Full Job Description
The Engineering Program Manager leads cross-functional delivery of assigned product development programs, including new product introductions, technology integration, product improvements, cost reduction, and lifecycle initiatives.
This role is accountable for managing assigned programs end-to-end, translating defined product and business objectives into executable delivery plans and maintaining clear visibility to schedules, actions, risks, dependencies, scope, and program health. The Program Manager independently drives day-to-day execution and ensures blockers are escalated with the context and recommendations needed to maintain forward progress.
This position works closely with product management, engineering, service, manufacturing operations, supply chain, marketing, quality, finance, and other cross-functional partners. Success in this role is measured by predictable execution, proactive risk and dependency management, strong stakeholder relationships, accurate program visibility, and ownership of program outcomes.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
• Own end-to-end delivery of assigned programs through planning, execution, launch readiness, and closeout.
• Develop, maintain, and communicate integrated program plans covering scope, schedules, milestones, actions, risks, dependencies, and key decision points.
• Translate defined program goals and business objectives into executable program activities and milestones.
• Identify scope ambiguity, customer requirements, and emerging scope concerns and ensure they are surfaced to the appropriate decision-makers.
• Apply Generac NPD processes and lead required program activities, reviews, and deliverables.
• Identify blockers early, clarify ownership, and escalate issues with appropriate context and a recommended path forward.
• Actively manage program risks and dependencies before they become execution issues.
• Lead cross-functional program meetings with clear objectives, decisions, actions, owners, and follow-up.
• Collaborate with engineering teams using working knowledge of hardware, firmware, software, BOMs, subsystems, and development milestones to accurately understand program status and identify when work is off track.
• Execute established change management plans, communicate program changes clearly to affected stakeholders, and flag changes requiring broader alignment or review.
• Contribute to improvements in PgM practices, planning, dependency management, and support adoption within assigned programs.
Minimal Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree;
• 7+ years of relevant professional experience,
• 5+ years of program management experience leading cross-functional teams through end-to-end delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to independently manage schedules, actions, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder communications.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience managing new product development programs using phase-gate (or similar) development processes.
• Experience working across hardware, firmware, software, manufacturing, supply chain, service, and quality functions.
• Experience with industrial, commercial, connected, or other integrated hardware products.
• PMP or equivalent training or certification with practical application.
• Experience working with global teams, suppliers, or distributed development organizations.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Ability to independently manage a program from planning through launch.
• Ability to understand program goals and connect execution decisions to business and customer outcomes.
• Strong schedule, action, risk, and dependency management skills.
• Ability to recognize scope ambiguity and surface concerns before they become delivery problems.
• Working knowledge of hardware, firmware, and software development processes.
• Ability to lead effective cross-functional meetings and drive actions to closure.
• Ability to influence teams without direct authority while maintaining trust and productive relationships.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messages to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong ownership mindset and willingness to take responsibility for commitments and outcomes.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting; close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.
Generac is committed to fair and equity compensation practices. The salary range for this role based in Waukesha, WI is $110,300 - $143,400. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications and geographic location. This position includes a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental and vision plans; life, long-term disability, flexible, spending and health savings accounts, accrued paid time off, eight paid holidays in 401(k) retirement benefits.
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