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Program Associate Jobs in Downers Grove, IL (NOW HIRING)

The Insights Associate Program Manager role is pivotal in delivering scalable, data-driven solutions that drive LinkedIn's success and enable customers to unlock value through our products within the ...

Supports Program Managers with daily tactical and administrative activities, liaising with the Customer Focus Team (CFT), Plexus functional areas and junior customer representatives. Key Job ...

Warehouse/Driver (Non-CDL)

North Aurora, IL · On-site

$17 - $20.50/hr

Associate Referral Bonus Program * Learning and Development Opportunities * Leadership Development Program * Career Growth Opportunities Famous Supply is a wholesale distributor committed to serving ...

Bonus Program * Employee Assistance Program * Associate Emergency Foundation Qualifications * US work authorization (Required) * High school or equivalent (Preferred) * Driver's License (Required ...

Showing results 41-60

Program Associate information

See Downers Grove, IL salary details

$24.9K

$52.2K

$90.3K

How much do program associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for program associate in Downers Grove, IL is $52,238.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,900.00 and $59,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Program Associate, you need strong organizational abilities, project coordination experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, CRM systems, and data analysis tools is often required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and teamwork skills help Program Associates stand out. These abilities ensure efficient program execution, smooth stakeholder collaboration, and achievement of organizational goals.

What are some of the typical challenges a program associate might face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Associates often juggle several projects at once, each with its own deadlines, stakeholders, and reporting requirements. Balancing competing priorities while ensuring that every project receives adequate attention can be challenging. Effective time management, clear communication with team members, and proactive problem-solving are essential for success in this role. Regular check-ins with supervisors and utilizing project management tools can also help Program Associates stay organized and meet expectations.

What is a program associate?

A program associate fills a variety of roles in nonprofits and professional associations, including that of office administrator, project manager, and strategic planner. In this career, you often work to sustain your organization by managing donor programs, fundraising, and enlisting support from a corporation or government agencies. Depending on your role and the organization, your job duties may include creating plans and budgets, tracking membership or partnerships, calculating donations or other expenditures, developing program literature, and researching or analyzing data. You need to plan and execute events seamlessly, so organizational skills are vital. Common qualifications for a program associate include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program jobs in Downers Grove, IL? The most popular types of Program jobs in Downers Grove, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Program Associate jobs in Downers Grove, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Program Associate jobs in Downers Grove, IL are:
What cities near Downers Grove, IL are hiring for Program Associate jobs? Cities near Downers Grove, IL with the most Program Associate job openings:

$88K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1,000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technology, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!
Top Benefits (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)
  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program - up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid working environment

The Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) business unit of Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is a leading innovator in helmet mounted display technology. We have an opening for an Associate Program Manager (PM) in our Aurora, IL office to support development and production programs in the military market.
This position will report to the Director of Program Management and requires close coordination with other departments including Engineering, Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Business Development, and Contracts. Coordination with Thales Group offices in other countries may also be required to successfully execute joint programs.
Responsibilities
  • Management of multiple assigned projects ensuring compliance with all Thales program management processes and procedures, including development of program plans, task definitions, schedules, budgets, program technical requirements, resource requirements and risk management on all assigned programs.
  • Provision of timely reporting to senior program management leadership with details on program status and performance.
  • Conduct regular cross-functional meetings to review status towards objectives and identify issues early in the program.
  • Responsible for customer communication and satisfaction, including follow-on business quotes and proposals.
  • Management of technical and financial risks and ability to lead/conduct of technical reviews.
  • Responsible for acting as Capture Lead for specific proposal efforts, while supporting additional proposal efforts with budget and schedule information.
  • Responsible for ensuring coordination of activities with subcontractors, vendors and suppliers as necessary to support assigned programs.
  • Responsible for ensuring effective scope directions from the customer and suppliers are appropriately processed through the contract.
  • Coordinate and foster proper communication between the customer and the program team.

Qualifications
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Bachelor's degree required, preferably in related technical field.
  • Minimum of 2 - 4 years' experience as an engineer (software, electrical, mechanical, systems, etc.). Previous Program Management experience preferred.
  • Basic accounting and financial knowledge and profit-oriented business sense as well as effective negotiating skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and work ethic.
  • Ability to work in a team environment and interact with employees in all departments and functions.
  • Computer proficiency required and experience with Microsoft Project or equivalent.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills with experience managing small teams, working effectively in a matrix team structure, setting business growth objectives and achieving results.
  • Ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications
  • US government/ DOD contracting experience/ understanding of required processes for reporting through major defense contractors highly preferred.
  • Commercial Avionics Industry background.
  • Experience working cross functionally along with a familiarity of full product lifecycle for complex systems.
  • Experience with avionics modification programs for either fixed and/or rotary wing.
  • EVMS experience.
  • PMP certification.
  • Conversational fluency in French or Korean.

The annualized pay range for this role is $88,562-$113,163 USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 10%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.
For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact the recruiter at careers@thalesdsi.com.
Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.
If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales Defense & Security, Inc., please call Human Resources at 202-961-1016.
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