Project Manager R&D

Sea Land Aire  Technologies in Jackson, Michigan is looking for an experienced Project Manager (PM) to work on our research and development (R&D) engineering projects. In this role, you will manage projects from small proof of concept, up to large, multi-million-dollar programs. You will be expected to work with top engineers, support personnel, and customers. The position is fast-paced, collaborative, and the key to our development and support teams.

Sea Land Aire  provides engineering services for data collection applications in difficult environments. We design, develop, and build products tailored to help our customers collect information from any environment, focusing on small, unmanned vehicles and sensor systems. Our passion for our work is evident in everything that leaves our doors.

PMs work closely with the Project Engineer (PE) throughout the project to ensure that development strategies are appropriate for the funding and timeline. PM/PEs will work together to present recommendations to the SLA team and customers. They set milestones and are expected to ensure resource needs are forecasted, and schedules and budgets are utilized in the most productive ways. Setting and maintaining metrics is necessary.

There are some Business Development aspects to the position. This role will be expected to do company-level forecasting and development strategies with the team and with customers in support of the needs of the customer and the company.

A Project Manager will be expected to understand and be able to explain the project goals, as well as each member’s tasks, responsibilities, expectations, and feedback. Strong team building and leadership skills and attention to detail, will be key to success in this position.

What is success in this role?

A successful Project Manager at SLA will be able to build a cohesive and synergistic team to support all jobs/projects. We are looking for someone who can inspire a shared vision with all project team members, including the customer. They will manage all budgets and communicate all concerns to the team, other departments, and management. They will be expected to understand and be able to explain the project goals as well as each member’s tasks, responsibilities, expectations, and feedback.

Communication is key to success in this position.

• Identify project goals and scope

• Plan and document project tasks

• Ensure deliverables are delivered on-time

• Manage all project resources

• Effectively communicate with all stakeholders

• Eliminate blockers and potential risks

• Document project’s process using various project management tools

• Ensure top-quality results and project success

* Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Successful applicants should exhibit the following capabilities and traits:

• Exceptional organization and time management skills

• Excellent communication skills, including written and verbal

• Complex problem solving, including root cause analysis

• Work independently to achieve results

• Strong resource management skills, including time and budget

• Robust leadership skills

• Solid negotiation skills

• Comfortable working in multi-discipline teams

• Ability to develop and manage suppliers

• Willingness to follow existing standards, procedures, and guides, with an eye for process improvement

Experience with or interest in the following areas would be beneficial but not required:

• Experience with establishing/managing a Project Management Department

• Relevant hobby experience such as Radio Controlled (RC) vehicles, rocketry, amateur radio, marine/watersports, etc.

This is an onsite, full-time exempt position, with a minimum expectation of 40-45 hours per week. Hours are somewhat flexible and some late evenings or weekend work may be required.

Some travel is expected for field testing, vendor selections, conferences, and customer interface.

Bachelor’s degree or extensive experience required.

A background in R&D Engineering is preferred. A certification in Project Management highly appreciated.