Program Manager Contract Jobs in Wethersfield, CT

Job Title: Program Manager (Engineering & Operations)
Pay Rate: $40 - $60/hr
Job Type: Contract to Hire
Location: Farmington, CT
Schedule: Monday - Friday (8am-3pm core hours)
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Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and driven Program Manager to lead complex engineering and operational projects from inception through completion. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of project execution, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, budgeting, customer communication, and risk management. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess strong leadership capabilities, and demonstrate the ability to successfully coordinate cross-functional teams while maintaining customer satisfaction and achieving business objectives.
In addition to managing project execution, this position will support business growth initiatives through bid development, sales support, and process improvement efforts aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and program performance.
Job Responsibilities:
* Lead end-to-end project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation activities, including manpower, equipment, materials, and cost management.
* Manage multiple projects simultaneously to ensure successful delivery within scope, schedule, quality, and budget requirements.
* Coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and other departments to achieve project objectives.
* Support proposal development, bid preparation, and sales activities to help secure new business opportunities.
* Monitor project performance, milestones, and deliverables while proactively identifying risks, bottlenecks, and schedule impacts.
* Develop and implement mitigation strategies, corrective actions, and contingency plans to ensure project success.
* Serve as the primary point of contact for customers, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring effective communication throughout the project lifecycle.
* Manage customer expectations and ensure compliance with contractual obligations, service level agreements (SLAs), quality standards, and qualification requirements.
* Prepare and present project status updates, reports, financial summaries, and risk assessments to customers and internal leadership teams.
* Assign, prioritize, and monitor team tasks while providing guidance, performance feedback, and support to project team members.
* Conduct cost analysis and financial tracking to support project profitability and budget adherence.
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, project execution, and process optimization.
* Develop, maintain, and manage internal and external project documentation, schedules, reports, and communications.
* Foster collaboration across departments to ensure alignment with project goals and organizational objectives.
Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Engineering Management) or a related STEM field.
* 3+ years of experience in Program Management, Project Management, Operations Management, or a related leadership role.
* Experience within manufacturing, aerospace, defense, industrial, engineering, or technology-driven environments.
* Demonstrated experience managing complex projects in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.
* Strong understanding of project planning, scheduling, budgeting, resource management, and risk mitigation methodologies.
* Proven ability to coordinate and influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
* Excellent communication, presentation, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and critical thinking abilities.
* Experience managing customer relationships and delivering high levels of customer satisfaction.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Masters Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Engineering Management) or a related STEM field.
* PMP certification or formal project management training.
* Experience within aerospace.
* Familiarity with contract management, proposal development, and business development processes.
* Experience with ERP systems, project scheduling software, and resource planning tools.
* Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
* Proven success leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale, customer-facing programs.
Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.