Geospatial Software Program Manager

Topcon Positioning Group is headquartered in Livermore, California, USA (topconpositioning.com). We design, manufacture and distribute productivity tools for developing a brighter future. Whether cultivating the earth or building upon it, Topcon brings innovation in workflow automation and seamless connectivity of data to construction, geopositioning and agriculture industries focused on developing a sustainable tomorrow.

Topcon is a tech company committed to delivering innovative solutions and fostering an inclusive, respectful, and transparent workplace. We believe in equal opportunities and fair pay practices.

Learn more about working with us at topconcareers.com

We are looking for a qualified Software Program Manager for our Geospatial Software.

Job Purpose:

The Geospatial Software Program Manager is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and execution of complex, cross-functional software programs for geospatial and surveying solutions. The role drives end-to-end programs spanning optical and scanner hardware, desktop and mobile applications, GNSS positioning technologies, correction services, cloud platforms, and data management solutions. Working across Product Management, Software Engineering, Firmware, Cloud Infrastructure, Quality Assurance, UX, and Business teams, the Program Manager ensures alignment between business priorities, customer and market needs, technical constraints, and program objectives. Operating with a high degree of independence, the role coordinates multiple teams and workstreams across international organizations, manages program risks and dependencies, and provides the structure, visibility, and leadership required to deliver innovative solutions for survey and positioning markets.

Program Planning & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end software programs for geospatial and surveying solutions, defining scope, objectives, milestones, deliverables, schedules, and success criteria.
• Drive planning and execution of software releases, monitor progress, and ensure timely delivery against business priorities and commitments.
• Coordinate multiple parallel workstreams across Software, Firmware, Cloud, Product Management, QA, UX, and related engineering functions.
• Apply appropriate Agile/Scrum program management practices and maintain effective program governance, documentation, schedules, and communication plans.

Cross-Functional Integration & Technical Coordination 

• Coordinate dependencies and integration across geospatial software products, cloud platforms, correction services, GNSS technologies, receiver technologies, and optical/scanner hardware.
• Work with technical teams to align software architecture, development activities, interfaces, and integration requirements across products and platforms.
• Translate customer requirements, market needs, and technical constraints into coordinated program priorities and execution plans.
• Facilitate cross-functional decisions and resolve complex dependencies across development teams and external stakeholders.

Risk, Resource & Program Governance

• Identify and manage program risks, issues, dependencies, and constraints, developing mitigation and contingency plans as required.
• Support resource allocation and capacity decisions across multiple teams and concurrent initiatives.
• Facilitate regular program reviews, status reporting, executive updates, and escalation of critical issues with clear options and recommendations.
• Ensure program execution remains aligned with scope, schedule, quality, resources, and business objectives.

Stakeholder & Global Team Leadership

• Build alignment across Product Management, Engineering, Business, and other key stakeholders throughout the program lifecycle.
• Coordinate globally distributed teams across Europe, North America, Asia, and other relevant locations.
• Influence teams and stakeholders without direct authority, balancing competing business and technical priorities.

• Provide work direction and facilitate accountability, collaboration, and effective decision-making across multidisciplinary teams.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Improve software development and program management processes and promote Agile and engineering best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve delivery predictability, cross-team collaboration, program governance, and execution effectiveness.
• Contribute to the evolution of program management practices, standards, and tools

Minimum Requirements for Job:

Education & Qualifications

(required education, preferred education, additional qualifications that would be considered a plus)

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Geomatics, Geodesy, GIS, Surveying, or a related field.

• Plus: Project/Agile certifications (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, PMI-ACP, CSM, SAFe) and/or relevant cloud or geospatial technology certifications.

Technical & Professional Requirements (relevant years of experience, functional expertise, technical knowledge, industry experience, geographic or market experience, experience working with specific customers, products, or technologies)

•  7+ years of experience in technical project or program management, including 3+ years leading cross-functional software programs.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, multi-stakeholder software programs and multiple parallel initiatives within multinational engineering organizations.
• Strong understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC), Agile/Scrum methodologies, software architecture, and modern development practices.
• Experience with cloud-based software platforms and project/program management tools such as Jira, Azure DevOps, or equivalent.
• Experience coordinating complex software ecosystems involving multiple products, platforms, development teams, and technical dependencies.
• Experience in geospatial, GIS, surveying, construction technology, precision agriculture, or GNSS-related industries is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively across global organizations and intermediate or higher English proficiency.

Strategic Competencies (Soft Skills and Leadership Skills)

• Complex Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking – analyzes complex program, technical, and organizational challenges and translates them into clear, actionable solutions.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management – communicates effectively across technical, business, and leadership audiences and maintains alignment among multiple stakeholders.
• Organization & Prioritization – effectively manages multiple parallel initiatives, dependencies, priorities, and commitments.
• Collaboration & Adaptability – works effectively across functions, cultures, and geographies in changing and complex environments.
• Business & Technical Acumen – balances business priorities, customer and market needs, and technical constraints when evaluating program decisions.
• Cross-Functional Leadership & Influence – leads multidisciplinary programs and drives alignment and execution without relying on formal authority.
• Program Decision & Risk Leadership – anticipates risks, evaluates dependencies and trade-offs, and facilitates timely decisions and escalation.
• Strategic Alignment – connects program execution, product roadmaps, and technical decisions with broader business and engineering objectives.
• Accountability & Team Enablement – establishes clear ownership, promotes accountability, and enables effective collaboration across multiple teams.
• Global Program Leadership – builds alignment and drives execution across internationally distributed engineering and business organizations.

Working Conditions

• We offer flexibility in how and where you work, including both remote and hybrid options.

• To support collaboration and team connection, we ideally seek candidates who can travel to our Concordia office regularly, even if not on a daily basis.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package: within €55,000 - €65,000 gross annual salary, based on skills and experience, plus a variable bonus tied to both individual and company performance.

• Meal vouchers, flexible working arrangements, ongoing learning opportunities, and the chance to collaborate on global projects with teams around the world.

Topcon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, or other legally protected status.