NIAR Project Operations Manager

Department: National Institute for Aviation Research Campus Location: Hire Type: Full Time Pay: Commensurate with experience Export Compliance Requirement: This position requires accessto EAR or ITAR controlled technologies. Applicants are required tobe eligible for employment under U.S. export control laws and mustmeet the requirement of being a “U.S. Citizen”. Job Information NIAR is seeking a detail‑driven and highly organized ProjectOperations Manager to support the successful planning, execution,and financial oversight of laboratory projects and grant‑fundedinitiatives. This role serves as a central operationalpartner—working closely with project teams, leadership, finance,and contracts—to ensure projects stay on track, align with approvedscopes, meet sponsor expectations, and maintain compliance withinternal and external requirements. The ideal candidate bringsstrong project management experience, a commitment to operationalexcellence, and the ability to navigate complex workflows tosupport NIAR’s mission and research programs. Job Summary Performs project management in the laboratory to ensure effectiveexecution, financial stewardship, and operational discipline ofprograms and projects. This role provides centralized oversight ofproject management activities, grant-funded work, and associatedfinancial tracking to ensure compliance, timely execution, andaccurate billing. Serves as a key operational partner toleadership, project leads, finance, and/or contracts, helpingprotect the organization from risk while enabling growth,continuous improvement, and successful delivery of customer andsponsor commitments. Essential Functions Provides operational oversight for laboratory projects, includinggrant-funded and contract work. Supports project planning,schedules, milestones, deliverable tracking, monitoring projectstatus, and identifying risks, issues and resourceconstraints. Manages laboratory activities related to the projects, includingtracking funding, budgets, and allowable expenditures, andmonitoring burn rates and funding availability. Coordinates with project teams to ensure work performed algins withapproved scopes of work. Works closely with internal and/or external partners to ensureaccurate and timely invoices. Supports reconciliation of projectbudgets, expenditures and revenue, and identifies potentialfinancial risks. Evaluates program effectiveness by collecting and analyzing data insupport of key performance metrics Ensures that activities are in compliance with policies, laws, andregulatory agencies. Maintains records and documentation; coordinates with and providesreports and updates to internal and external resources andstakeholders. Required Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent Seven (7) years of of related project management experience; Every30 hours of related college coursework can be substituted for one(1) year of experience (maximum of four (4) years). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Project management principles and workflow coordination Budgeting, financial tracking, and grant/contractrequirements Compliance standards, policies, and sponsor guidelines Basic data tracking and performance measurement methods Strong organization and multitasking Risk identification and problem‑solving Financial monitoring and budget reconciliation Clear written and verbal communication Proficiency with project management and tracking tools Work effectively with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders Maintain alignment with scopes of work and sponsorexpectations Ensure compliance while supporting efficient operations Analyze data to inform decisions and improvements Manage documentation and produce timely reports Physical Requirements Ability to remain in a stationary position. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment. Ability to communicate with others and accurately exchangeinformation. Ability to interpret effectively, accurately and impartially, bothreceptively and expressively. #J-18808-Ljbffr