Project Manager

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero); San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness plans

120 hours of PTO

401(k) retirement savings with company match

Job summary

A prominent aerospace engineering firm in San Luis Obispo, CA is seeking a Project Manager to oversee engineering contracts, ensuring projects meet customer satisfaction and contractual obligations. The ideal candidate must have a BA/BS in engineering with 5-7+ years in project management and engineering, possess US citizenship or a Permanent Resident Card, and demonstrate outstanding organizational skills. This position offers a competitive salary of $140k - $180k, along with comprehensive health benefits and a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience in program/project management and engineering.
• Demonstrated experience in managing customer relationships.
• Formal project management education or training required.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer relationships and expectations.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
• Identify risks to budget and schedule, orchestrating risk mitigation plans.

Skills

Project Management

Engineering

Cross-functional Team Collaboration

Financial Forecasting

Education

BA/BS in Engineering or related field

MA/MS or MBA preferred

Tools

Microsoft Project

MRP/ERP systems

Job description

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 agreed upon scope
• Developing initial or follow‑on quotes, SOWs, and proposals
• 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 securing resources with ESAero management for successful project execution
• Developing a quality plan for each project and ensuring its execution
• Identifying and executing traceability requirements, inspection requirements, test requirements, and FAI requirements
• Ensuring all quality requirements have been met prior to delivery
• Identifying and securing machine availability, machinist, assembly, material handling, and test personnel to support project deliverables and schedules
• Identifying and securing enough space and appropriate equipment needed to support the project team
• Identifying training requirements needed by the project team and/or manufacturing personnel and ensuring the training is conducted timely
• Initiating customer interaction to get contracts modified in the event of any changes to the contracted project scope

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Due to Federal Government Contracts US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card is required
• Demonstrated experience in Project and/or Program Management is required
• BA/BS degree in engineering, or a technical related field; MA/MS or MBA degree preferred
• Formal project management education or training
• 5-7+ years of experience in program management, project management, engineering, quality, contracts, operations, procurement and/or supplier management
• Excellent computer skills are a must, including a variety of software applications; experience with project management software like Microsoft Project tracking/scheduling software
• Expertise working with cross‑functional teams
• Experience in aerospace program management is preferred
• Experience with financial forecasting
• Responsible for promoting actively an ethics‑based business culture in his/her project team(s), ensuring that all associates are aware of, and fully comply with, ESAero’s “Code of Ethics,” and related policies.

Desired Qualifications and Duties

• Must possess solid organizational skills and attention to detail
• MRP/ERP experience a plus
• Disciplined execution of processes and systems
• Familiar with ISO9001/AS9100
• Knowledge of ASTM workmanship standards
• Ability to read engineering drawings
• Knowledge of DFAR, TINA, ITAR a plus

Comprehensive 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.

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 be able to pass background check.

Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Hiring Range: $140k - $180k salary exempt