Project Manager

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Akribis Systems is seeking a highly motivated and skilled Project Engineer specializing in precision automation and semiconductor equipment to join our dynamic project management team. The Project Engineer will be responsible for managing the technical relationship and program deliverables for Key Account Customer(s). This role involves overseeing all aspects of program management, from new product introductions to engineering changes, ensuring alignment with Key Account Customer(s)' specifications and timelines. The Project Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, drive continuous improvement, and serve as the primary liaison between Akribis Systems and Key Account Customer(s) to ensure successful project delivery and high customer satisfaction.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Management and Customer Interface
   Act as the main point of contact for Key Account Customer(s), managing all technical communications, status updates, and program-related inquiries. Define project scope, objectives, and success metrics in close collaboration with customer and align cross-functional teams within Akribis Systems to meet these objectives. Develop, track, and manage detailed project plans, timelines, and milestones, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
2. New Product Introduction (NPI)
   Lead new product introduction projects for customer, coordinating closely with engineering, production, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure on-time and on-spec delivery. Collaborate with customer on design specifications and performance requirements, ensuring that Akribis meets the technical and operational needs of the customer. Identify and mitigate project risks, ensuring potential issues are proactively addressed to minimise impact on project timelines and quality.
3. Engineering Change Management (ECM)
   Oversee engineering change management (ECM) processes for Key Account Customer(s)' projects, ensuring all modifications are smoothly integrated and communicated to relevant stakeholders. Coordinate with production, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless implementation of engineering changes and compliance with customer requirements. Document and track engineering changes, ensuring alignment with both Akribis’ standards and Key Account Customer(s)’s requirements.
4. Technical Alignment and Decision Making
   Facilitate technical discussions between Akribis and Key Account Customer(s), ensuring all stakeholders understand project requirements, objectives, and progress. Serve as a technical advisor to internal teams, aligning customer requirements with Akribis’ capabilities and solutions. Drive decision-making processes related to technical aspects, balancing customer requirements with feasibility, cost, and quality.
5. Continuous Improvement and Process Optimisation
   Identify areas for process improvement and implement changes to enhance project efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness. Utilise feedback from Key Account Customer(s) and internal stakeholders to continuously refine program processes and customer engagement strategies. Implement metrics to monitor program performance, analyse data to identify trends, address issues, and support strategic goals.
6. Documentation and Reporting
   Develop and maintain detailed documentation of project plans, schedules, risk assessments, and change orders for full transparency and traceability. Provide regular reports, updates, and technical reviews to Key Account Customer(s) and Akribis leadership, ensuring all parties have a clear understanding of project status. Maintain organised and accessible project documentation to support quality audits, compliance, and future reference.

REQUIREMENTS

1. Project Management
   Lead and manage multiple technically complex projects, overseeing project planning, resource allocation, budgeting, and timeline tracking. Develop and maintain project Gantt Charts and schedules, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and internal goals. Coordinate with other project engineers to ensure optimal allocation of shared resources across entire portfolio of projects. Experience dealing with dynamic demand from customers, including frequent expedition/de-expedition requests.
2. Customer Relationship Management
   Serve as the primary point of contact for key accounts, building strong, trust-based relationships with customers to understand and address their technical and business needs. Conduct regular project status updates and reviews with stakeholders, ensuring transparency and aligning deliverables with customer expectations. Work closely with customers to identify and resolve issues, improving customer satisfaction and strengthening long-term partnerships.
3. New Product Introduction (NPI)
   Lead New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts, collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure timely delivery of products to specification. Coordinate design validation, prototype testing, and initial production runs to meet customer specifications and ensure successful product launches. Manage risk assessments and mitigation plans, proactively addressing potential roadblocks to keep projects on track.
4. Change Management and Process Optimisation
   Oversee engineering change orders (ECOs) and change management processes, ensuring smooth implementation across departments with minimal disruption. Analyse and optimise production and operational workflows, implementing changes that improved efficiency and reduced costs. Champion continuous improvement initiatives, using feedback and performance metrics to drive process enhancements.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Communication
   Facilitate communication and alignment between engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to achieve project objectives. Organise and lead cross-functional meetings to ensure all departments understood project priorities, goals, and timelines. Demonstrate ability to garner buy-in and drive a diverse team towards positive outcomes, relying on persuasion and influence building instead of formal authority.
6. Data Analysis and Reporting
   Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for projects, using data to measure progress, identify issues, and inform decision making. Create detailed reports and dashboards to provide stakeholders with timely insights into program status, resource utilisation, and risk factors. Utilise data-driven insights to make strategic adjustments, improving project outcomes and ensuring alignment with company objectives.

SKILLSET(S) REQUIREMENT

1. Technical Skills:
   Strong understanding of project management methodologies (Agile, Waterfall) and proficiency in ERP/PLM systems. Experience managing complex technical programs, including new product introductions and engineering change management. Basic familiarity with technical drawings, engineering specifications, and quality control standards.
2. Customer Management Skills:
   Demonstrated experience building and managing key customer relationships, with a focus on aligning deliverables to customer expectations.
3. Analytical Skills:
   Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse program performance data and drive continuous improvement.
4. Communication Skills:
   Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with cross-functional teams and customers.
5. Organisational Skills:
   Strong organizational skills, with a proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
6. Other preferred Skills and Competencies:
   
   • Familiarity with the semiconductor industry and engineering change management processes.
   • Proficiency in project management software (e.g., SmartSheet, Microsoft Project, Jira) and ERP systems (e.g., Microsoft Business Central, SAP)
   • PMP or Program Management certification is a plus.
   • Experience in Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies is a plus.
   • High mental resilience -- ability to thrive under dynamic and evolving conditions
   • Intrinsic motivation -- takes pride in doing one's job well
   • Growth mindset -- willingness to learn and grow together with the organization
   • Strong influencer -- ability to convince others to join one's cause

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Preferably with minimum of 2 Years of working experience technical program management, project management, or engineering, preferably within semiconductor or precision engineering industries.
• Experience in manufacturing environment, preferably high-mix, low-volume or customized automation equipment or semiconductor equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidate must possess at least Diploma / Bachelor's Degree / and/or equivalent, preferably in Engineering and/or any other relevant course of study.