Program Management - Program Manager III

Job#: 3027495

Job Description:

JOB TITLE: PROGRAM MANAGER III

DURATION: 6 MONTHS

LOCATION: REMOTE

PAY RATE: $65 - $75 HOURLY

Description:

Summary:

The main function of a non-IT program manager is to plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as engineering, research and development, financial systems and product roll-out, etc or any other non-IT based project.

We are looking for a Technology Operations & AI Automation Program Manager to transform our technology innovation operations. This role manages the end-to-end operational processes that track, report on, and govern our technology portfolio - and then systematically automates those processes using AI. This role will work closely with hardware engineering leads, program managers, product managers, business operations, and finance teams to transform a manual, labor-intensive operations function and make it self-sustaining through intelligent automation. You will start by running the operations, then progressively replace manual workflows with AI-driven pipelines until the process largely runs itself.

Minimum Qualifications

5+ years of experience in product or technology operations, engineering operations, or program management in a hardware or technology development environment Demonstrated experience building operational automation using AI/LLM tools (e.g., building AI agents, writing prompts and skills for LLM-based workflows, or deploying AI-assisted data pipelines) Experience designing data flows from intake to output - forms, databases, dashboards, and automated reports Track record of driving process adoption across engineering or cross-functional teams Strong communication skills - ability to translate operational data into actionable insights for both engineering teams and senior leadership Self-directed work style with comfort owning an entire operational domain independently Preferred Qualifications Experience with stage-gate or milestone-based technology development processes (e.g., NPI, technology readiness levels, innovation pipelines) Familiarity with internal tools and workflows Experience with portfolio management, budget forecasting, or program operations at scale in a hardware R&D organization Hands-on experience with AI application platforms, no-code/low-code database tools (e.g., AppSheet, Airtable), or AI-native development environments Background in wearable devices, AR/VR, consumer electronics, or related hardware domains

Job Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Maintain and Automate Core Operations: Maintain and execute the existing operational process for a portfolio of 15-20 active technology innovation projects, using this hands-on execution to thoroughly document and prepare all existing workflows (including progress tracking, milestone reporting, stakeholder updates, and executive dashboards) for subsequent AI-driven automation.

Design & Build the Automation Core: Architect, develop, and deploy AI-powered automation pipelines to systematically replace manual operational workflows (e.g., data reconciliation, status tracking, and report generation) for the technology innovation portfolio.

Establish a Unified Data Foundation: Consolidate fragmented data sources (spreadsheets, databases, slide decks, chat threads) into a unified, automated data intake and processing that serves as the central source of truth for the organization.

Implement Central Intelligence: Lead the selection and implementation of an AI-augmented database platform that serves as the central intelligence layer for the technology portfolio

Drive process adoption: Champion adoption of new automated processes across cross-functional hardware engineering teams, ensuring that new workflows are used effectively

Deliver AI-generated insights: Provide leadership with regular, AI-generated insights on portfolio health, engineering investment efficiency, technology success rates, and resource forecasting

Job Responsibilities:

Coordinate projects, making detailed plans to accomplish goals and directing the integration of technical activities.

Present and explain proposals, reports and findings to clients.

Recruit employees, assign, direct, and evaluate their work, and oversee the development and maintenance of staff competence.

Analyze technology, resource needs and market demand, to plan and assess the feasibility of projects.

Confer with management, production and marketing staff to discuss project specifications and procedures.

Review and recommend or approve contracts and cost estimates.

Direct, review and approve product designs and changes.

Consult or negotiate with clients to prepare project specifications.

Nice to Have Skills:

Verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, attention to detail and interpersonal skills.

Strong ability to work independently and manage one's time.

Strong leadership and mentoring skills necessary to provide support and constructive performance feedback.

Strong knowledge of production processes, quality control, costs and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Strong knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and production methods.

Strong knowledge of computer software, such as MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Project, Visio etc.

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants will be considered for assignment with arrest and conviction records. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, meet client expectations, standards, and accompanying requirements, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.