Project Engineer/estimator

Actalent; Wauseon (OH); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Project Engineer / Aerospace Program Manager in Wauseon, OH to lead quoting, launches, and transition to production for strategic aerospace customers. You will coordinate cross-functional teams, review contracts, and serve as the primary technical and commercial contact throughout the program lifecycle.

The role emphasizes AS9100 compliance, ITAR awareness, and driving successful first-run production with growth opportunities for the customer and Actalent.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the aerospace manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of machined aerospace components and ability to communicate technically and commercially.
• Working knowledge of ITAR, AS9100, FAI, and Nadcap requirements.
• Understanding of machining processes including CNC, turning, milling, grinding, EDM.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, blueprints, specs and BOMs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the quoting and proposal process for aerospace customers and manage first-run parts from award to launch.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to gather RFQ data including pricing and supplier inputs.
• Manage and prioritize aerospace launch programs across Engineering, Operations, Procurement, and Quality.
• Perform contract review by interpreting POs, drawings, specs, and parts lists.
• Serve as primary customer interface for tech discussions, updates, and delivery status.
• Drive execution of aerospace projects via planning, issue resolution, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 and established procedures.
• Support program launches to increase customer confidence and long-term growth.

Skills

Aerospace experience

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer communication

Tools

CNC machining

Milling

EDM

Reading blueprints

Job description

Project Engineer / Aerospace Program Manager

Position Overview

This role is responsible for leading project management and engineering activities for strategic aerospace customers, supporting new business development efforts while ensuring successful execution of first-run production programs. The position serves as the technical and commercial point of contact throughout the quoting, launch, and transition-to-production phases, helping drive customer confidence and long-term growth opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the quoting and proposal process for aerospace customers, focusing on securing new business and managing first-run production parts from award through production launch.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to gather RFQ data, including material pricing, coatings, special processes, and supplier inputs required for accurate quotations.
• Manage and prioritize critical aerospace launch programs, ensuring accountability across Engineering, Operations, Procurement, and Quality teams.
• Perform contract review activities by interpreting purchase orders, engineering drawings, specifications, and parts lists while identifying all customer and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary customer interface for technical discussions, project updates, manufacturing support, and delivery status communications.
• Drive execution of aerospace projects through effective planning, issue resolution, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100 quality management requirements and established operational procedures.
• Support successful program launches that contribute to increased customer confidence, repeat business, and long-term account growth.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience within the aerospace manufacturing industry.
• Strong understanding of machined aerospace components and the ability to communicate effectively on both technical and commercial matters.
• Working knowledge of aerospace quality and regulatory standards, including ITAR, AS9100, First Article Inspection (FAI), and Nadcap requirements.
• Strong understanding of machining and manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, turning, milling, grinding, EDM, and related operations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and bills of material.
• Experience supporting aerospace OEMs, Tier 1, or Tier 2 suppliers.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Comfortable working in a manufacturing and machining environment.
• Solution-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate difficult or sensitive information professionally and diplomatically.
• Customer-focused approach with excellent relationship management skills.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive projects to completion.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in expanding aerospace operations while working on technically challenging and high-impact projects. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams, engage directly with customers, and contribute to the successful growth of a precision manufacturing organization focused on innovation, quality, and long-term success.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wauseon, OH.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
• Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Wauseon,OH.
• Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.