Project Manager

Job Summary

ESAero utilizes a project team methodology to execute engineering contracts. Projects are managed by a combination of a Project Manager and a Lead Engineer. The Project Manager handles customer facing project administration and is responsible for driving project performance and results. The Lead Engineer has overall responsibility for all the technical aspects of each project.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Managing customer relationships and expectations, ensuring customer satisfaction
• Understanding contractual requirements and making sure they are met
• Developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Identifying risks to budget and schedule and orchestrating risk mitigation plans
• Reporting project status to external customer(s), the project team, and senior leadership
• Ensuring accurate project performance and projections
• Ensuring project tasking remains within agreed upon scope
• Initiating customer interaction to get contracts modified in the event of any changes to the contracted project scope
• Coeordinating any sub-contracting and/or outsourcing
• Developing Statements of Work (SOW), project plans, schedules and budgets
• Ensuring all regulatory and customer requirements are considered and executed in the project plan
• Defining deliverables and working with customers to finalize acceptance criteria
• Defining resource requirements and working with other ESAero management to secure the resources required for successful project execution
• Coordinating with Quality Assurance and the Chief Engineer to develop a quality plan for each project and ensure its execution
• Identifying and executing traceability requirements, inspection requirements, test requirements and FAI requirements
• Ensuring all quality requirements have been met prior to delivery
• Coordinating with the Manufacturing/Operations leads and the lead Engineer to identify and secure machine availability, machinist, assembly, material handling, and test personnel to support project deliverables and schedules
• Identifying and securing enough space and the appropriate equipment needed to support the project team
• Identifying any training requirements needed by the project team and/or manufacturing personnel in support of the project team, and ensuring the training is conducted timely

Required Qualifications and Skills

• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card
• Demonstrated experience in Project and/or Program Management
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, or a technical related field; Master's or MBA degree preferred
• Formal project management education or training
• 5-7+ years’ experience in any combination of the following areas: program management, project management, engineering, quality, contracts, operations, procurement and/or supplier management
• Excellent computer skills are a must, including a variety of software applications; experience with project management software like Microsoft Project tracking/scheduling software
• Expertise working with cross-functional teams
• Experience in aerospace program management is preferred
• Experience with financial forecasting
• Responsible for promoting actively an ethics-based business culture in his/her project team(s), ensuring that all associates are aware of, and fully comply with, ESAero’s “Code of Ethics,” and related policies

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail
• MRP/ERP experience
• Disciplined execution of processes and systems
• Familiar with ISO9001/AS9100
• Knowledge of ASTM workmanship standards
• Ability to read engineering drawings
• Knowledge of DFAR, TINA, ITAR

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.

Ideal Location

Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play

Company Overview

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA

Hiring Range

$140k - $180k Salary/Exempt