Technical Program Manager (Hardware Operations)

Location: Massachusetts (Onsite)

Duration: 3-Month Contract with Strong Extension Potential

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated, hands-on Technical Program Manager to support a growing Pilot Operations organization. This is not a traditional TPM role focused on status reporting and meeting coordination. We are looking for a builder, problem solver, and execution driver who thrives in fast-paced hardware environments and enjoys turning ambiguity into action.

In this role, you will partner directly with manufacturing, process, quality, and operations teams to remove blockers, drive execution, and build the operational systems needed to support long-term growth. You will play a critical role in developing project tracking tools, documentation processes, and scalable workflows while serving as a trusted partner to engineering leadership.

Absolute Must-Have Qualifications

Hands-On Program or Project Management Experience

• 3+ years of experience managing projects, programs, or operations in a manufacturing, hardware, product launch, pilot operations, or engineering environment.
• Demonstrated experience driving action items to completion and actively removing project blockers.
• Proven ability to work directly with engineers, technicians, operations teams, and leadership to ensure execution.

Process & Systems Development

• Experience building operational processes, workflows, tracking systems, or business systems from the ground up.
• Ability to identify gaps, create practical solutions, implement them quickly, and continuously improve them.
• Experience establishing project management, change control, or operational tracking mechanisms.

Jira Expertise

• Hands-on experience using Jira to manage projects, action items, and team workflows.
• Experience creating Jira boards, workflows, dashboards, or project-tracking systems.
• Ability to independently build and maintain project management infrastructure.

Startup or Ambiguous Environment Experience

• Comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving environments with limited structure.
• Proven success creating solutions where processes and tools do not yet exist.
• Strong "roll up your sleeves" mentality with a focus on execution over theory.

Communication & Collaboration

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Comfortable facilitating meetings, documenting outcomes, and driving accountability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in robotics, medical devices, aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) or product launch experience.
• Experience with QuickBase.
• Technical writing and controlled documentation experience.
• Familiarity with Agile or Scrum methodologies.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, process, or quality engineering organizations.

What You'll Do

• Drive daily and weekly action items to closure by proactively identifying and removing blockers.
• Partner directly with engineering and operations teams to improve execution and delivery.
• Build and maintain Jira boards, dashboards, and workflows to improve project visibility and accountability.
• Design and implement scalable operational systems, documentation processes, and change control workflows.
• Facilitate production and project meetings while ensuring follow-through on commitments.
• Capture lessons learned and create technical documentation that supports operational excellence.
• Serve as a trusted execution partner to leadership, helping transform priorities into measurable results.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is not someone who simply tracks tasks and runs status meetings.

You are someone who:

• Walks the floor and engages directly with teams.
• Solves problems rather than escalates them.
• Builds systems instead of waiting for them.
• Thrives in startup-like environments.
• Loves bringing structure to complex operational challenges.
• Takes ownership and gets things done

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, MA.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a Contract position based out of Wilmington, MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 22, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Wilmington,MA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.