Aerospace Manufacturing Project Manager

Description:

Ascentec Engineering is a rapidly growing precision manufacturing company specializing in high-quality products for world-class customers in aerospace, defense, and advanced technology markets. We pride ourselves on our commitment to customer focus, employee growth, trust & integrity, operational excellence, and acting like an owner.

We are seeking an experienced Aerospace Manufacturing Project Manager to serve as the single point of accountability for project success and customer satisfaction. This dual-role position encompasses both program management (ongoing production volume work, customer account management, and supplier performance) and project management (new product introductions, capital projects, and manufacturing system implementations).

This is a hands-on technical role requiring shop floor presence and direct interaction with production teams, engineering, quality personnel, and customers.

Your core mission is straightforward: deliver projects on time, on budget, and to specifications while building lasting customer relationships and driving supplier performance.

• This position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) at our Dallas, Oregon location and is not eligible for Visa sponsorship or transfer of Visa sponsorship.

Requirements:

Key Responsibilities:

Program Management:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned customer accounts, managing ongoing production programs and volume work
• Monitor production schedules, capacity utilization, and delivery performance across active programs
• Coordinate production priorities with manufacturing, scheduling, and quality teams to ensure on-time delivery
• Track and report key program metrics including OTD, quality yield, and customer satisfaction scores
• Manage engineering changes (ECO/ECN) and their impact on production schedules, tooling, and materials
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within assigned programs to improve efficiency and reduce costs
• Develop and maintain production forecasts in coordination with customers and internal planning teams

Project Management - New Product Introduction (NPI) & Special Projects

• Lead NPI projects from design review through production launch, coordinating cross-functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, production)
• Manage capital equipment and manufacturing system implementation projects
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and resource plans using project management tools
• Coordinate and lead project meetings to ensure clear communication of project statuses, milestones, and expectations across all stakeholders
• Implement project management best practices aligned with PMBOK principles
• Develop product configurations and manufacturing methods utilizing Epicor ERP system

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Respond personally to customer communications within 4 hours – you are the primary customer contact
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships that generate repeat business and referrals
• Coordinate all customer communications – team members do not respond directly to customers without your involvement
• Proactively communicate project/program status, issues, and recovery plans
• Manage customer expectations and resolve conflicts between competing priorities

Supplier & Supply Chain Management

• Personally drive resolution of supplier issues affecting your projects/programs – do not delegate to purchasing
• Build direct relationships with key suppliers for effective problem-solving
• Monitor supplier performance and implement corrective actions when required
• Coordinate with purchasing on procurement strategies and supplier development
• Target resolution of critical supplier issues within 72 hours

Risk & Change Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate project/program risks proactively throughout the lifecycle
• Develop contingency plans and alternative approaches when technical or production challenges arise
• Track and report risks, issues, and dependencies to stakeholders
• Manage scope changes through formal change control processes

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related technical field) - Required

• Minimum 5 years of project/program management experience in precision manufacturing of physical technical products (not software/IT projects)
• Proven track record of managing projects with cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment
• Direct experience working on the shop floor and interfacing with production personnel, machinists, and quality technicians
• Experience managing customer relationships and serving as primary customer contact

Manufacturing & Technical Skills (Critical):

• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications including dimensions, tolerances, and geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T)
• Hands-on understanding of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, fabrication, assembly, or similar production operations
• Experience with ERP systems in manufacturing context - Epicor strongly preferred; SAP, Oracle, JDE, or other manufacturing ERP acceptable
• Knowledge of manufacturing BOMs, routing sheets, work instructions, and production documentation
• Understanding of quality systems and manufacturing standards (ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar preferred)
• Strong communication skills with ability to interface effectively with customers, suppliers, and internal teams at all levels

Preferred Qualifications:

• PMP (Project Management Professional) certification strongly preferred (or ability to obtain within 18 months of hire)
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
• Experience in aerospace, defense, semiconductor, or ITAR-regulated manufacturing environments
• Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, First Article Inspection (FAI), SPC, or similar quality processes
• Experience with manufacturing automation or advanced manufacturing technologies
• Previous experience with Epicor ERP system
• Background in CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, or precision assembly operations

COMPENSATION / BENEFITS:

• $80,000 to $110,000 annual salary DOE
• Paid time off/Paid holidays
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• 401K with matching company funds
• Professional development support including PMP certification

Applicant must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check prior to employment.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Ascentec Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Ascentec Engineering is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.