Project Manager

Ascent Aerospace – Inspiring the next generation of flight!

Summary of Position
The Project Manager is responsible for leading development programs within a medium-sized manufacturing environment. This role has full accountability for program execution, including budget, schedule, quality, and customer relationship. The position requires a highly proactive, hands-on individual who engages deeply in program details to ensure team commitments and contractual requirements are met.

The role operates at both strategic and tactical levels, coordinating cross-functional teams and enforcing accountability while establishing and maintaining strong, professional customer relationships.

Essential Functions
• Manage development programs and customer contracts from award through completion, with full accountability for cost, schedule, quality, and delivery
• Serve as the primary customer interface and represent the Voice of the Customer across internal functional teams
• Develop, maintain, and execute integrated program schedules using MS Project
• Plan, track, and forecast program financials, risks, and performance metrics using Excel
• Lead cross-functional teams in a matrix organization; hold teams accountable to technical, cost, and schedule commitments
• Identify program risks and issues proactively and drive corrective actions to timely closure
• Ensure program compliance with applicable commercial, defense, and government standards and specifications
• Manage change control, including scope changes, contract modifications, RFQs, and customer-driven requests; assess and communicate cost, margin, and schedule impacts
• Oversee preparation, approval, and distribution of program documentation, reports, and customer communications using Word and PowerPoint
• Coordinate and lead customer visits, program reviews, and internal or external status requests related to program performance and financial health
• Interface directly with internal departments, suppliers, and vendors to support program objectives
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program execution efficiency and operational performance

Required Skills, Education & Experience
Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications include:
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing development programs and/or projects in a small to medium manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, schedules, quality, contracts, and customer relationships
• Direct customer-facing experience in a program management, project management or engineering role
• Strong understanding of program financials, including cost estimating, scope management, cost of goods sold (COGS), and gross margin tracking
• Proficiency in MS Project software for development and management of detailed program schedules
• Above-average proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tracking, analysis, forecasting, and reporting
• Proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint for internal and customer-facing documentation and presentations
• Ability to work hands-on, manage program details, and drive cross-functional teams to meet commitments
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills

Manufacturing & Technical Experience
• Experience in a manufacturing environment; made-to-order or fabrication experience is a plus
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and related technical documentation
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, including welding, machining, bonding, and mechanical fastening is a plus
• Familiarity with shop-floor operations and ability to communicate effectively with a direct labor workforce at all levels
• Experience with tooling fabrication and serving as a liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal teams preferred

Regulatory Requirements
• Must be familiar with Export Control compliance requirements, be a U.S. Citizen, and be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance. An active Secret clearance is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with Visual Basic / VBA, particularly for Excel automation or reporting
• Bachelor’s degree is required. Technical or engineering background is a plus
• Experience with contract change management, cost control, and scope management
• Familiarity with manufacturing, product development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to listen effectively and present information clearly
• Proven interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to build productive working relationships
• Ability to multitask and priori