Head of Project Management

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. Project Managers at Ascent Aerospace manage a portfolio of capital equipment projects to build the world’s aircraft (airplanes, helicopters, rockets) for major aircraft OEMs 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.

This document in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position.

Performance, Cost & Schedule Management

The 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 Relationships

Building 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 projects with the customer.

Risk And Opportunities

The 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.

Understanding 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.

The 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. Any additional duties or occasional special assignments as reasonably assigned by management.

BS Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial), Construction Management, or Business with concentration in Project Management

5 years min experience in a Program / Project Management role

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).

Adaptable and capable of thriving in a fast‑paced environment with high‑impact, dynamic projects.

Must possess a Defense or Defense Secret of Security Clearance and maintain security clearance for the duration of employment.

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.

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 is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. 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

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Short- and Long‑Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Citizen, U.Permanent Resident (i.e. "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 local laws. If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please call toll‑free View phone number on click.appcast.io. This phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.