Project Manager - Research and Development

At Novanta, our innovations power technology products that are transforming healthcare and advanced manufacturing—improving productivity, enhancing people’s lives and redefining what’s possible. We create engineered components and sub-systems that deliver extreme precision and performance for mission-critical applications—from minimally invasive surgery to robotics to 3D metal printing. Novanta is one global team with over 26 offices located in The Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, fostering a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and empowerment.

Novanta is the world’s leading developer of robotic end-of-arm technologies. Our end-effectors enhance productivity and flexibility of robotic and automated solutions across industries through capabilities such as automatic tool changing, force-torque sensing, and material removal. Since 1989, our commitment to engineering excellence, superior quality, and customer-focused support drives continuous innovation.

About the role

In this role, you will manage multiple projects within the research and development teams—from inception to closure. You will interface with customers, engineers (hardware and software), product managers, procurement, sales, manufacturing, and senior leadership to successfully launch projects on time, within scope, and budget. This position can be located in either Apex, NC or Bedford, MA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to deliver agreed scope and timeline.
• Create and follow project management plans from inception to closure.
• Record, track, and monitor project and program RAID items (risks, issues, dependencies, assumptions).
• Track and monitor project and program action items through to closure and document decisions.
• Manage and support project resources, including internal teams and technical resources.
• Create and manage key project documentation such as project charters, meeting minutes, KPIs, and project closure presentations.
• Manage timelines to ensure key deliverables are delivered on time, within scope, and with quality.
• Coordinate and prepare for project business reviews to present to senior executives, aligning with internal stakeholders (product marketing, development, procurement, finance).
• Use project management software tools to manage, track, and report on projects throughout the lifecycle.
• Host and lead project meetings to track decisions, actions, and task completion.
• Provide periodic updates to all internal stakeholders.
• Attend customer meetings as needed to align with their requirements.
• Capture meeting notes/minutes to facilitate project alignment.
• Maintain strict compliance with quality, environmental, and occupational health and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 0-3 years of Project Management experience.
• 3-5 years cumulative experience working on or managing projects.
• Ability to work in a team environment and foster collaboration across disciplines.
• Motivated—able to take direction and work independently to achieve goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Familiarity with Smartsheet or MS Project (or similar project management software) desired.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Familiarity with ISO9001 or ISO13485 compliance is a plus.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States on a continual and permanent basis without company sponsorship.

Travel Requirements

~10% travel (or less) as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Standing for long periods of time.

Pay

The base pay for this position is $98,040 to $120,000 per year, depending on the geographic market. Dependent on the position offered, annual bonuses and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of the compensation package.

Benefits

This position provides a full range of medical, financial, and other benefits to support all aspects of your life’s needs.