Manufacturing Project Manager

Description:

Ascentec Engineering is a rapidly growing precision manufacturing company specializing in high-quality products for world-class customers in aerospace, defense, and advanced technology markets. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer focus, employee growth, trust & integrity, operational excellence, and acting like an owner.

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Project Manager to lead technical projects, new product introductions, and manufacturing system implementations. This role requires a unique blend of project management expertise and hands-on manufacturing/engineering knowledge to successfully coordinate complex projects in our precision production environment.

This is a hands-on technical role requiring shop floor presence and direct interaction with production teams, engineering, and quality personnel.

You will manage projects ranging from new product launches to capital equipment installations, working in both office and production environments.

This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) and not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship.

Requirements:

Project Leadership & Execution:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of manufacturing technical projects, ensuring they meet established timeframes, specifications, and budgets
• Lead new product introduction (NPI) projects from design review through production launch, coordinating cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, production)
• Manage capital equipment and manufacturing system implementation projects
• Coordinate and lead project meetings to ensure clear communication of project statuses, milestones, and expectations across all stakeholders
• Implement project management best practices using tools like MS Project to track progress, manage resources, and report metrics
• Facilitate collaboration across functional teams to ensure alignment and efficient execution of project objectives

Manufacturing Systems & Process Management:

• Develop product configurations and manufacturing methods utilizing Epicor ERP system
• Analyze technical drawings, design models, and sketches to determine dimensions and configuration related to shop processes, customer specifications, and machine capabilities
• Work directly with production personnel to resolve manufacturing challenges and implement process improvements
• Coordinate with manufacturing engineering on tooling, fixtures, and process development
• Manage the scope of projects, including overseeing the change request process through ECO/ECN procedures

Risk & Change Management:

• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks proactively throughout project lifecycle
• Manage engineering changes and their impact on production schedules, tooling, and materials
• Develop contingency plans and alternative approaches when technical or production challenges arise
• Track and report project risks, issues, and dependencies to stakeholders

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related technical field) - Required
• Minimum 3 years of project management experience in precision manufacturing of physical technical products - specifically managing projects in production environments (not software/IT projects)
• Proven track record of managing projects with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment
• Direct experience working on the shop floor and interfacing with production personnel, machinists, and quality technicians

Manufacturing & Technical Skills (Critical):

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications including dimensions, tolerances, and geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)
• Hands-on understanding of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, fabrication, assembly, or similar production operations
• Experience with ERP systems in manufacturing context - Epicor strongly preferred; SAP, Oracle, JDE, or other manufacturing ERP acceptable
• Knowledge of manufacturing BOMs, routing sheets, work instructions, and production documentation
• Understanding of quality systems and manufacturing standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar preferred)
• Familiarity with both agile and traditional project management methodologies applied to manufacturing projects

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM certification - strongly preferred
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or ITAR-regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, First Article Inspection (FAI), or similar quality processes
• Experience with manufacturing automation or advanced manufacturing technologies
• Previous experience with Epicor ERP system
• Background in CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, or precision assembly operations

Compensation/Benefits:

• $80,000 to $110,000 annual salary DOE
• Paid time off/Paid holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401K with matching company funds
• Tuition Reimbursement
  

Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.