Project Lead Manager

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan is seeking an experienced Project Manager for Space Flight Projects to provide technical and project leadership for current and future space mission and instrument development projects.

SPRL works with faculty, government agencies, and industry to conceive, design, build, test, and operate space instruments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent with at least six years PM experience incl. systems engineering or personnel management.
• Experience with MS Project, Jira, OpenProject, or Asana for project planning.
• Experience managing NASA, DOD, or commercial aerospace projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, meetings, and public speaking.

Responsibilities

• Develop project plans addressing contractual requirements and stakeholder needs.
• Facilitate communication among client managers, stakeholders, project team members, and contractors.
• Maintain and report on WBS, IMS, and the baseline cost plan for the entire project.
• Lead proposal management and cost analysis.
• Lead one or more large projects and drive process improvements in project management and reporting.

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's Degree in Space Systems Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Jira

OpenProject

Asana

Job description

At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through Discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement - enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.

Job Summary

The Space Physics Research Laboratory (SPRL) in the College of Engineering is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Project Manager for Space Flight Projects to provide technical and project leadership for current and future space mission and instrument development projects.

SPRL is a facility of the College of Engineering that serves clients who are faculty, government agencies (such as NASA , NOAA, and DoD), and commercial companies in the development of unique integrated systems and instrumentation that are often used in challenging environments (e.g. space, artic, above/on/below the water). SPRL professional staff, with faculty and researchers, have built more than 35 space systems and instruments; instrumented numerous sounding rockets, balloons and aircraft; and developed ground-based instruments. For eight decades, this lab has been one of a handful of university centers able to conceive, design, construct, test, and operate space flight instruments - a truly "end-to-end" operation.

The Project Manager will be responsible, along with the project Principal Investigator, for all key client communications on project execution against project requirements, schedule, and cost. The Project Manager will plan, coordinate and help to manage Project Team activities by developing project plans, organizing design reviews, setting meeting agendas, developing action item lists, and developing similar work products.

Responsibilities*

• Develop project plans to address contractual requirements, client needs, and organizational needs for project management
• Facilitate communication between key client managers, stakeholders, project team members, and contractors
• Develop, maintain, and report on a project plan and other project planning documents including but not limited to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and the baseline cost plan for the entire project
• Identify and track both critical path and "in the shadow of the critical path" tasks
• Maintain and report on key milestones as well as summary tasks. As needed, track spending, estimates at completion, balances, and develop revised estimates as needed
• Coordinate with key stakeholders, keeping them informed of project progress, identifying and tracking issues that are of specific concern to the government client's managers and key stakeholders
• Provide briefings and oral presentations to key stakeholders and client managers
• Ensure issues, concerns, requirements and priorities of each party are successfully transmitted to all parties and that project planning reflects client needs
• Prepare meeting agendas and summaries for regular project review meetings
• Proposal management and comparative proposal cost analysis
• Other duties which may evolve from this position include new bid and proposal development responsibilities, and project portfolio management responsibilities
• LEAD: Manage other project manager support personnel. Expectation to manage one or more very large projects (more than 10 personnel, more than $2M annual budget) as part of a project portfolio. Lead business and relationship development. Lead process improvement activities for financial reporting, personnel management, and project management, and contribute to process improvement activities in other areas such as engineering documentation, fabrication, and contract and supplier management.
• SENIOR (Underfill): Manage one or more large projects (more than 5 personnel, more than $500k project annual budget). Lead proposal efforts in the area of project management. Contribute to business development activities. Contribute to process improvement activities for financial reporting, personnel management, project management, engineering documentation.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or an equivalent degree directly related to the position duties, with at least six years of project management experience (at least 4 years for the senior level), including systems engineering management and/or personnel management, supporting NASA, DOD, commercial aerospace, or similar clients. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Experience in the use of standard project planning and management tools (MS Project, Jira, OpenProject, Asana or similar)
• Knowledge of specific portfolio under management in heliophysics, planetary, earth observing, or manned space missions, or military or NASA technology missions
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills, including written and verbal reporting, organizing meetings and large technical gatherings, and public speaking
• Knowledge of the unique requirements for electronics and/or materials required for operating in the space environment, especially as applied to small satellites or landing vehicles
• Experience working constructively with a team of fabrication technicians and engineers

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's Degree in Space Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience in the project management of complex space instrumentation, especially managing flight hardware deliverables to NASA or industry
• Experience working with students on space systems projects
• Professional project management certification through PMI or other recognized certification organization

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate. Project Senior Manager (Job Code: 103529)

Additional Information

A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.