Project Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Operations Manager

Project Manager – Lathe & Grinding Machine Manufacturing

Chicago / Elgin Area | Capital Equipment | Engineered-to-Order Systems

Base salary range: $90,000–$120,000
, depending on experience

401(k) with 100% company match up to 5%

Short- and Long-Term Disability

Life insurance

11 paid company holidays

Paid Time Off

Stable global manufacturer with approximately $225M in revenue and 700+ employees worldwide

High-visibility role working closely with machines, engineering, manufacturing, and customers

We are partnered with a global manufacturer of precision industrial machine tools
, with manufacturing and sales operations in the United States, Switzerland, and China
. The company designs and delivers custom, engineered-to-order lathe and grinding machine systems for customers with demanding accuracy, performance, and reliability requirements.

The Project Manager oversees and manages all phases of manufacturing projects
, from initial customer engagement through final delivery and installation. This role requires strong organizational skills, technical understanding of lathe and grinding machine manufacturing
, and the ability to coordinate across multiple departments and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and budget, and to the highest quality standards
.

Project Managers who are most successful in this role typically bring prior hands-on machine experience (assembly, applications, manufacturing engineering, or field service). An engineering background is a plus
, but practical machine knowledge is equally valued.

Reports to: Senior Project Manager

Location:
Chicago / Elgin area. Regular onsite presence is important for success.

Utilize MS Project to develop comprehensive project plans based on project quotes, clearly defining scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables

Coordinate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and sales to align project goals and schedules

Manage project budgets, ensuring effective cost control and efficient resource allocation

Act as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle

Conduct regular customer meetings and status updates to communicate progress and address concerns

Ensure client requirements and expectations are clearly defined and work with internal teams to ensure they are met

Oversee the production and assembly of machine tool systems
, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and quality standards

Apply project management tools and methodologies to track progress and resolve issues

Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies

Monitor milestones and deliverables to ensure performance and quality objectives are achieved

Prepare and present project status reports and final project evaluations to senior management

Lead and mentor cross-functional project team members

Foster a collaborative, accountable, and productive work environment

Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively to ensure timely project execution

Experience in machine tools, capital equipment, or complex industrial machinery

Hands-on technical background strongly preferred (machine assembly, applications engineering, manufacturing engineering, field service, or similar)

Project management experience in custom or engineered-to-order environments

Engineering background is a plus
, not a requirement

Proficiency with MS Project or similar scheduling tools

Strong communication skills with both customers and internal technical teams

There is no strict minimum education requirement
. Practical experience, technical credibility, and the ability to manage complex machine projects are the primary success factors.

Travel varies by customer and project:

Some projects require periodic travel

Others may involve minimal or no travel for extended periods

Travel is project-driven less than 20% overall.

I am willing to relocate for a new position

I do not and will not require sponsorship to work in the US

Please have a professional at review my resume

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