Technical Project Coordinator

HECO is looking for a Project Coordinator to manage multiple customer repair and equipment projects at our Kalamazoo service center. This is a hands-on position that combines project coordination, technical documentation, scheduling, materials management, customer communication, and shop-floor support. You’ll manage a portfolio of approximately 8–10 active projects at a time, keeping each job moving toward its key milestones and delivery dates. You’ll work closely with technicians on the shop floor, be present for important project steps and testing, and make sure the required documentation accurately reflects the work being performed. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys being hands-on and involved in the work, rather than managing projects entirely from a desk. You’ll collaborate across Manufacturing, Purchasing, Engineering, Shipping & Receiving, Customer Service, vendors, and customers to identify issues, solve problems, and keep projects on schedule. The current project portfolio is primarily focused on a large OEM customer, along with additional client projects and occasional equipment projects completed at other HECO service centers. What You’ll Do Project Coordination Manage multiple concurrent customer repair and equipment projects, typically 8–10 active jobs at a time. Track project milestones, schedules, and deliverables from start to finish. Identify projects at risk of falling behind schedule and take action to keep them moving. Coordinate equipment projects that may be performed at other HECO service centers. Monitor work-in-process and provide timely updates on project status. Review engineering and production specifications to identify required raw materials, components, and parts. Confirm material requirements, quantities, availability, and required delivery dates. Prepare and manage purchase orders for approved materials and components supporting active projects. Monitor material supply against project demand and evaluate inventory, usage, and lead times. Coordinate movement of materials between the shop, warehouse, and outside suppliers. Work with Purchasing and vendors to resolve material shortages and delivery issues. Scheduling & Project Execution Maintain control of open orders and associated project information in Traverse or the applicable ERP/MRP system. Schedule and expedite parts, materials, and work through vendors and internal production personnel. Monitor project progress and identify production issues that could affect milestone dates. Communicate work-in-process status, material availability, and potential delays to management. Coordinate resources and priorities to keep projects moving toward completion. Technical & Shop-Floor Coordination Spend significant time on the shop floor working directly with technicians on assigned projects. Be present for key repair steps, testing, inspections, and other critical project activities. Review customer and manufacturing drawings, prints, specifications, and quality documentation. Ensure work is performed according to customer-specific requirements and applicable specifications. Capture required documentation at the point of work so records accurately reflect what occurred on the shop floor. Read and interpret test data and technical documentation. Maintain HECO’s annual calibration schedule and ensure calibration and compliance records remain current. Communicate project requirements, material needs, schedules, and delivery expectations to vendors and subcontractors. Follow up on vendor commitments and delivery dates. Help resolve issues involving material shortages, engineering changes, production requirements, and delivery schedules. Escalate potential issues that could affect project timelines or customer commitments. Customer Communication Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customer projects. Provide project status updates based on project priority and customer requirements. Communicate regularly on high-priority projects, including daily updates when appropriate. Respond to customer questions and concerns regarding project status, schedules, and delays. Communicate changes and potential delays proactively while working toward solutions. Cross-Functional Coordination Work closely with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Engineering, Shipping & Receiving, and Customer Service to keep projects moving. Identify the appropriate internal resources needed to resolve project issues. Coordinate information, materials, and priorities across departments. Help bring off-track projects back on schedule through effective communication and problem-solving. Develop project status reports, flow charts, Gantt charts, and other tools to communicate project progress to operations management, planners, technicians, and customers. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Engineering, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 2+ years of experience in project coordination, field service, manufacturing operations, industrial services, or a related environment. Experience coordinating multiple projects, jobs, or customer work orders simultaneously. Experience working in a manufacturing, industrial, equipment repair, or technical environment preferred. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems required. Hands-on knowledge of electric motors, rotating equipment, or industrial equipment strongly preferred. Experience with Traverse or comparable ERP/MRP systems preferred. Strong project coordination, scheduling, organizational, and time-management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize competing deadlines. Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills. Ability to collect and analyze information, identify problems, and drive solutions across departments. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate project status effectively with technicians, team leaders, management, vendors, and customers. Ability to respond professionally to customer questions and concerns involving project timelines and delays. Ability to communicate project requirements, schedules, and deadlines to vendors and subcontractors. High attention to detail and strong documentation discipline. Comfortable working approximately 50% of the time on the shop floor alongside technicians. Ability to read and understand technical documentation, customer specifications, engineering drawings, and test data. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced industrial environment where priorities can change. What Makes This Role Different? This isn’t a traditional desk-based Project Coordinator position. You’ll be in the shop, working alongside technicians, following projects through the repair process, coordinating materials and resources, reviewing technical information, communicating with customers, and making sure the job stays on track. If you enjoy technical problem-solving, project coordination, working with people, and seeing a project through from start to finish, this could be a great opportunity to join HECO’s Kalamazoo team. #J-18808-Ljbffr