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Principal Technical Program Manager Jobs in Madison, WI

The Program Manager will oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of strategic programs ... This role requires strong leadership, technical acumen, and the ability to collaborate with ...

The position involves significant responsibility for project management, technical execution, and ... Tuition Assistance Program * And more! ECS Core Values: Collaborate, Focus & Lead About Us ECS ...

The position involves significant responsibility for project management, technical execution, and ... Tuition Assistance Program * And more! ECS Core Values: Collaborate, Focus & Lead About Us ECS ...

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Principal Technical Program Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$89.7K

$146.8K

$169.8K

How much do principal technical program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal technical program manager in Madison, WI is $146,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $130,000.00 and $168,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal technical program manager?

Principal Technical Program Managers (Principal TPMs) are senior leaders responsible for overseeing complex technical projects and programs across organizations. They coordinate cross-functional teams, set strategic direction, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure successful delivery of technology solutions. Principal TPMs often act as a bridge between engineering, product, business, and executive stakeholders, leveraging their deep technical expertise and leadership skills to drive alignment and deliver results.

What are the main challenges a principal technical program manager faces when aligning cross-functional teams on complex projects?

A Principal Technical Program Manager often encounters the challenge of ensuring that diverse teams—such as engineering, product, design, and operations—are aligned on priorities, timelines, and deliverables for large-scale initiatives. This requires strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to manage conflicting interests and dependencies. Additionally, adapting to shifting business goals while maintaining clear project direction is a key part of the role. Successfully navigating these challenges enables the program manager to drive impactful outcomes and foster collaboration across the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal technical program manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Technical Program Manager, you need deep expertise in program management, technical acumen, and experience leading complex, cross-functional initiatives, often supported by a relevant degree and certifications like PMP or Agile. Familiarity with project management tools (such as Jira or Asana), cloud platforms, and software development lifecycle methodologies is commonly required. Exceptional leadership, strategic communication, and stakeholder management skills help you influence teams and drive results. These skills ensure successful delivery of large-scale programs by aligning technical solutions with business goals and fostering collaboration across diverse teams.

What is the difference between Principal Technical Program Manager vs Technical Program Manager?

AspectPrincipal Technical Program ManagerTechnical Program Manager
CredentialsTypically requires 8+ years experience, relevant certifications (e.g., PMP), and deep technical expertiseUsually 3-7 years experience, relevant certifications, and strong technical background
Work EnvironmentLeads large, complex programs across multiple teams, often at senior levelsManages specific projects or programs within teams, focusing on execution
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech giants and large enterprises, especially in software and hardwareWidely used across tech companies, startups, and other industries requiring project coordination

The Principal Technical Program Manager typically oversees larger, more strategic programs with greater responsibilities and cross-team influence compared to the Technical Program Manager, who focuses on managing specific projects and ensuring timely delivery within teams.

What job categories do people searching Principal Technical Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Technical Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Principal Technical Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Principal Technical Program Manager job openings:

Director of Program Management

Trek Bicycle

Waterloo, WI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Trek Bicycle rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 734 rated retailers


Job description

A bit about us
Trek is an awesome place to work, with amazing benefits for all employees. We build only products we love, provide incredible hospitality to our customers, and change the world by getting more people on bikes. When you're on our team, you're taken care of, encouraged to learn and grow, and given lots of opportunities to do so. Give us your best, and we'll give it right back. Sound pretty sweet? Then come join us!
Job Description
The Director of Program Management for Product Development is responsible for leading, developing, and continuously improving Trek's project and program management function across product categories. This role ensures disciplined execution of complex, global product development programs, from concept through launch. While balancing timelines, resources, supplier capacity, risk, and organizational priorities. The Director acts as both a strategic partner to Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Operations leadership, and as a people leader responsible for building a high-performing program management team.
This role is onsite at our Waterloo, WI Headquarters.
Key Responsibilities
Program & Portfolio Leadership
  • Own overall execution of Trek's product development roadmap across multiple categories (Road, MTB, Wheels, Essentials, Accessories, etc.)
  • Ensure consistency and discipline in project and program management practices from early concept through production and launch
  • Partner with Product and Engineering leadership on portfolio prioritization, resource planning, timeline alignment, and risk management
  • Provide visibility to leadership on program health, risks, capacity constraints, and cross-program dependencies

People Leadership & Team Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop Program Managers, Project Managers, and Technical Program roles
  • Set clear expectations, role clarity, and accountability across the program management team
  • Coach team members on communication, stakeholder management, decision-making, and leadership behaviors
  • Own hiring, onboarding, performance management, and succession planning for the program management organization

Process Ownership & Continuous Improvement
  • Own Trek's Product Development Program Management framework, including tools, templates, governance, and cadence
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on execution efficiency, clarity, and reduced administrative burden
  • Partner with peers to improve launch readiness, first-build tracking, supplier readiness, and cross-functional communication
  • Ensure processes scale appropriately as teams, products, and global collaboration evolve

Launch & Readiness Accountability
  • Ensure product launches are execution-ready across Product, Engineering, Operations, Marketing, and Forecasting
  • Provide oversight of schedule readiness, volume alignment, and global delivery considerations
  • Establish early warning mechanisms for launch risks and gaps; drive resolution across functions

Supplier & Capacity Oversight
  • Work close with Sourcing on supplier capacity planning across key development partners
  • Ensure visibility and escalation of capacity risks to appropriate functional and executive stakeholders

Executive Communication & Influence
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on execution risk, organizational capacity, and delivery tradeoffs
  • Represent the Program Management function with confidence, clarity, and credibility across the organization

Required Skills & Competencies
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong people leadership and coaching capabilities
  • Deep understanding of product development in a physical product/manufacturing environment
  • Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on problem solving
  • Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, change, and competing priorities
  • Strong organizational, prioritization, and decision-making skills

Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree a plus
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in project/program management within product development or engineering organizations
  • 5+ years of people leadership experience
  • Experience working with global teams and suppliers
  • Strong understanding of product launches, manufacturing readiness, and cross-functional execution

Trek Benefits:
• Flexible and fun company culture
• Competitive health care
• PPO & HDHP medical plan options, Dental insurance, Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Free life insurance & optional term life insurance
• Competitive vacation package
• 401(k) with match and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP)
• 12 weeks of maternity leave with 100% pay
• Flexible holiday schedule - 10 company holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $15,000! (Undergraduate & Masters programs)
• Employee discounts on all product
• Deep partner retail discounts
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") Employer. Trek strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.
We are an E-Verify employer.
For more information, please click on the following links:
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish

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