Project Manager
Summary Of Position
Project Managers at Ascent Aerospace manage a portfolio of capital equipment projects to build the world's aircraft (airplanes, helicopters, rockets) for major aircraft OEM's 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.
Essential Functions
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.
Change Control: 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.
Leadership: 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. Individual accountability is ensured through clear actions and expectations. The PM promotes collaboration through well-organized and purposeful meetings and builds and maintains high levels of trust through strong teamwork, empathy, and transparency. Depending on their level within the organization, they may also oversee other PMs or team members. Any additional duties or occasional special assignments as reasonably assigned by management.
Required Skills, Education, And Experience
BS Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing Technology, Industrial), Construction Management, or Business with concentration in Project Management
5 years minimum experience in a Program / Project Management role
Strong verbal & written communication skills
Excellent presentation skills for simplifying complex issues and status
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)
Ability to understand the basics of contracts and establishing compliance matrices
Exceptionally organized and details oriented
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
Special Requirements
This position must meet Export Control Compliance requirements, therefore a "U.S. Person" as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required.
For further details as to how a “U.S. Person” is determined, please see SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS below!