Project Adminstrator

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero); San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 70,400 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness plans

120 hours of Paid Time Off

Employer-paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

Casual dress code

Job summary

A leading aerospace engineering firm in San Luis Obispo is seeking a Project Administrator to provide oversight and coordination for various aerospace projects. The role involves developing project management tools, analyzing program data, and ensuring compliance with contractual requirements. The ideal candidate will have a BA/BS degree or at least 3 years of relevant experience, along with proficiency in project management software. This position is fully onsite and offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and a 401(k).

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree or minimum of 3 years’ experience in Project Management.
• Demonstrated experience in project administration is required.
• Aerospace experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage project management tools and frameworks.
• Analyze complex program data to generate insights and recommendations.
• Establish and maintain integrated project schedules.

Skills

Project Management

Cross-functional teamwork

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

BA/BS degree

3 years’ experience in relevant fields

Tools

Microsoft Projects

Scheduling/Tracking Software

Job description

Job Summary

The Project Administrator provides strategic oversight, coordination, and management of assigned programs and projects. This role exercises independent judgment, driving cross‑functional alignment, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, and supporting program execution from planning through delivery. The Project Administrator acts as a key liaison across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Contracts, Finance, Management, and Executive Leadership. The Project Administrator develops, maintains, and evaluates critical program information including action item lists, statistical data, program schedules, resource plans, financial information, and certification documentation. This role ensures information accuracy, identifies risks and gaps, and provides recommendations that influence project and operational decisions.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop, manage, and optimize project management tools and frameworks, including the enterprise use of Microsoft Projects and Project Web App, to drive consistent project performance.
• Analyze complex program and operational data, generating insights and recommendations that influence scheduling decisions, resource allocation, and overall project direction.
• Establish and maintain integrated project schedules, proactively identifying risks, constraints, and conflicts and implementing corrective or preventative actions to maintain schedule integrity.
• Own the forecasting of project resource requirements, collaborating with Operations and functional leaders to proactively resolve projected shortfalls and ensure appropriate staffing and capability.
• Exercise independent judgment to identify, assess, and elevate project risks related to schedule, budget, scope, technical execution, or cross‑functional dependencies; recommend and implement mitigation strategies.
• Influence and drive cross‑functional alignment, ensuring coordinated execution across project management, engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality organizations.
• Lead or support strategic re‑planning and project realignment initiatives, making recommendations to management regarding schedule changes, resource adjustments, or process improvements.
• Prepare and present executive‑level project status updates, financial summaries, and compliance documentation, ensuring timely and accurate reporting for internal management and customer requirements.

Desired Qualifications & Requirements

• BA/BS degree or minimum of 3 years’ experience in Project Management, Program Management, Engineering, Quality, Contracts or Operations.
• Knowledge of operations, program management, project management, product development, or procurement desired.
• Demonstrated experience in project administration required.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams.
• Aerospace experience preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Projects.
• Strong organizational, critical‑thinking, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Advanced computer skills, including scheduling/tracking software and Microsoft applications.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and apply disciplined execution of processes and systems.
• Proven ability to analyze and solve complex problems and to interpret data, requirements, and instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Familiarity with ISO9001/AS9100 standards (preferred, not required).

Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans—including a 100% employer‑paid option covering both employees and their families.
• Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer‑paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families.
• Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax‑advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future.
• Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life—a perfect place to live, work, and play!

Company Overview

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high‑quality, innovative, and cost‑effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting‑edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on‑time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services.

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward.

This position is fully on‑site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA.

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.

E-Verify participation required for employment. Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States. Must be able to pass background check and drug test.

Pay Range: $70,400‑$90,000 Salary Exempt