We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead customer programs from quote through delivery within our contract manufacturing operations, spanning CNC machining, mechanical/electromechanical assembly, and system integration. This role serves as the primary point of contact for customers and the internal hub coordinating engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and scheduling to ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and to specification.
Requirements
Key Responsibilities- Own end-to-end project execution for customer programs, from contract award/PO through production, integration, testing, and shipment
- Serve as primary customer liaison - managing communication, expectations, technical clarifications, and change orders throughout the program lifecycle
- Develop and maintain project schedules across CNC machining, fabrication, assembly, and integration workflows, identifying critical path and coordinating with production planning/scheduling
- Coordinate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, procurement, and shop floor supervisors to resolve technical issues, material shortages, and scheduling conflicts
- Lead cross-functional teams by influencing engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and production personnel to achieve project objectives
- Manage project budgets, track costs against quotes, and flag scope changes or cost overruns; process change orders and pricing adjustments as needed
- Lead project kickoff meetings, design reviews, and regular status updates with both internal teams and customers
- Identify opportunities to expand customer relationships through exceptional service, proactive communication, and successful program execution
- Monitor work-in-process across machining, assembly, and integration stages to ensure on-time flow and identify bottlenecks
- Manage risk - proactively identifying schedule, quality, or supply chain, capacity, commercial risks while developing proactive mitigation plans
- Ensure deliverables meet customer specifications, drawings, and quality/compliance requirements (ISO 9001, AS9100, ITAR, etc. as applicable)
- Support new program launches/NPI (New Product Introduction), including quoting support, feasibility review, and production ramp planning
- Maintain accurate project documentation: schedules, budgets, action item logs, risk registers, and post-project/lessons-learned reviews
- Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce lead times, eliminate waste, and enhance customer satisfaction through continuous improvement initiatives
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5+ years of project management experience in a contract manufacturing, machining, or industrial assembly environment
- Working knowledge of CNC machining processes, mechanical/electromechanical assembly, system integration, production scheduling, and system integration workflows
- Strong understanding of manufacturing schedules, capacity planning, and work-order/ERP systems
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent customer programs and competing priorities
- Excellent customer-facing communication skills - comfortable presenting status, negotiating timelines, and managing expectations
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to drive issues to resolution across departments
- Prepare and present project status, risks, financial updates, and recovery plans to executive leadership when required
Preferred Qualifications- PMP certification or equivalent project management credential
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Epicor, JobBOSS, Global Shop, SAP)
- Familiarity with quality systems such as ISO 9001, AS9100, or ITAR-regulated environments
- Background in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing environments
- Experience supporting NPI and design-for-manufacturability (DFM) reviews
The ideal candidate combines strong project management experience with a solid understanding of precision manufacturing, machining, assembly, and customer relationship management. They are equally comfortable discussing engineering drawings with technical teams, reviewing production schedules with manufacturing leaders, presenting program updates to customers, and solving complex challenges through collaboration. They are organized, customer-focused, and committed to delivering quality products on time while continuously improving processes and building long-term customer partnerships.
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required. Management reserves the right to assign or modify duties and responsibilities as business needs dictate.
