Program associate Jobs in Des Moines, IA

About Forged Fiber

At Forged Fiber, our mission is bold but simple: deliver fast, reliable, future-proof connectivity that builds the foundation for everything online. As we execute, we believe the right way to do something is the only way. This foundation guides how the company builds, operates, and maintains a state-of-the-art open-access fiber network platform that empowers millions.

Forged Fiber is about more than building a network. It is about people. Every role matters. Every contribution counts. Together, employees create impact through teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Network Implementation Program Manager to lead and manage end‑to‑end implementation of large-scale telecommunications projects. This role is responsible for ensuring the execution, accuracy, quality, and timely delivery of network deployment programs while working cross‑functionally with engineering, construction, vendors, and external partners.

The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail‑driven, organized, and proactive in identifying risks, resolving issues, and driving operational excellence across all phases of implementation.

The Main Responsibilities

Project & Milestone Management:

• Manage Major and Minor project milestones, ensuring real-time status accuracy, timely updates, and clear reporting.
• Track progress across multiple concurrent projects with a focus on 0–180-day forecasting and scheduling alignment.
• Drive project closeouts, validating deliverables and ensuring documentation completeness.

Risk Identification & Issue Resolution:

• Identify implementation risks in real time and assign ownership to appropriate teams.
• Develop mitigation plans and track actions to ensure timely resolution.
• Surface cross-functional gaps and escalate blockers with supporting data and analysis.

Quality Assurance & Deliverable Validation:

• Ensure all deliverables meet engineering, construction, and operational quality standards.
• Track and monitor project quality metrics, vendor performance, and SLA compliance.
• Validate accuracy and completeness of data submitted by vendors and internal/external partners.

Data, Reporting & Forecasting:

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date data across all systems and reporting tools.
• Forecast resource needs, timelines, and project outcomes for 0–180 days.
• Develop clear, concise reporting for leadership and stakeholders.

Process Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Identify process gaps and drive implementation of improvements across engineering, construction, and deployment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance workflows, handoffs, and SLAs.
• Adopt and promote continuous learning of engineering and construction processes, tools, SLAs, and handoff requirements.

What We Look For in a Candidate

Forged Fiber’s culture is built on honesty, respect, trust, transparency, and a growth mindset. We strive to treat people as they want to be treated, and to operate with consistency, integrity, customer obsession, and courage. We’re looking for top tier talent to join Forged Fiber that can help us bring this mindset to our everyday work and deliver meaningful results.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in telecommunications, network deployment, or related technical program management.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education and experience or 2-3 years with a Master's Degree.
• Strong understanding of wireless or wireline network design, engineering, and construction lifecycles.
• Proven success managing cross-functional implementation programs in fast-paced environments.
• Experience with milestone management, forecasting, vendor oversight, and project quality control.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and analytical skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and drive clear action plans.
• Proficient with project management tools, data dashboards, and reporting systems.

· Knowledgeable and able to work in appropriate systems and Microsoft Office

Preferred Skills

• Experience with large carriers, fiber deployments, wireless networks, or infrastructure providers.
• Knowledge of engineering SLAs, construction processes, and network activation workflows.
• Advanced Excel/Sheets, data visualization tools, or project tracking software.
• Strong vendor management and contract oversight experience.

Compensation

This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience and other relevant factors.

Location Based Pay Ranges:

$70,000-$116,000

Forged Fiber offers a comprehensive package featuring a broad range of Health, Life, Voluntary Lifestyle benefits and other perks that enhance your physical, mental, emotional and financial wellbeing.

What to Expect Next

Background Screening

If you are selected for a position, there will be a background screen, which may include checks for criminal records and/or motor vehicle reports and/or drug screening, depending on the position requirements.

Forged Fiber 37 Services, LLC participates in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Employers can only use E‑Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I‑9.

Equal Employment Opportunities

It is the policy of Forged Fiber to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, martial status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We do not tolerate unlawful discrimination in any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, compensation, promotion, benefits, discipline, termination, job assignments or training. In addition, Forged Fiber will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, and is a fair change employer and does not initiate a background check until after an offer is made.

© 2026 Forged Fiber 37 Services, LLC