Manufacturing Project Manager

Manufacturing Project Manager – Ascentec Engineering, LLC

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 Manufacturing Project Manager to lead technical projects, new product introductions, and manufacturing system implementations. This role requires a unique blend of project management expertise and hands‑on manufacturing/engineering knowledge to successfully coordinate complex projects in our precision production environment. This is a hands‑on technical role requiring shop floor presence and direct interaction with production teams, engineering, and quality personnel.

The position is onsite (not remote/not hybrid) and is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of manufacturing technical projects, ensuring they meet established time frames, specifications, and budgets.
• Lead new product introduction (NPI) projects from design review through production launch, coordinating cross‑functional teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, production).
• Manage capital equipment and manufacturing system implementation projects.
• Coordinate and lead project meetings to ensure clear communication of project statuses, milestones, and expectations across all stakeholders.
• Implement project management best practices using tools like MS Project to track progress, manage resources, and report metrics.
• Facilitate collaboration across functional teams to ensure alignment and efficient execution of project objectives.
• Develop product configurations and manufacturing methods utilizing Epicor ERP system.
• Analyze technical drawings, design models, and sketches to determine dimensions and configuration related to shop processes, customer specifications, and machine capabilities.
• Work directly with production personnel to resolve manufacturing challenges and implement process improvements.
• Coordinate with manufacturing engineering on tooling, fixtures, and process development.
• Manage the scope of projects, including overseeing the change request process through ECO/ECN procedures.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks proactively throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage engineering changes and their impact on production schedules, tooling, and materials.
• Develop contingency plans and alternative approaches when technical or production challenges arise.
• Track and report project risks, issues, and dependencies to stakeholders.
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Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing Industrial, or related technical field).
• Minimum 3 years of project management experience in precision manufacturing of physical technical products – specifically managing projects in production environments (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.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications (including dimensions, tolerances, 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).
• Familiarity with both agile and traditional project management methodologies applied to manufacturing projects.
Preferred Qualifications
• PMP or CAPM certification – strongly preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or ITAR‑regulated manufacturing…