Project Manager

Project Manager

Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!

Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our customers to develop their project and see it through, from process engineering to build and installation, to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base.

Summary Of Position

The Project Manager is responsible for leading development programs within a medium-sized manufacturing environment. This role has full accountability for program execution, including budget, schedule, quality, and customer relationship. The position requires a highly proactive, hands-on individual who engages deeply in program details to ensure team commitments and contractual requirements are met.

The role operates at both strategic and tactical levels, coordinating cross-functional teams and enforcing accountability while establishing and maintaining strong, professional customer relationships.

Essential Functions

• Manage development programs and customer contracts from award through completion, with full accountability for cost, schedule, quality, and delivery
• Serve as the primary customer interface and represent the Voice of the Customer across internal functional teams
• Develop, maintain, and execute integrated program schedules using MS Project
• Plan, track, and forecast program financials, risks, and performance metrics using Excel
• Lead cross-functional teams in a matrix organization; hold teams accountable to technical, cost, and schedule commitments
• Identify program risks and issues proactively and drive corrective actions to timely closure
• Ensure program compliance with applicable commercial, defense, and government standards and specifications
• Manage change control, including scope changes, contract modifications, RFQs, and customer-driven requests; assess and communicate cost, margin, and schedule impacts
• Oversee preparation, approval, and distribution of program documentation, reports, and customer communications using Word and PowerPoint
• Coordinate and lead customer visits, program reviews, and internal or external status requests related to program performance and financial health
• Interface directly with internal departments, suppliers, and vendors to support program objectives
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program execution efficiency and operational performance

Required Skills, Education, & Experience

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications include:

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing development programs and/or projects in a small to medium manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, schedules, quality, contracts, and customer relationships
• Direct customer-facing experience in a program management, project management or engineering role
• Strong understanding of program financials, including cost estimating, scope management, cost of goods sold (COGS), and gross margin tracking
• Proficiency in MS Project software for development and management of detailed program schedules
• Above-average proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tracking, analysis, forecasting, and reporting
• Proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint for internal and customer-facing documentation and presentations
• Ability to work hands-on, manage program details, and drive cross-functional teams to meet commitments
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Manufacturing & Technical Experience

• Experience in a manufacturing environment; made-to-order or fabrication experience is a plus
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and related technical documentation
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, including welding, machining, bonding, and mechanical fastening is a plus
• Familiarity with shop-floor operations and ability to communicate effectively with a direct labor workforce at all levels
• Experience with tooling fabrication and serving as a liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal teams preferred

Regulatory Requirements

• Must be familiar with Export Control compliance requirements, be a U.S. Citizen, and be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance. An active Secret clearance is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Visual Basic / VBA, particularly for Excel automation or reporting
• Bachelor's degree is required. Technical or engineering background is a plus
• Experience with contract change management, cost control, and scope management
• Familiarity with manufacturing, product development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to listen effectively and present information clearly
• Proven interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to build productive working relationships
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
• High level of integrity and ethical conduct, with demonstrated respect for confidential information
• Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail

Desired Traits

• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for program outcomes
• Results-driven mindset; comfortable challenging assumptions, escalating issues when necessary, and driving decisions to closure
• Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain focus on overall program objectives, priorities, and business impact
• Effective collaborator who works well across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, and customer organizations
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence without direct authority in a matrix environment
• Decisive and adaptable; able to balance competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Proactive problem-solver who anticipates issues and takes action before they impact program performance
• Professional, customer-focused demeanor with the ability to build trust and credibility

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP Certification

Travel Requirements

• May be required to travel to other site locations during the workday and would primarily be local during the business day. However, some projects may require overnight stays as well as out-of-the-area travel paid for by the business to customer and vendor sites.

Working Conditions

Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job.

• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation
• May access and work in the manufacturing plant
• While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles
• The employee may be exposed to vibration
• The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• May be required to travel to other site locations during the work day
• May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands
• Work with safe manufacturing processes and understand that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area.
• Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

• Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl