Program Manager

Company: Core Systems
Location: Poway
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: The Program Manager is responsible for the administration of operational aspects of ongoing projects. Exercising judgment within generally defined precedents and policies, participates in developing plans to ensure that activities achieve desired results, initiates project(s), and participates in development of project design and schedule to meet overall objectives. The ideal candidate will be comfortable leading, outlining and planning all aspects of work related to a given project such as budget, timelines, and teams. They will have strong communication skills to help all relevant teams interface with each other. Duties and Responsibilities: Administers daily operational aspects of one or more ongoing projects; participates in project plan development. Integrates and analyzes project plans to ensure milestones and delivery requirements are met; ensures that all the key parties are advised. Coordinate and develop activities across all departments including engineering, production control, manufacturing, etc. Develop, track and report on program plan, detailed project schedule, and program deliverables. Communicate program status to management. May represent the organization with outside organizations. Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information. Identifies issues in engineering and manufacturing and recommends resolutions. Reviews engineering specifications and drawings. Confers across functional areas to provide and obtain technical information. Coordinates delivery schedule of raw materials and sub-assemblies from contractors. Monitors progress of manufactured parts required for project. Maintains project specific inventory control. Reviews open engineering issues affecting sales orders. Alerts production planning to open engineering issues that may affect manufacturing. Alerts engineering to sales order activity that may affect outstanding work. Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company. Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications: Must demonstrate a complete understanding of project management principles, theories, concepts, and techniques. Must have experience organizing, planning, scheduling, conducting, and coordinating work assignments to meet project milestones or established completion dates. Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them in an evolving environment while contributing to the development of new processes. Must be customer focused and possess: ability to identify issues, analyze data and develop solutions to a variety of complex problems; strong analytical, verbal, and written communication skills to accurately document, report, and present findings; strong interpersonal skills enabling an effective interface with other professionals. Good computer skills. Ability to work independently or in a team environment is essential as is the ability to work extended hours as required. Desirable Qualifications: Proficient in PowerPoint, Excel, Project Requirements: 5 or more years of functional experience and demonstrated expertise in program management. Previous experience in the embedded computer industry. Education Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in related field Program management certification, a plus About Core Systems Core Systems is a global leader in rugged embedded systems for military and industrial needs based out of California. We design and manufacture each product at our facility, in Poway, CA. Our 85,000 square foot facility features on-site engineering, metal fabrication, and system assembly, along with a complete MIL-SPEC Testing Lab. Our goal is to build and distribute the most cost-effective, high-performance rugged products in the industry. Core Systems is one of the only vertically integrated rugged computer manufacturers in the nation. Our wide range of rugged products has been deployed in ground vehicles, aircraft, and maritime installations worldwide. Core offers a benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid life insurance, 401(k), paid time off, paid sick time, paid holidays, on-site fitness center, and a casual work environment. Exempt Salary Details: The annualized base salary for this role is $85k to $130K. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. Actual compensation packages are based on a variety of factors that are unique to each candidate including, relevant depth of experience, skillset, education, certifications, business needs and market demand.

Keywords: Core Systems, Placentia , Program Manager, Engineering , Poway, California