Principal Program / Project Manager, R&D

Location: Seaport, Boston, MA (Hybrid)

Overview

The R&D PMO team is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Program / Project Manager to lead the execution of complex, high-impact programs and product releases. This role operates at the intersection of product, engineering and strategy, driving predictable delivery while continuously improving how we plan, build, and ship software.

As a Principal Program Manager, you will own end-to-end program execution for strategic initiatives, manage multi-product releases, and partner closely with Product and R&D leadership to define and optimize development processes, metrics, dashboards, and tooling. You will lead cross-functional teams across product segments, navigate ambiguity, and proactively solve problems to ensure delivery alignment with business and technology strategy.

This role is ideal for someone who combines strong technical aptitude, exceptional organizational and communication skills, a passion for solving complex problems and improving systems and processes. This role is a key force multiplier for the Products and R&D organization; you will help shape how we deliver, not just what we deliver - by driving execution excellence, process improvement, and enabling teams to collaborate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead planning, execution, and delivery of complex R&D programs and multi-product releases, aligned with strategic objectives
• Drive change management activities, ensuring timely decision-making and clear communication
• Own release planning, scheduling, and coordination. Drive efficient, scalable release governance
• Identify, manage, and mitigate risks, issues, and dependencies across teams and initiatives
• Coordinate delivery across multiple cross-functional and geographically distributed teams
• Proactively identify opportunities to accelerate progress and improve outcomes
• Engage senior leaders effectively to maintain alignment, momentum, and accountability
• Analyze existing development and release processes to identify gaps and improvement opportunities
• Design, pilot, and rollout new processes, standards, KPIs, and best practices to improve efficiency and predictability
• Drive adoption of organizational processes while minimizing unnecessary complexity or duplication
• Collaborate with other Program and Release Managers to evolve PMO standards, tooling, and operating models

Skills:

• Strong understanding of Agile software development methodologies and modern product delivery practices
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex programs in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment
• Self-starter with the ability to influence, motivate, and drive outcomes without direct authority
• Exceptional problem-solving skills; able to identify root causes and implement practical solutions
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Confident and effective presenter, including with senior leadership and large groups
• Demonstrated ability to drive execution, not just coordinate activities
• Strong business acumen and comfort navigating uncertainty and competing priorities
• Ability to build trusted relationships and facilitate collaboration across functions and levels
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and disciplined in execution
• Data-savvy; able to interpret metrics and use insights to inform decisions and optimization
• Passion for continuous improvement and driving positive change at both team and organizational levels
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new methodologies; open to coaching and mentoring for senior-level impact

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree preferred
• Ability to commute to Seaport Boston office
• ~8 years of experience in product development organizations. Minimum 5 years in a Program or Project management role. Experience with SaaS product development teams would be a plus
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to understand and contribute into technical discussions and decision making
• Demonstrated success influencing stakeholders without formal authority
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Deep experience with Agile software development practices
• Experience with tools such as JIRA, Confluence, Smartsheet preferred
• PMP or PMI training is a plus

For more information about PTC's comprehensive benefits and our AI usage, please visit our Careers Page (https://www.ptc.com/en/careers/united-states-careers). Applications will be accepted on an on-going basis until the opportunity is filled.

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