Junior Project Manager

Carlson Tool & Manufacturing is hiring a Junior Project Manager to join our team onsite at our West Plant in Cedarburg, WI!

We're looking for a quality-driven team player to support our Tooling Division in daily project activities and manage smaller component build assignments, with hands-on exposure to all phases of mold build and component project execution including scheduling, coordination, customer communication, cost awareness, and cross-functional collaboration.

This position is intended to support the Project Management team while building the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for future advancement into a Project Manager role.

Carlson Tool and Manufacturing's West Plant designs and manufactures Plastic Injection Molds for a variety of industries. Our services include design, build, product modeling/development, and reverse engineering services to support the Consumer goods, Packaging, and Automotive markets.

Starting pay ranges from $32 - $36/hr depending on experience, with generous perks and benefits including:

* Weekly pay

* Relocation Assistance for qualified candidates

* Full Health Care Coverage including Dental & Vision

* Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions

* Life and AD&D Insurance

* PTO & Paid Holidays

* Gainsharing Bonus Program

* Self-Directed 401(k) with 3% Company Match

* Referral Bonuses

* Company-provided PPE including prescription safety glasses & safety-toe shoe reimbursement

* Company-provided inspection equipment

* Family-Owned Environment with Company lunches, Milestone recognitions, Cookouts and Holiday Parties

And did we mention perks like our on-site Carlson Recreational Center? Think weightlifting, cardio, a golf simulator, pickleball court, and more - open to employees and their families.

What You'll Bring to the Table:

* 5+ years of experience in plastic injection mold building, toolmaking, or a related manufacturing environment.

* Strong working knowledge of tool making processes, including design review, machining, EDM, assembly, and sampling.

* Proficient in using CAD viewers to review mold designs and engineering changes.

* High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or apprenticeship preferred.

* Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

* Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., M2M, NCR) preferred.

A Day in the Life:

* Project Planning & Control

* Assist Project Managers in developing, maintaining, and updating project plans for plastic injection mold builds, rebuilds, and component projects

* Support scheduling activities for design, machining, assembly, sampling, purchased components, and final approval milestones

* Manage assigned smaller-scale component build projects or portions of larger mold builds

* Monitor daily project activity and follow up on open items

* Prepare project status updates, action item lists, and reports

* Scope, Budget & Change Management

* Evaluate and communicate the impact of design changes, product changes, and scope adjustments on cost, timing, and mold performance

* Manage scope changes through formal change order processes

* Monitor project costs and resource utilization

* Identify project risks related to material availability or capacity constraints, and implement mitigation plans

* Communication & Customer Interface

* Communicate project progress, milestones, risks, and delivery expectations to customers and internal stakeholders

* Proactively address customer concerns related to mold functionality, sampling results, and delivery timelines

* Continually seek opportunities to improve customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships

* Resource & Vendor Management

* Evaluate and plan around required skill sets, machine capacity, and labor resources for each mold build

* Coordinate internal departments including Sales, Design, CNC Machining, Toolmaker, and Quality and Sampling

* Manage external suppliers and subcontractors to ensure quality, cost, and on-time delivery

* Quality, Compliance & Process Improvement

* Help ensure projects follow customer specifications, drawings, and internal quality requirements

* Maintain project records and documentation in compliance with company procedures and ISO standards

* Support mold trials, sampling activities, and validation processes

* Identify opportunities to improve project tracking, communication flow, and execution efficiency

* Learn and apply company project management standards and best practices in preparation for advancement into a full Project Manager role

Ready to Join a Team That Values You?

At Carlson, we believe great people build great things - and we'd love for you to be one of them. Apply today and discover what it's like to work for a company where your hard work is valued, and your contributions are celebrated.

Carlson Tool & Manufacturing Corp. is an ISO certified and ITAR registered manufacturing company serving customers with engineering, tooling, drilling, and machining services.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) including disability/veteran.

#project manager…