Project Manager 2

ARA’s Prototype, Manufacturing and Integration (PMI) Division has an opening for a full-time, on-site Project Manager 2 in Madison, AL.

About the role

The Project Manager 2 provides on-site project management support and coordination for complex contracts, project tasks, or a business unit. You will manage Department of War (DoW) projects and assist Program Managers with scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables on dynamic R&D manufacturing initiatives. The role requires passing a national background check and obtaining (and maintaining) at least a SECRET clearance from the U.S. Department of War. U.S. citizenship is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple competing priorities, ensuring all project activities align with commitments, quality standards, and client schedules.
• Perform contract accounting, reporting, and administration, including billing, purchasing, and budget maintenance.
• Develop and track project schedules, annual fiscal plans, and monthly updates.
• Lead cross-functional teams, gather resource needs, monitor progress, and update action items.
• Review project documents and Statements of Work (SOW) to define deliverables and minimize scope creep.
• Assess impacts to budget and schedule; implement process improvements.
• Estimate materials, equipment, production costs, and delivery timelines.
• Apply hands-on project management in a manufacturing/industrial setting.
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, respirators, safety shoes, hearing protection, and hand protection.
• Perform physical tasks including pushing, pulling, standing for extended periods, reaching, grasping, bending, climbing, stooping, and lifting up to 50 lbs individually.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a technical or business field plus 5+ years of experience, or a degree waiver with 10+ years of recent, relevant DoW Project Management or industry acquisition work.
• 5+ years of project management or contract support for DoW or other scientific/technical programs, focusing on scope, cost, and schedule.
• 5+ years as a DoW contractor.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project).
• Technical understanding of prototyping, manufacturing processes, scheduling, planning, and process improvement.

Nice-to-haves

• Active/current SECRET clearance from the U.S. Department of War.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent.

Pay

$110,000 – $130,000 annually, based on experience as a specialized DoW Project Manager and relevant knowledge.