IT Program Manager

Job Title: IT Program Manager
Location: Verdi, CA (Remote)
Duration: 8 Months

Job Summary:

 STAFFXPERT is seeking a highly skilled IT Program Manager to lead a critical infrastructure modernization initiative focused on replacing legacy SONET multiplexers with Nokia SAR systems across multiple utility sites. The ideal candidate will have strong experience managing large-scale telecom infrastructure migrations within regulated public utility environments while ensuring operational continuity, compliance, and grid reliability.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Governance & Delivery:
• Lead and manage an accelerated 6-month deployment and migration program across multiple utility locations
• Track project timelines, migration schedules, critical paths, and daily site/circuit migration progress
• Manage resource planning and coordination across technicians, network engineers, vendors, and project teams
• Identify, mitigate, and manage program risks related to logistics, deployment constraints, and maintenance windows
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful execution within defined timelines and compliance standards

Utility Infrastructure & Technical Oversight:
 

• Oversee decommissioning of legacy SONET rings while maintaining uninterrupted utility teleprotection circuits
• Ensure migration designs support utility-critical traffic including SCADA, teleprotection, differential relaying, and substation communications over IP/MPLS networks
• Coordinate with engineering teams to validate Nokia SAR configurations and synchronization requirements
• Support deployment planning, testing, cutover activities, and post-migration stabilization efforts
• Ensure high availability, network reliability, and zero downtime during infrastructure migration activities

Compliance & Regulatory Management:
 

• Ensure all deployment activities comply with NERC CIP standards, utility regulations, and operational safety protocols
• Maintain accurate asset tracking, documentation, and deployment records
• Support audit readiness, compliance reporting, and regulatory governance activities
• Ensure adherence to utility-grade cybersecurity and physical security standards

Required Qualifications:
 

• 8+ years of experience in IT Program Management, Telecom Program Management, or Infrastructure Delivery
• Proven experience managing projects within regulated public utility or utility telecom environments
• Strong experience leading legacy-to-next-generation telecom migrations such as SONET to IP/MPLS or Carrier Ethernet
• Solid understanding of utility communication systems including SCADA protocols, teleprotection, and substation communications
• Strong familiarity with Nokia SAR hardware platforms and Nokia NSP (Network Services Platform)
• Experience managing complex infrastructure deployments, cutovers, and migration activities
• PMP or PgMP certification required
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or related technical field
• Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, communication, and risk management skills

Preferred Qualifications:
• Deep understanding of utility safety standards, physical security, and cybersecurity regulations
• Experience managing critical maintenance windows and real-time connectivity issues
• Strong troubleshooting and problem management capabilities in high-pressure utility environments
• Experience working with large-scale telecom modernization and infrastructure transformation initiatives