Program Manager (Customers Programs)

Lightmatter is redefining what computers and human beings are capable of by delivering a fundamentally new kind of computer that calculates using light. Transistors, the workhorse of modern computers, aren't improving at the rate they once were. To scale AI, companies are building increasingly large and energy-expensive data centers, a path that is neither financially nor environmentally sustainable. By delivering ultra-high performance and energy efficiency, Lightmatter's compute engine will power rapid advancements in AI while lowering its environmental footprint.

We are seeking a Program Manager to coordinate our effort in delivering the world's first photonic computer to our customers. If you have a passion for working cross-functionally, leading projects to success, and doing impactful work, join our team at Lightmatter! In this role, you will orchestrate Lightmatter's engagements with customers. You will be leading contracts and proposals, managing projects through completion, and ensuring that our work solves the customer’s needs. You will be responsible for coordinating Lightmatter and customer resources. This is a high visibility role: you will have regular interactions with customers and internal Engineering, Sales, Operations, and Management teams within Lightmatter. You will be the trusted advisor for program status, timelines, and risk assessments.

Responsibilities:

Customer Relationship/ Partnerships

• Drive project initiation for a variety of projects with different customers
• Engage customer stakeholders at the customer site (if needed), develop stakeholder relationships, and leverage relationships to help ensure successful delivery of a customer program
• Identify and implement processes to maximize customer satisfaction and team productivity while positioning Lightmatter as a best-in-class partner to customers
• Adhere to project compliance standards (e.g., confidentiality, privacy) and requirements of the contract
• Partner closely with Engineering, Product, Finance, Sales, and the Executive team—aligning all parties on timeline and priority

Planning

• Develop detailed project management plans and drive predictable delivery
• Drive scope, resources, and timeline in collaboration with customer plan
• Establish clear expectations and accountabilities internally and externally
• Assign resources, and create work breakdown with the delivery team

Monitoring and Controlling

• Ensure required compliance standards, reporting requirements, documentation needs, and meeting cadence are maintained for key programs, including federal programs
• Monitor and tracks risks within projects, identify and evaluate potential issues, generate mitigation plans, and work with cross-functional groups to mitigate identified risks
• Escalate risk scenarios to executive leadership and customers as needed
• Track and maintain quality deliverables (e.g., documents) for projects by identifying requirements, developing plans, and tracking outputs
• Follow standard quality management processes and meet customer acceptance requirements.
• Follow established change processes and confirm changes with customers before formally initiating the process.
• Manage budgets by tracking financial metrics and ensuring budgetary targets are met.
• Provide regular project status updates and ensure stakeholders are informed
• Generate any required reports to customers on program performance)
• Be the point person for new and current programs, including federal programs, coordinating internally and externally to ensure requirements are met, and maintaining timely and proactive communication with stakeholders in each active program

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a related field AND 5+ years experience in project management OR Master's Degree in a related field AND 3+ year(s) experience in project management
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Previous experience managing federal (public sector) contracts in technology
• Expert user of program management tools, such as Microsoft Project, Asana
• Strong track record of managing end-to-end program management initiatives within cross-functional teams.
• Track record of responding and winning RFP
• Proven record of being the delivery lead one multimillion engagements
• Passionate about technology and innovation for bettering the lives of others
• Comfortable with national travel up to 10% of the year

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in semiconductor technologies, machine learning technologies, or related technical fields

Benefits

• Comprehensive Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• 401k matching
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Generous Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Paid Family Leave
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Flexible, hybrid workplace model
• Stock Option Plan