New Launch Project Manager

About the Role

Overall responsibility for leading New Product Launch (NPL) teams and ensuring that new products are launched on-time and within budget constraints, in compliance with AS 9001 and all PCB procedures and forms.

Responsibilities

• Promote teamwork, cooperation, and commitment to “Total Customer Satisfaction” among team members.
• Work with Engineering Management and Management Teams to qualify preselected Design Initiative proposals based on strategic fit, ROI, and availability of cross-functional resources.
• Identify resources required for new product launches, including capital equipment and human resources, and secure approval from the Management Team.
• Lead New Product Launch teams, collaborating with Department Managers, Management Team, and Executive Management to resolve resource issues and remove obstacles.
• Ensure new products are launched on time, meeting yield levels, cost targets, and initial stock quantities.
• Establish and maintain detailed project tracking plans and metrics for all approved Design Initiatives.
• Provide regular updates to the Management Team on the status of approved Design Initiatives, adjusting report frequency and content based on project stage, critical nature, or schedule risk.
• Oversee the creation, implementation, and continuous improvement of all PCB NPL procedures and metrics.
• Analyze trends and results with team members to determine root causes for deviations, developing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Proactively manage changes to project scope and communicate plan changes to all affected team members.
• Identify potential problem areas and devise contingency plans to mitigate risks.
• Coach, mentor, motivate, and lead project team members while managing project expectations.
• Influence individuals to take positive action and maintain accountability for their assigned work.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• BS in an Engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited institution; MS or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of new product development project management experience with a technical manufacturer, preferably involving electrical assembly/test, machining, and molding.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute.
• Superior, broad-based understanding of product design and manufacturing process technologies; advanced knowledge of modern project management tools and techniques.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software and project management software (Microsoft Project preferred).
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing techniques and Six-Sigma Tools (DMAIC process, Design for Six Sigma, Design of Experiments, and error-proofing).
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Good understanding of both electrical and mechanical design inputs.
• Strong consensus-building, crisis management, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional leadership qualities and ability to lead cross-functional teams with diverse backgrounds.
• Must be legally authorized to access controlled technology as defined in the Export Administration Regulations and International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Travel may be required as needed.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.