Engineering Project Manager

About the role

The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for leading customer programs from prototype through successful production launch. This position plays a key role in expanding manufacturing opportunities by delivering successful prototype and pilot builds that lead to long-term production programs.

Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California, starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and eventually assisting in the birth of the aerospace industry in Southern California. Today Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets.

Our Facility in Appleton, WI manufactures state-of-the-art circuit boards for Aerospace and Defense as well as Industrial and Medical Industries.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical partner for assigned customers throughout prototype, NPI, and production.
• Build trusted customer relationships by providing technical expertise, responsive communication, and practical manufacturing solutions.
• Support business growth by identifying opportunities to expand customer programs from prototype builds into long-term production.
• Collaborate with customers to provide design modification/inputs for DFx that enhances customer trust and value partnership.
• Collaborate with Program Management and Business Development to evaluate new opportunities, manufacturing feasibility, and customer requirements.
• Lead customer programs from design through prototype to production launch.
• Spearheads strategic initiatives that will drive future growth.
• Develop project plans, coordinate cross-functional activities, and manage schedules, risks, and customer expectations.
• Ensure prototype and NPI builds are executed efficiently and meet quality, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Foster collaboration across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Production, and Supply Chain to deliver successful customer outcomes.

Requirements

• Electronics manufacturing processes, including SMT, through-hole assembly, box build, cable assemblies, and functional testing.
• New Product Introduction (NPI) methodologies.
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
• Engineering Change Management (ECO/ECN).
• Production planning and manufacturing readiness.
• Strong project planning and execution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple prototype and NPI programs simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and customer relationship skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Technical understanding of electronics manufacturing processes.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Results-oriented with strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Electrical, Electronics, Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.

Five or more years of experience in electronics manufacturing required, with three years or more managing prototype and pilot builds through production launch preferred.

Minimum 7-10 years experience showing progression in production management, with supervisory experience.