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Innovation Program Manager Jobs in Vernon, CT (NOW HIRING)

LIGHTERA

Program Manager

Avon, CT · On-site

We are seeking a Program Manager to join our Specialty division in Avon, CT and support continued ... innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment ...

Lightera

Program Manager

Avon, CT

We are seeking a Program Manager to join our Specialty division in Avon, CT and support continued ... innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment ...

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 ...

Pwc

Technical Program Manager

Hartford, CT · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

... product innovation focus on developing cutting-edge software solutions and driving product ... As a Technical Program Manager, you will engage in the dynamic world of software and product ...

New

Edge Global

Program Manager Gen AI

Hartford, CT · On-site

Program Manager Gen AI Location: : Hartford CT (5 days in a week) Job type: Contract JD ... of innovation and continuous learning within the team encouraging the exploration of new ...

NAM Info Inc

Technical Program Manager Gen AI

Hartford, CT · On-site

$130K - $168K/yr

Title: Technical Program Manager Gen AI Location: Hartford, CT (Day 1 onsite role) Duration: 12 ... of innovation and continuous learning within the team encouraging the exploration of new ...

Archgroup

Program Management Specialist

Hartford, CT · Hybrid

$95K - $166K/yr

With a company culture rooted in collaboration, expertise and innovation, we aim to promote ... Work with the Sr. Program Manager to develop detailed annual financial budget that includes key ...

Archgroup

Program Management Specialist

Hartford, CT · Hybrid

$95K - $166K/yr

With a company culture rooted in collaboration, expertise and innovation, we aim to promote ... Work with the Sr. Program Manager to develop detailed annual financial budget that includes key ...

COCC

AI Governance Program Manager

Rocky Hill, CT · On-site

$150K - $195K/yr

... innovation and top-quality support. Designated a Top Workplace in Connecticut and a nationally ... COCC is seeking an experienced AI Governance Program Manager to lead and mature our enterprise AI ...

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All JobsInnovation Program JobsInnovation Program Manager JobsInnovation Program Manager Jobs in Vernon, CT

Innovation Program Manager information

See Vernon, CT salary details

$38.5K

$107.4K

$156.9K

How much do innovation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for innovation program manager in Vernon, CT is $107,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,400.00 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 Vernon, CT look for? The top searched job categories for Innovation Program Manager jobs in Vernon, CT are:
What cities near Vernon, CT are hiring for Innovation Program Manager jobs? Cities near Vernon, CT with the most Innovation Program Manager job openings:
Innovation Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Innovation Program Manager job openings in Vernon, CT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,406 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Program Manager

LIGHTERA

Avon, CT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

LIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago. We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers and employees. To do so, we must continue shaping the future of communications by applying the best minds to the challenges our customers will continually face.
We are seeking a Program Manager to join our Specialty division in Avon, CT and support continued business growth.
This position is responsible for planning and managing programs for new product development or product revisions, process improvements, or other business purposes with cross-functional teams based in the Avon facility as well as other Lightera locations. Deliver programs on time and within budget to meet or exceed customer requirements.
Essential duties and responsibilities include:
  • Plan new projects and programs, including product development, process development or cost reduction, capital implementation, etc. Prepare gate reviews in collaboration with marketing or business development.
  • Manage projects and programs. This includes:
    • Leading and documenting cross-functional team activities from planning through execution. Monitor and manage scope, risk, schedule, cost, and technical performance.
    • Plan for and obtain required resources, including prioritizing staffing resources and capital expenditures.
    • Act as the program champion and communicate program progress and problems to management.
    • Track product and program changes. Focus resources on resolving program issues and eliminating roadblocks when appropriate.
    • Maintain documentation of project activities in accordance with quality system procedures.
  • Understand and adhere to internal and external quality system procedures as applicable. Provide guidance to the project team on the quality system if needed.
  • Support sales and marketing in educating customer(s) and selling new products as needed.
  • Collaborate with procurement and engineering to establish program supply chain. Monitor supplier delivery commitments and manage effects on project schedule.
  • Identify internal and external customer needs to help align Lightera programs with the strategic direction of the business. May include aiding in the negotiation of contracts and contractual changes.
  • Preparation of proposals, plans, specifications, and financial conditions of contract.
  • Where appropriate, write program CERs and manage costs to meet the CER budget.
  • Improve the program management process by capturing lessons learned from each program and institutionalizing best practices. Act as an advisor to program team regarding projects, tasks, and operations.
  • Resolve conflicts as they arise both within your team and among key stakeholders to keep projects moving forward.
  • The position requires an individual capable of and familiar with conducting difficult conversations e.g., discussing resource overloading, or killing a project that no longer provides value.

Key qualifications include:
  • B.S. degree in a technical field with 5-15 years of program management expertise across the full product life cycle within a phase-gate development process. Demonstrated experience managing multi-location scale-ups and complex technology transfers.
  • Demonstrated leadership in facilitating and motivating a cross-functional team.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan activities towards a goal in a logical sequence.
  • Basic business finance awareness (ability to review a product cost model, ability to understand project cash flow).
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Project strongly preferred
  • Prior experience with optical fiber or cabling technology
  • PMP Certification preferred.
  • Experience working under ISO 9001, ISO 13485, or AS9100 quality system
  • Experience interfacing with outside customers
  • Excellent attention to detail

Working at LIGHTERA means having the opportunity to realize ideas, experience innovation and discover new solutions for the future. In addition to our dynamic work environment, we offer the following for our employees:
  • Competitive salaries and generous benefits programs, including health, dental, vision and well-being.
  • Company-sponsored 401(k) plan with a generous match and no vesting period.
  • Tuition assistance, on-the-job training and opportunities for growth and advancement. We promote from within.
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) program and paid holidays.
  • Casual work environment, PPE, safety eyeglass and shoe allowance.
  • Clean, climate-controlled, modern facility with state of the art equipment.

Employees are expected to serve as role models for safe work practices and behaviors. This includes following established health and safety policies and procedures, maintaining a clean, organized work area, wearing, and properly storing all personal protective equipment (PPE), and actively engaging as a safety conscious worker with personal safety and wellness as a priority.
If you'd like to be part of an energetic, world leader in optic fiber solutions, please apply through our Career portal at https://lightera.com/about-us/.
Note: Visa sponsorship not available. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future. The company does not provide visa sponsorship or any immigration support (including STEM OPT training plan) for this position.
About Lightera
Lightera is a global leader in optical fiber and connectivity solutions, delivering innovative technologies that drive communication networks, data centers, and specialty photonics applications. With a deep legacy of expertise in optical science, we provide high-performance solutions that enable faster, more reliable, and more sustainable connections for businesses, communities, and industries worldwide.
Headquartered in Norcross, Georgia, U.S.A., Lightera operates with a global footprint, serving customers across telecommunications, enterprise, industrial, generative AI, data centers, 5G/6G, utilities, medical, aerospace, defense, and sensing markets. Lightera is part of Furukawa Electric Group, a multi-billion-dollar leader in optical communications.
Lightera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.

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