Aerospace Project Manager

About Quartus Quartus Engineering Incorporated ( is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value. About Aerospace Project Management Department Development of custom optical systems for aerospace applications is a core business area for Quartus. Our work includes spaceborne, airborne, and ground-based systems for imaging, spectrography, lasercom, LiDAR, energy transfer, and other applications. Typical development processes start with mission objectives definition, progresses through all stages of design and analysis, and concludes with hardware build and test. Our clients are very diverse - from well-established large government organizations such as NASA to agile "new space" start-ups. We pride ourselves on our ability to find common language with diverse groups of people and to develop new advanced technical systems while meeting the budget and schedule that each particular program can sustain. Our team includes optical, opto‑mechanical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers working in a highly collaborative environment where communication and team ethics are key. What will you do? As a Technical Project Manager in our San Diego office, you will lead small to mid‑sizedengineering projects and may support larger programs as a deputy to a Program Manager. You will serve as the primary point of contact between Quartus and our clients, managing expectations while planning and executing projects from start to finish. Responsibilities include overseeing scope, schedule, and budget; delegating tasks and ensuring quality; mentoring junior team members; and applying strong technical expertise to drive complex, challenging work. Success in this role requires excellent communication, leadership, and time management skills in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. This is a dynamic position in which time management of yourself and your project team members is critical for success. Essential Job Functions: Project Execution Responsible for all phases of project(s) from conception through completion, including: Proposal/project planning Managing project performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are met Participate with engineering to establish engineering technical approach that aligns with project budget and schedule, typically including generation and maintenance of requirements verification/validation strategy and risk mitigation planning Planning project staffing Track labor, material, and expense costs against developed cost estimate baselines Manage bill of material suppliers and subcontractors based on project needs to mitigate impact of cost and schedule constraints Responsible for handling issues or nonconformances as they occur and reacting quickly towards resolution Communicate with client and manage their expectations Organize and lead internal and external weekly project status meetings May be a key technical contributor on project work. For example, perform engineering tasks such as design, analysis, hardware build and test, etc. Staff Leadership Deliver project performance feedback – both directly to engineers and to their respective managers Foster a collaborative and transparent work environment, encouraging effective communication and knowledge sharing across project teams and departments May be expected to mentor Project Administrators Sales Work with program managers, engineering, and sales to write effective proposals, which includes defining scope, estimating costs, generating a schedule, and defining technical content for a variety of contract vehicles Training and Continuous Improvement Process improvement: Champion a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating and enhancing program management methodologies, tools, and processes Location Position is based in San Diego with a hybrid schedule.* *The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment. What are we looking for? Required: BS in engineering field – Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Electrical or similar discipline 6+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Aerospace Optical Systems (preferred), Opto-Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Electrical or similar Experience managing a team of interdisciplinary engineers on technical development programs Including scope, budget and schedule management Strong aptitude for customer interaction and communication Demonstrated understanding of engineering fundamentals Demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to learn Must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident) Preferred: Experience with proposal development (lead or assisting) Compensation and Benefits Project Manager pay range: $104,190 - 160,000* *This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation. Referral eligibility: Tier 1 Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match. #J-18808-Ljbffr