Project Manager

About the Company

We are a highly specialized manufacturing organization focused on producing large, complex, high-precision components and tooling for aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial applications. Our capabilities include advanced multi-axis CNC machining, welding and fabrication, reverse engineering, laser tracking metrology, and 3D modeling. The company supports mission-critical programs for leading aerospace and defense OEMs and suppliers, delivering large-scale tooling, weldments, precision machined components, and custom assemblies that require extremely tight tolerances and advanced manufacturing processes. This is an opportunity to join a technically advanced manufacturing environment supporting complex aerospace and industrial projects.

Position Overview

We are seeking a technically strong Project Manager to lead the execution of complex manufacturing and tooling projects from kickoff through final delivery. This role is responsible for coordinating cross-functional teams across engineering, machining, welding, quality, and purchasing to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and in accordance with customer specifications. This is a highly technical, hands-on role requiring direct involvement with manufacturing processes, CAD models, technical drawings, and shop floor operations. The ideal candidate has a strong background in machining, fabrication, or manufacturing engineering and is comfortable working closely with machinists, welders, inspectors, and engineers in a fast-paced, build-to-print manufacturing environment.

Why join us?

• Work on advanced aerospace and defense manufacturing projects
• Highly technical, hands-on environment
• Exposure to complex, large-scale tooling and precision manufacturing
• Collaborative environment with experienced engineers and machinists
• Competitive compensation and growth opportunities

Project Execution & Ownership

• Manage full lifecycle of manufacturing projects, from order release through shipment and invoicing
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules using ERP/MRP systems and project management tools
• Create and manage work orders, routers, and manufacturing plans within the GSS MRP system
• Track project progress, labor hours, material costs, and overall project financial performance
• Ensure projects meet schedule, quality, and margin objectives

Technical Coordination & Manufacturing Support

• Interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, GD&T, and 3D models to support manufacturing execution
• Work directly with machinists, welders, inspectors, and production leadership to ensure technical clarity and manufacturability
• Review and refine rough 3D models to support manufacturing workflows and reduce reliance on engineering resources
• Help define manufacturing sequences, tolerances, inspection requirements, and build strategies
• Support troubleshooting and resolution of technical or manufacturing issues

CAD and 3D Modeling Support

• Utilize 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) to review, modify, and refine models for manufacturing readiness
• Assist in preparing manufacturing models from customer data, reverse engineering, or rough geometry
• Ensure models are usable for machining, fabrication, and inspection processes
• Bridge the gap between engineering intent and shop floor execution

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

• Coordinate daily with: Machinists and CNC programmers, Welding and fabrication teams, Quality and inspection teams, Purchasing and supply chain, Production and scheduling teams
• Facilitate project kickoff meetings and ongoing production coordination
• Ensure smooth progression of projects across departments

Customer Communication

• Serve as primary point of contact for customers throughout project execution
• Provide regular status updates, schedule tracking, and delivery coordination
• Support scope changes, technical clarifications, and customer requirements

ERP / MRP and Cost Management

• Utilize GSS MRP system to manage: Work orders, Material requirements, Labor tracking, Project cost tracking
• Support invoice preparation and project financial reconciliation
• Monitor project profitability and cost performance

Required Qualifications

Technical Background

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing, machining, fabrication, or mechanical engineering environments
• 2+ years of project management experience in manufacturing or industrial environments
• Strong experience interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and GD&T
• Hands-on experience working with CNC machining, fabrication, or heavy manufacturing processes

CAD / Modeling Experience (Strongly Preferred)

• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software
• Ability to review, modify, and prepare 3D models for manufacturing
• Experience working with rough models, reverse engineering, or build-to-print environments preferred

Systems and Software

• Experience working with ERP or MRP systems (GSS, Epicor, SAP, Oracle, JobBoss, etc.)
• Experience with Microsoft Project, Excel, and standard business software

Preferred Background

Candidates with experience in the following environments are strongly preferred:

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing
• CNC machining environments
• Tooling manufacturing
• Weldments and structural fabrication
• Job shop or build-to-print manufacturing
• Heavy industrial equipment manufacturing

Salary: $80,000 - $120,000 per year