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University of Arizona · 4 months ago

Research Program Administration Manager, James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

5+ years exp

The University of Arizona’s Optical Engineering and Fabrication Facility is seeking a Research Program Administration Manager to lead and coordinate complex, multidisciplinary research initiatives. This role involves managing technical research projects, ensuring compliance with project requirements, budgets, and quality control standards, while also supporting business development initiatives to expand the College’s research funding.

EducationHigher EducationNon ProfitUniversities

No H1B

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Manage new and ongoing research projects from inception through completion, often overseeing multiple projects simultaneously

Track project resources, schedules, deliverables, and technical milestones

Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks (technical and management) through ongoing collaboration with PIs and project stakeholders

Manage project budgets, cost controls, forecasts, and generate earned value analyses

Review and negotiate change orders, amendments, and scope deviations directly with sponsors and coordinate with internal teams

Prepare and present project status updates, including progress reports, budget projections, risk assessments, and resource planning to PIs and research leadership

Review technical documentation, drawings, and purchasing requests to ensure project requirements are met

Facilitate project milestone reviews with internal and external stakeholders

Oversee compliance with system engineering standards, quality control, configuration management, and document control

Ensure research project activities align with sponsor technical requirements, University policies, and regulatory standards

Participate in responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and federal solicitations

Collaborate with PIs and cognizant engineers to prepare scopes of work, resource estimates, budget plans, facility descriptions, schedules, and work breakdown structures

Draft, review, and edit technical and business proposals to ensure clarity, consistency, and sponsor compliance

Support business development initiatives aimed at expanding the College’s research funding and project portfolio

Manage internal financial tracking, timesheet oversight, billing processes, and budget forecasting throughout project life cycles

Oversee asset and inventory management; ensure compliance with audit and University property policies

Supervise the activities of Project Coordinators, student workers, and other assigned support staff to ensure alignment with project timelines and goals

Support strategic administrative functions to maintain operational compliance with sponsor and University requirements

Qualification

Budget ManagementTechnical OversightRisk ManagementProject ManagementResearch AdministrationProposal WritingTeam LeadershipAnalytical SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsOrganizational Skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Optical Sciences, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Astronomy, Space Sciences, or related technical field

At least five (5) years of relevant project management or system engineering experience (three (3) years acceptable with an advanced degree such as MS or PhD), including two (2) years of managerial experience

Demonstrated experience managing technical or scientific projects, preferably within aerospace, defense, astronomy, or space sciences

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States (required by research sponsors such as DOD, NASA, DOE, and NSF)

Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy

Strong understanding of research-driven project management practices, including technical, financial, and compliance aspects

Technical literacy with the ability to oversee engineering workflows, quality controls, and configuration management

Expertise in budget management, forecasting, cost controls, and financial reporting

Ability to identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive risk resolution

Skilled in sponsor communication, including negotiation of contract changes and deliverables clarification

Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and supervisory skills, with the ability to mentor and manage support staff

Outstanding organizational, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities

Strong written and verbal communication skills with attention to clarity and detail

Ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently with minimal supervision

Preferred

Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a technical field

Experience working with federally sponsored projects (NASA, NSF, DOD, DOE) in areas such as technical project management, grant compliance, or research administration

PMP (Project Management Professional) certification or equivalent

Experience preparing federal research proposals and managing complex research grants or contracts

Experience in system engineering principles, quality assurance standards, and configuration control systems

Experience using project management tools like MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent software