Engineering Project Manager

About the role

This role partners with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, and Business Development teams to define, plan, and execute programs that enhance products, processes, and organizational capabilities. The Engineering Project Manager leads cross-functional projects focused on internal process improvements, capability development, and R&D initiatives, ensuring projects are executed efficiently, deliver measurable improvements, and align with company strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cross-functional projects from concept through implementation, including pilot, validation, and deployment.
• Establish clear project goals aligned with business and engineering strategies; provide leadership in ambiguity.
• Define project scope, objectives, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Track progress against milestones and ensure timely completion of deliverables.
• Identify risks, constraints, and dependencies; implement mitigation strategies.
• Apply structured project management methodologies (stage-gate, agile, etc.).
• Coordinate early-stage research, feasibility studies, and technology development efforts.
• Facilitate design iterations, testing, and validation activities; support transition of R&D efforts into production-ready processes or products.
• Ensure documentation of technical learnings, design decisions, and lessons learned.
• Lead initiatives to improve product design, manufacturing processes, engineering workflows, and operational efficiency using data-driven approaches (Lean, Six Sigma, root cause analysis).
• Establish metrics to measure impact (cost, quality, throughput, cycle time).
• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to facilitate communication, alignment, and accountability.
• Remove barriers and resolve conflicts to maintain project momentum.
• Ensure all project activities comply with applicable industry standards and internal quality systems (e.g., AS9100).
• Support development and implementation of robust validation and verification plans; maintain accurate and auditable project documentation.
• Communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to stakeholders and leadership; align expectations across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Analyze project performance and execution effectiveness; capture and implement lessons learned and best practices.
• Contribute to improving project management processes, tools, and standards.
• Follow all safety policies and report hazardous conditions; maintain organized and compliant work environments.
• Work independently with minimal supervision; demonstrate initiative and accountability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, or related field).
• 3–7 years of experience in project engineering, project management, or technical program management in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience with R&D projects and/or internal process improvement initiatives strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to manage complex, cross-functional technical projects.
• Strong understanding of engineering development processes and manufacturing environments.
• Experience in continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Aras, or equivalent).
• Ability to operate effectively in dynamic, fast-changing, and ambiguous environments.
• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Strong analytical decision-making and critical thinking skills.
• PMP certification or equivalent is a plus.

Physical Demands

The work is primarily sedentary, although there may be some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 35 pounds. Regularly required to sit or stand for the length of shift, bend, and reach.