IT Program Manager –SONET to Nokia SAR

Role Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled IT Program Manager to lead a high-priority critical infrastructure modernization program. In this role, you will oversee the accelerated 6-month deployment strategy, planning, and execution to replace legacy SONET multiplexers with Nokia SAR systems across dozens of utility sites. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in utility-grade telecom migrations, ensuring zero downtime for critical protection/control circuits while strictly adhering to public utility regulations and grid safety standards.
Core Responsibilities
1. Fast-Track Program Governance
• Drive an aggressive 6-month program schedule, tracking daily site/circuit migration velocities and critical paths.
• Manage resource allocation across internal technicians, network engineers, and Project Managers.
• Identify, mitigate, and track risks, specifically focusing on supply chain logistics and tight maintenance window constraints.
2. Utility Infrastructure & Technical Oversight
• Manage the multi-phased lifecycle of decommissioning legacy SONET rings while maintaining active grid teleprotection circuits.
• Ensure migration designs seamlessly support time-sensitive utility traffic (e.g., SCADA, teleprotection, differential relaying) over IP/MPLS.
• Partner with engineering to validate Nokia SAR configurations for strict timing/synchronization requirements.
3. Regulatory & Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure all network changes, asset tracking, and deployment processes comply fully with NERC CIP standards and utility regulations.
Required Qualifications
• Experience: 8+ years of IT/Telecom Program Management experience, with explicit experience managing projects within a Regulated Public Utility environment.
• Migration Expertise: Proven track record of leading fast-paced legacy-to-next-gen migrations (specifically SONET to IP/MPLS or Carrier Ethernet).
• Domain Knowledge: Solid understanding of utility-specific applications, including SCADA protocols, teleprotection, and substation communications.
• Technical Familiarity: Strong conceptual understanding of Nokia SAR hardware portfolios and Nokia NSP (Network Services Platform).
• Certifications: PMP (Project Management Professional) or PgMP certification required.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related technical field.
Preferred Core Competencies
• Deep familiarity with utility safety protocols and substation physical/cyber security regulations.
• Exceptional problem management skills to handle unexpected connectivity issues during tight, real-time utility maintenance windows.

Salary Range

• Please note that the salary information provided herein is base pay only (gross); it does not include other forms of compensation which may or may not apply to this specific position, namely, performance-based bonuses, benefits-related payments, or other general incentives - none of which are guaranteed, may be subject to specific eligibility requirements, and are wholly within the discretion of Astreya to remit.
• Further, the salary information noted above is a range that consists of a minimum and maximum rate of pay for this specific position. Where an applicant or employee is placed on this range will depend and be contingent on objective, documented work-related considerations like education, experience, certifications, licenses, preferred qualifications, among other factors.

Astreya offers comprehensive benefits to all Regular, Full-Time Employees, including:

• Medical provided through UHC (PPO, HSA, Surest options) / Medical provided through Kaiser (HMO option only) for California employees only

• Dental provided through UHC

• Nationwide Vision provided by UHC

• Flexible Spending Account for Health & Dependent Care

• Pre-Tax Account for Commuter Benefit/Parking & Transit (location-specific)

• Continuing Education and Professional Development via various integrated platforms, e.g. Udemy and Coursera

• Corporate Wellness Program provided by Goomi Group

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellness Days

  401k Plan

• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance

• Short Term & Long Term Disability

• Critical Illness, Critical Hospital, and Voluntary Accident Insurance

• Tuition Reimbursement (available 6 months after start date, capped)

• Paid Time Off (accrued and prorated, maximum of 120 hours annually)

• Paid Holidays

• Any other statutory leaves, paid time, or other ancillary benefits required under state and federal law