Project Manager

Direct Recruiters; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Recruiters is seeking an experienced Project Manager in the Greater Detroit area to lead CNC machine tool and automation projects from order through installation, training, and acceptance.

The role requires strong manufacturing project management, coordination across engineering, production, and suppliers, and excellent communication. Onsite with travel, salary $110,000-$140,000 depending on experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field.
• PM experience in CNC machining/industrial automation preferred.
• Proficiency with project management software.

Responsibilities

• Manage CNC machine tool, turnkey, and automation projects from order placement through final customer sign-off.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, and delivery timelines.
• Coordinate activities across engineering, production, service, purchasing, and external suppliers.
• Oversee machine build schedules, equipment deliveries, installation, and training coordination.
• Serve as a primary contact for customers, providing regular project updates and addressing concerns.
• Track project scope, resources, budgets, and overall progress to ensure successful execution.
• Identify potential delays, resolve scheduling conflicts, and proactively address project challenges.
• Coordinate technical documentation, engineering drawings, and project requirements.

Skills

Project management

Manufacturing processes

Cross-functional coordination

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

MS Project

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Project Manager - CNC Machine Tools & Automation

Location: Greater Detroit, MI
Salary: $110,000-$140,000 (Depending on Experience)
Travel: Approximately 25-30%
Work Arrangement: Full-Time | Onsite (No Hybrid)
Industry: CNC Machine Tools | Industrial Automation | Advanced Manufacturing

About the Opportunity

We are conducting a search for an experienced Project Manager to join a well-established organization specializing in CNC machine tools, turnkey manufacturing solutions, and industrial automation.

This position offers the opportunity to manage complex, customer-driven projects from initial order through machine installation, training, and final acceptance.

The ideal candidate brings strong project management experience in a technical manufacturing environment and understands the coordination required between engineering, production, suppliers, service teams, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage CNC machine tool, turnkey, and automation projects from order placement through final customer sign-off.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, milestones, and delivery timelines.
• Coordinate activities across engineering, production, service, purchasing, and external suppliers.
• Oversee machine build schedules, equipment deliveries, installation, and customer training coordination.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for customers, providing regular project updates and addressing concerns.
• Track project scope, resources, budgets, and overall progress to ensure successful execution.
• Identify potential delays, resolve scheduling conflicts, and proactively address project challenges.
• Coordinate technical documentation, engineering drawings, and project requirements.
• Work with vendors and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of equipment and components.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to project execution and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, Project Management, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
• Project management experience within CNC machining, machine tools, industrial automation, capital equipment, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, technical project coordination, and production scheduling.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and communicate effectively with internal teams and external customers.
• Experience coordinating engineering, production, purchasing, and installation activities.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or comparable project management software preferred.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Competitive Compensation: $110K-$140K based on experience.
• Technical Project Exposure: Manage sophisticated CNC machine tool and automation projects.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineering, production, service, and customer-facing teams.
• Project Ownership: Take responsibility for projects from initial order through successful completion.
• Established Industry Presence: Join an organization with a long-standing history in the machine tool industry.

Interested in Learning More?

This is a confidential recruitment search. Additional information about the organization will be shared with qualified candidates during the screening process.

All inquiries will be handled confidentially.