Project Manager

Intelligence and National Security Alliance; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Plans

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid Holidays

Job summary

The Intelligence and National Security Alliance is seeking a Project Manager to ensure customer satisfaction while managing engineering contracts. The successful candidate will oversee project schedules, budgets and report statuses to stakeholders.

Applicants should have 5-7+ years of project management experience, a BA/BS in engineering or a related field, and be proficient in Microsoft Project. Salary ranges from $140k to $180k, with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card required due to Federal Government Contracts.
• 5‑7+ years' experience in project management or related fields.
• Excellent computer skills with project management software.

Responsibilities

• Managing customer relationships and expectations to ensure satisfaction.
• Developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Defining deliverables and customer acceptance criteria.

Skills

Project and Program Management

Customer Relationship Management

Budget Management

Risk Mitigation

Microsoft Project

Cross-functional Team Collaboration

Financial Forecasting

Education

BA/BS degree in engineering or related field

MA/MS or MBA preferred

Formal project management education or training

Tools

Microsoft Project

MRP/ERP Systems

Job description

Project Manager

Job Summary: ESAero utilizes a project team methodology to execute engineering contracts. Projects are managed by a combination of a Project Manager and a Lead Engineer. The Project Manager handles customer-facing project administration and is responsible for driving project performance and results. The Lead Engineer has overall responsibility for all the technical aspects of each project.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Managing customer relationships and expectations, ensuring customer satisfaction.
• Understanding contractual requirements and ensuring they are met.
• Developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Identifying risks to budget and schedule and orchestrating risk mitigation plans.
• Reporting project status to external customers, the project team, and senior leadership.
• Working with cost accounting to ensure accurate project performance and projections.
• Ensuring that project tasking remains within the agreed scope.
• Developing initial or follow-on quotes, SOWs, and proposals.
• Initiating customer interaction to modify contracts when project scope changes.
• Coordinating sub-contracting and/or outsourcing.
• Developing Statements of Work (SOW), project plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Ensuring all regulatory and customer requirements are considered and executed in the project plan.
• Defining deliverables and working with customers to finalize acceptance criteria.
• Defining resource requirements and working with ESAero management to secure necessary resources.

Quality Coordination

• Developing a quality plan for each project and ensuring its execution.
• Identifying and executing traceability, inspection, test, and FAI requirements.
• Ensuring all quality requirements have been met prior to delivery.

Manufacturing Coordination

• Identifying and securing machine availability, machinist, assembly, material handling, and test personnel to support project deliverables and schedules.
• Ensuring adequate space and appropriate equipment for the project team.
• Identifying training requirements for the project team and manufacturing personnel and ensuring timely training.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card required due to Federal Government Contracts.
• Demonstrated experience in Project and/or Program Management.
• BA/BS degree in engineering or a related technical field; MA/MS or MBA preferred.
• Formal project management education or training.
• 5‑7+ years' experience in program management, project management, engineering, quality, contracts, operations, procurement, and/or supplier management.
• Excellent computer skills, including project management software such as Microsoft Project.
• Experience working with cross‑functional teams.
• Experience in aerospace program management preferred.
• Experience with financial forecasting.
• Active promotion of an ethics‑based business culture and full compliance with ESAero’s “Code of Ethics” and related policies.

Desired Qualifications and Skills

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• MRP/ERP experience.
• Disciplined execution of processes and systems.
• Familiarity with ISO9001/AS9100.
• Knowledge of ASTM workmanship standards.
• Ability to read engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of DFAR, TINA, and ITAR.

Comprehensive Benefits & Perks

• Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans, including a 100% employer‑paid option for employees and families.
• Paid Time Off: 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay and paid holidays on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
• Life Insurance: $25,000 employer‑paid policy with optional additional coverage.
• Supplemental Coverage: Optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage.
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Tax‑advantaged account to manage medical expenses.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) with company match.
• Paid Holidays: 9 paid holidays throughout the year.
• Work Environment: Casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture.
• Ideal Location: Work in an area offering an outstanding quality of life.

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. 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.

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

Equal Opportunity & Employment Requirements

ESAero is an equal opportunity employer. E‑Verify participation required for employment. Must be able to pass background check and drug test.

Hiring Range: $140k – $180k Salary/Exempt.