovation Program Manager jobs? Cities near Chicopee, MA with the most Innovation Program Manager job openings:
Innovation Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Innovation Program Manager job openings in Chicopee, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,021 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Program Manager

LiquidPiston, Inc.

Suffield, CT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Program Manager - Engine Development
This role is fully onsite in Bloomfield, CT, five days per week. The company will be relocating to Suffield, CT later in 2026.
About LiquidPiston:
LiquidPiston is an advanced propulsion company developing a new class of high-efficiency rotary engines based on a patented X-engine architecture. Focused on delivering compact, lightweight, and fuel-efficient power solutions, LiquidPiston is redefining internal combustion technology for applications ranging from aerospace and defense to commercial and industrial markets. As the company transitions from R&D to commercialization, it offers a unique opportunity to work on breakthrough technology that challenges conventional engine design.
About the Role:
LiquidPiston is seeking a highly driven Program Manager to lead and execute complex development programs focused on bringing a breakthrough rotary diesel engine to production. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, operations, and customer engagement, ensuring programs are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.
The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment, balancing hands-on program execution with cross-functional coordination. This individual will play a critical role in scaling development efforts as the company transitions toward commercialization.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead end-to-end program execution from concept through production, ensuring delivery on schedule, within scope, and on budget
  • Develop and manage detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and cost tracking
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, managing communication, expectations, and long-term relationships throughout the project lifecycle
  • Collaborate closely with Chief Engineers and Technical Program Leads to define program scope, objectives, and deliverables
  • Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, testing, and quality to ensure alignment and execution
  • Monitor program progress, identify risks and issues, and implement mitigation strategies to maintain timelines and deliverables
  • Track and report program performance to internal leadership and external stakeholders
  • Manage key program elements including client interactions, on-site coordination, cybersecurity considerations, intellectual property matters, and invoicing
  • Lead requirements management activities, including creation and maintenance of requirements matrices
  • Organize and facilitate regular program reviews, driving continuous improvement and corrective actions where needed
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with external suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials and components
  • Support testing and validation efforts, ensuring compliance with applicable standards and regulations
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, workflows, and program execution strategies
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, incorporating innovative approaches into program development
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to project teams, fostering a collaborative and results-driven environment
  • Support senior leadership with additional operational initiatives as needed
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field (Mechanical, Aerospace, or similar preferred)
  • 5+ years of experience in program or project management within engineering, product development, or R&D environments
  • Experience managing complex, cross-functional technical programs from concept through production
  • Strong understanding of product development processes, preferably within engines, powertrain, or similar hardware systems
  • Proven ability to manage schedules, budgets, and deliverables in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience interfacing directly with customers
  • Experience with risk management, requirements management, and program reporting tools
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Benefits & Perks:
  • Flexible PTO: We value work-life balance and encourage time to rest and recharge.
  • Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical and voluntary dental, and vision coverage - you choose what works best for you.
  • Equity Participation: Permanent employees receive RSUs (Restricted Stock Units).
  • 401(k) Match: We offer a 401k w/100% matching up to 3% of your salary and then 50% of contributions between 3-5%
  • Career Growth: Ongoing training, mentorship, and learning opportunities to accelerate your growth.
Our Culture:
At LiquidPiston, we embrace challenges, move fast, and celebrate curiosity. Our team thrives on collaboration, creativity, and perseverance. We understand that innovation involves risk and we're not afraid to fail as we move forward.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
LiquidPiston, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against, and receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status or disability.
All offers of employment at LiquidPiston are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening.

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