Manufacturing Project Manager

Manufacturing Project ManagerAscentec 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.Project Leadership & ExecutionOversee the planning, execution, and delivery of manufacturing technical projects, ensuring they meet established timeframes, specifications, and budgetsLead 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 projectsCoordinate and lead project meetings to ensure clear communication of project statuses, milestones, and expectations across all stakeholdersImplement project management best practices using tools like MS Project to track progress, manage resources, and report metricsFacilitate collaboration across functional teams to ensure alignment and efficient execution of project objectivesManufacturing Systems & Process ManagementDevelop product configurations and manufacturing methods utilizing Epicor ERP systemAnalyze technical drawings, design models, and sketches to determine dimensions and configuration related to shop processes, customer specifications, and machine capabilitiesWork directly with production personnel to resolve manufacturing challenges and implement process improvementsCoordinate with manufacturing engineering on tooling, fixtures, and process developmentManage the scope of projects, including overseeing the change request process through ECO/ECN proceduresRisk & Change ManagementIdentify, assess, and mitigate project risks proactively throughout project lifecycleManage engineering changes and their impact on production schedules, tooling, and materialsDevelop contingency plans and alternative approaches when technical or production challenges ariseTrack and report project risks, issues, and dependencies to stakeholdersRequired Qualifications:Education & Experience:Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related technical field) - RequiredMinimum 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 environmentDirect experience working on the shop floor and interfacing with production personnel, machinists, and quality techniciansManufacturing & 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 operationsExperience with ERP systems in manufacturing context - Epicor strongly preferred; SAP, Oracle, JDE, or other manufacturing ERP acceptableKnowledge of manufacturing BOMs, routing sheets, work instructions, and production documentationUnderstanding of quality systems and manufacturing standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar preferred)Familiarity with both agile and traditional project management methodologies applied to manufacturing projectsPreferred Qualifications:PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM certification - strongly preferredLean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certificationExperience in aerospace, defense, or ITAR-regulated manufacturing environmentsFamiliarity with APQP, PPAP, First Article Inspection (FAI), or similar quality processesExperience with manufacturing automation or advanced manufacturing technologiesPrevious experience with Epicor ERP systemBackground in CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, or precision assembly operationsCompensation/Benefits:$80,000 to $110,000 annual salary DOEPaid time off/Paid holidaysMedical/Dental/Vision InsuranceShort-term and long-term disability coverage401K with matching company fundsTuition ReimbursementApplicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.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.