Project Manager

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Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. is seeking a full‑time project manager to work within our project teams. ESAero is a growing aerospace company in the San Luis Obispo area and provides various services which include rapid system development, on‑demand niche engineering, hands‑on development and testing, and small UAS aerospace system manufacturing.

This position is fully on‑site at Empirical Systems Aerospace in San Luis Obispo, CA.

ESAero utilizes a project team methodology to execute engineering contracts. Projects are managed by a combination of a Project Manager and a Lead Engineer. The Project Manager handles customer‑facing project administration and is responsible for driving project performance and results. The Lead Engineer has overall responsibility for all the technical aspects of each project.

• Managing customer relationships and expectations, ensuring customer satisfaction
• Understanding contractual requirements and ensuring they are met
• Developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and deliverables
• Identifying risks to budget and schedule and orchestrating risk mitigation plans
• Reporting project status to external customers, the project team, and senior leadership
• Working with cost accounting to ensure accurate project performance and projections
• Ensuring that project tasking remains within agreed‑upon scope
• Developing initial or follow‑on quotes, SOWs, and proposals
• Initiating customer interaction to get contracts modified in case of scope changes

The Project Manager works hand in hand with the assigned Project Lead Engineer to:

• Coordinate any subcontracting and/or outsourcing
• Develop statements of work (SOW), project plans, schedules, and budgets
• Ensure all regulatory and customer requirements are considered and executed in the project plan
• Define deliverables and work with customers to finalize acceptance criteria
• Define resource requirements and work with ESAero management to secure the resources required for successful project execution

The Project Manager coordinates with Quality Assurance and the Chief Engineer to:

• Develop a quality plan for each project and ensure its execution
• Identify and execute traceability requirements, inspection requirements, test requirements, and FAI requirements
• Ensure all quality requirements have been met prior to delivery

The Project Manager coordinates with the Manufacturing/Operations leads and the Lead Engineer to:

• Identify and secure machine availability, machinist, assembly, material handling, and test personnel to support project deliverables and schedules
• Identify and secure enough space and the appropriate equipment needed to support the project team
• Identify any training requirements needed by the project team and/or manufacturing personnel, and ensure the training is conducted timely

• Due to Federal Government contracts, US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card is required
• Demonstrated experience in project and/or program management is required
• BA/BS degree in engineering or a technical related field; MA/MS or MBA degree preferred
• Formal project management education or training
• 5–7+ years’ experience in program management, project management, engineering, quality, contracts, operations, procurement, and/or supplier management
• Excellent computer skills, including project management software such as Microsoft Project
• Expertise working with cross‑functional teams
• Experience in aerospace program management is preferred
• Experience with financial forecasting
• Responsible for promoting an ethics‑based business culture and ensuring compliance with ESAero’s Code of Ethics and related policies

• Solid organizational skills and attention to detail
• MRP/ERP experience a plus
• Disciplined execution of processes and systems
• Familiar with ISO
  9001/AS9100
• Knowledge of ASTM workmanship standards
• Ability to read engineering drawings
• Knowledge of DFAR, TINA, ITAR a plus

• Health/Dental/Vision coverage
• PTO – 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours during the Christmas holiday
• Retirement: 401(k) match
• Casual dress code, free snacks
• Amazing location to live, work, and play

ESAero is an equal‑opportunity employer.

E‑Verify participation required for employment.

Must be able to pass a background check.

Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Hiring range: $140,000–$180,000 annually.