Program Manager
Program Managers are responsible for controlling the design and specification of software. They gather requirements, figure out what the product is supposed to do, and write the specification. The program manager also needs to coordinate documentation and testing. They work with programmers who implement the design outlined in the specification and testers who check the program for bugs and functionality.
Responsibilities
Design
The Program Manager gathers feature requirements from customers, partner vendors, and co-workers. They separate feature requirements into logical divisions, research design solutions, and model the product architecture. They partner with developers to review solution options and continue the design to the interface specification level.
Documentation
The Program Manager records feature requirements and design solutions in an online Wiki. They are responsible for updating the documentation as requirements and solutions evolve. They also consult with personnel responsible for writing help files, training manuals, and customer Request For Proposals (RFPs).
Testing
The Program Manager consults with developers and testers to create test scenarios. They assign projects to System Administration to create test environments and schedule testing and debugging iterations.
Operations
The Program Manager handles operational details related to program development. This includes creating and updating production schedules, reporting production progress to the project manager, and arbitrating developer meetings.
Requirements
Education
Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. Preference given to software and manufacturing engineers, or any other discipline with a focus on analysis and process flow.
Experience
Demonstrated skill in written communication and abstract modeling. Strong technical background with experience modeling software or other real world processes. Good organizational and diplomacy skills.