Senior Project Manager

Project ManagerAscent 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.Project Managers at Ascent Aerospace manage a portfolio of capital equipment projects to build the world's aircraft (airplanes, helicopters, rockets) for major aircraft OEM's and their sub-tier suppliers. Typical projects include design, build and installation of mold tooling for fabricating composite parts, assembly jigs & fixtures, work platforms, automation (such as auto drill / rivet machines), up to and including full assembly line design and build for the aircraft.Essential FunctionsThe primary role of the Project Manager (PM) is to manage the interrelated criteria of performance, cost, and schedule throughout the design and build process. This ensures that the project stays within the contractual boundaries. In response to customer requests for schedule improvements or technical changes, the PM must collaborate with internal teams to develop solutions. They are responsible for maintaining an Integrated Master Schedule using MS Project. The PM takes ownership of assigned projects and is accountable for meeting customer and internal commitments related to scheduled, cost, customer requests, and profit. This is achieved through effective collaboration with internal teams to execute project requirements.Customer RelationshipsBuilding and maintaining external and internal customer relationships is a fundamental aspect of the PM's role. The PM is expected to establish trust and confidence with customers through proactive and appropriate communication at various levels, using multiple communication channels, including project status updates and issue presentations. The successful candidate can manage difficult situations with integrity and honesty while representing the Ascent Team. They contribute to growing market share by leveraging their performance on existing project with the customer.Risk and OpportunitiesThe PM is responsible for tracking and effectively communicating risks and opportunities on projects. They collaborate with internal and external teams to develop strategies for mitigating risks and capitalizing on opportunities to enhance schedule and profitability. The PM conducts variance analysis with support from the Finance team.Change ControlUnderstanding customer requirements and distinguishing between needs and wants is critical. The PM manages changes in scope by working with appropriate team members. This process includes recognizing changes, preparing change requests, submitting them, and capturing the associated cost and schedule impacts in compliance with the contract. The goal is to generate additional profit for Ascent while meeting customer needs. Key points of control are during the proposal phase, contract acceptance phase, kick-off, and design phase. The PM negotiates with the customer to finalize changes and capture value for Ascent.LeadershipThe PM plays a leadership role in a matrix organization, leading project, and shared resource operation teams to achieve program and organizational goals. They facilitate communication, organization, motivation, and inspiration within internal teams to meet project objectives. Individual accountability is ensured through clear actions and expectations. The PM promotes collaboration through well-organized and purposeful meetings and builds and maintains high levels of trust through strong teamwork, empathy, and transparency. Depending on their level within the organization, they may also oversee other PMs or team members.Any additional duties or occasional special assignments as reasonably assigned by management.Required Skills, Education, and ExperienceAny combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:BS Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial), Construction Management, or Business with concentration in Project Management5 years min experience in a Program / Project Management roleStrong verbal & written communication skills. Excellent presentation skills for simplifying complex issues and status.Ability to read blueprints / CAD models and a basic understanding of GD&T principles.Ability to understand a P&L statement and principles of cash management applied to a project, and strong Excel spreadsheet skills for analysis.Ability to favorably negotiate disputes (financial, contractual, technical) while maintaining positive relationships.Proficient with Microsoft Project and other platforms within Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).Ability to understand the basics of contracts and establishing compliance matrices.Exceptionally organized and details oriented.Adaptable and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment with high-impact, dynamic projects.Must be willing and able to obtain a Department of Defense Secret Security ClearanceThis position must meet Export Control Compliance requirements, therefore a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required. For further details as to how a "U.S. Person" is determined, please see SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS below!Preferred QualificationsPMP CertificationTravel RequirementsMay 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 ConditionsTypically sits for extended periods at a computer workstationMay access and work in the manufacturing plantWhile performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particlesThe employee may be exposed to vibrationThe employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderateMay be required to travel to other site locations during the work dayMay be required to work weekends to meet department and business demandsWork with safe manufacturing processes and understand that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area.Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing areaPhysical DemandsThe 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.Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms.Must be able to frequently walk and stand for short periods of timeMust be able to lift and move up to 35lbs, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs.BenefitsMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceShort- and Long-Term Disability InsuranceLife InsuranceAD&D InsurancePTO401k MatchSpecial RequirementsEmployment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder').Ascent Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and