Junior Project Manager

Carlson Tool & Manufacturing is hiring a Junior Project Manager to join our team onsite at our West Plant in Cedarburg, WI!

We’re looking for a quality-driven team player to support our Tooling Division in daily project activities and manage smaller component build assignments, with hands-on exposure to all phases of mold build and component project execution including scheduling, coordination, customer communication, cost awareness, and cross-functional collaboration.This position is intended to support the Project Management team while building the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for future advancement into a Project Manager role.

Carlson Tool and Manufacturing's West Plant designs and manufactures Plastic Injection Molds for a variety of industries. Our services include design, build, product modeling/development, and reverse engineering services to support the Consumer goods, Packaging, and Automotive markets.

Starting pay ranges from $32 - $36/hr depending on experience, with generous perks and benefits including:

• Weekly pay
• Relocation Assistance for qualified candidates
• Full Health Care Coverage including Dental & Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA)with employer contributions
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• PTO & Paid Holidays
• Gainsharing Bonus Program
• Self-Directed 401(k)with 3% Company Match
• Referral Bonuses
• Company-provided PPE  including prescription safety glasses & safety-toe shoe reimbursement
• Company-provided inspection equipment
• Family-Owned Environment  with Company lunches, Milestone recognitions, Cookouts and Holiday Parties

And did we mention perks like our on-site  Carlson Recreational Center ? Think weightlifting, cardio, a golf simulator, pickleball court, and more — open to employees and their families.

What You'll Bring to the Table:

• 5+ years of experience in plastic injection mold building, toolmaking, or a related manufacturing environment.
• Strong working knowledge of tool making processes, including design review, machining, EDM, assembly, and sampling.
• Proficient in using CAD viewers to review mold designs and engineering changes.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or apprenticeship preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., M2M, NCR) preferred.

A Day in the Life:

• Project Planning & Control

  • Assist Project Managers in developing, maintaining, and updating project plans for plastic injection mold builds, rebuilds, and component projects
  • Support scheduling activities for design, machining, assembly, sampling, purchased components, and final approval milestones
  • Manage assigned smaller-scale component build projects or portions of larger mold builds
  • Monitor daily project activity and follow up on open items
  • Prepare project status updates, action item lists, and reports

• Scope, Budget & Change Management

  • Evaluate and communicate the impact of design changes, product changes, and scope adjustments on cost, timing, and mold performance
  • Manage scope changes through formal change order processes
  • Monitor project costs and resource utilization 
  • Identify project risks related to material availability or capacity constraints, and implement mitigation plans

• Communication & Customer Interface

  • Communicate project progress, milestones, risks, and delivery expectations to customers and internal stakeholders
  • Proactively address customer concerns related to mold functionality, sampling results, and delivery timelines
  • Continually seek opportunities to improve customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships

• Resource & Vendor Management

  • Evaluate and plan around required skill sets, machine capacity, and labor resources for each mold build
  • Coordinate internal departments including Sales, Design, CNC Machining, Toolmaker, and Quality and Sampling
  • Manage external suppliers and subcontractors to ensure quality, cost, and on-time delivery

• Quality, Compliance & Process Improvement

  • Help ensure projects follow customer specifications, drawings, and internal quality requirements
  • Maintain project records and documentation in compliance with company procedures and ISO standards
  • Support mold trials, sampling activities, and validation processes
  • Identify opportunities to improve project tracking, communication flow, and execution efficiency
  • Learn and apply company project management standards and best practices in preparation for advancement into a full Project Manager role

Ready to Join a Team That Values You?
At Carlson, we believe great people build great things — and we’d love for you to be one of them. Apply today and discover what it’s like to work for a company where your hard work is valued, and your contributions are celebrated.

Carlson Tool & Manufacturing Corp. is an ISO certified and ITAR registered manufacturing company serving customers with engineering, tooling, drilling, and machining services.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) including disability/veteran.

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