Project Manager - Space and Fusion Energy Optics

Company Description Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. (AOS) delivers innovative optical solutions for high-technology applications across satellite imaging, optical communications, high energy lasers, and scientific research. The company designs and manufactures precision optics, including satellite telescopes and aspheric mirrors, and is a leader in bringing Silicon Carbide Optics to the commercial marketplace. AOS products support mission-critical systems in low Earth orbit satellites, industrial scanning equipment, and advanced laser research facilities worldwide. Team members collaborate with cutting-edge technologies and customers who demand high performance and reliability in optical systems. Position Summary The Technical Project Manager leads complex engineering and manufacturing programs from concept through delivery. This role manages cross-functional technical teams, creates and manages detailed schedules and budgets, and ensures that engineering objectives, quality standards, and customer requirements are fully achieved. The Project Manager serves as the primary interface between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and customers, ensuring technical performance, cost control, and schedule adherence throughout the project lifecycle. Key Responsibilities Define project scope, technical requirements, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with engineering leadership and customers Develop and maintain detailed project plans including engineering design phases, procurement, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, optical, electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, etc.) Manage design reviews (PDR, CDR), technical readiness reviews, and production readiness milestones Identify technical risks early and implement mitigation strategies Track cost performance, labor utilization, material expenditures, and forecast completion costs Ensure configuration control and proper documentation throughout development and production Oversee supplier performance, long-lead procurements, and subcontractor deliverables Lead customer communications, status reviews, and technical interchange meetings Support transition from development to production, including validation, qualification, and acceptance testing Drive continuous improvement in engineering execution and project management processes Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (Master’s, PhD degree preferred) Management training & experience 5+ years of experience managing technical or engineering projects in a manufacturing or product development environment Strong understanding of engineering design processes and product lifecycle management Experience with complex assemblies, precision systems, or high-performance hardware preferred Familiarity with quality systems (ISO, AS9100, or similar) Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, other) Strong technical aptitude with ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data Core Competencies Technical leadership and systems thinking Schedule development and critical path management Risk identification and mitigation planning Budget management and earned value tracking Cross-functional coordination Customer-facing communication Detail orientation in documentation and configuration control Ability to adapt plans, solve problems Performance Metrics On-time milestone completion Budget adherence and margin performance Technical performance against specification Risk reduction and issue resolution effectiveness #J-18808-Ljbffr Aperture Optical Sciences Inc.