Program Manager SAS

Program Manager – Systems and Software (SAS)

Job Description

The Program Manager is responsible for successfully managing delivery and operations across one large or multiple smaller accounts within a Systems and Software group. This group supports programs involving embedded software, full stack software, hardware engineering, and test automation. The Program Manager partners closely with internal support functions to deliver an excellent customer experience, provides clear leadership and direction to project teams, and ensures that all projects meet cost, quality, and timing objectives. This role focuses on maintaining and growing strong relationships with key customer stakeholders and center-based or onsite-managed resources to enhance project performance and support customer business goals.

Responsibilities

• Maintain regular communication with consultants working onsite at client locations, remotely, or from engineering centers to monitor and manage their career paths, performance, training needs, and overall employee satisfaction.
• Strategize on the collection, analysis, and use of metrics and KPIs to track and report on project performance and the value delivered to clients.
• Maintain ongoing communication with client managers to obtain feedback on consultant performance, review project status, and report on budget and other key metrics.
• Collaborate with business development teams to identify new business opportunities with client managers and work with internal leadership to define and solution those client needs.
• Qualify client product engineering needs, create clear and detailed job descriptions, communicate requirements to talent acquisition teams, define sourcing strategies, and conduct candidate interviews.
• Partner with leadership to develop strategies that add value for clients, including transitioning from onsite consultant models to project-based engagements when appropriate.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on marketplace and technology trends within the consumer electronics and advanced technology industries.
• Follow established Quality Management System processes to ensure consistent, high-quality delivery and compliance with internal standards.
• Work closely with finance and invoicing teams to ensure internal operations processes are followed and project financials are accurately managed.
• Support the Project Management Pod Leader in developing and enhancing project management capabilities, methodologies, and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participate in PMO-related activities at the organizational level and provide industry insights and subject matter expertise to improve project management practices.
• Manage engineering resources effectively across embedded systems, software, and hardware engineering projects to meet client expectations and project goals.
• Present project updates, strategies, and results effectively to large customer groups and internal stakeholders.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience managing software or hardware product engineering programs.
• Experience with engineering resource management across multiple projects or accounts.
• Experience in an engineering role within the consumer electronics or advanced technology industries, such as laptops, tablets, mobile devices, NPI, semiconductors, digital transformation, or cloud services.
• Experience with project budget tracking, including involvement in cost estimation and pricing activities.
• Ability to effectively present information and project updates to large customer groups.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities in managing large, dispersed teams with diverse capabilities.
• Proven ability to work as a team player in highly cross-functional and virtual environments.
• Ability to travel up to 30% as needed to support clients and project teams.
• High proficiency in PC applications, particularly the Microsoft Office suite.
• Strong communication and people skills applicable to engineering and embedded systems environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience managing program and/or account operations within the engineering services industry.
• Experience gathering requirements from internal or external customers to determine program management strategy and options.
• Experience managing consultants, contractors, or a contingent workforce.
• PMP certification or proven knowledge of project management methods.
• Experience embedded systems and hardware engineering environments.
• Experience in environments focused on digital transformation and cloud services.

Work Environment

This role is based in Peoria, Illinois, and requires the Program Manager to live in the Peoria area.

This is a Permanent position based out of Peoria, IL.

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Minimum 4 Weeks Paid Time-Off, 6 Paid Holidays, 401(k) w/company match, M/D/V BenefitsWe reserve the right to pay above or below the posted wage based on factors unrelated to sex, race, or any other protected classification.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. This temporary role may be eligible for the following:
• Medical, Dental & Vision
• 401(k)/Roth
• Basic/Supplemental Life & AD&D
• Short and long-term disability
• HSA & DCFSA
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Paid Time off or State Sick Leave

This is a hybrid position in Peoria,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.