Project Manager

viavisolutions; Santa Rosa (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Bonus program

Job summary

VIAVI Solutions in Santa Rosa, CA is seeking a Project Coordinator/Manager to lead planning, scheduling, budgeting and execution of cross-functional projects from proof-of-concept to production. You will collaborate with engineers and suppliers to ensure on-time delivery and adherence to requirements.

The role emphasizes strong communication, organization and analytical skills, with exposure to PFMEA/DFMEA and Design/Project Reviews.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or 2+ years of project coordination/management experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to translate details for varied audiences.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with Microsoft Project a plus.
• Detail-oriented with solid analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive planning, scheduling, budgets and execution of projects from proof-of-concept to high-volume production with engineers.
• Manage the transition of new products or processes from engineering/R&D into manufacturing.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to support timely procurement and delivery of materials and equipment.
• Track project milestones and flag schedule or budget risks to stakeholders and senior staff.
• Partner with process and manufacturing engineers to align with requirements and timelines.
• Review specifications, contracts, and drawings to confirm scope is reflected in plans.
• Translate updates from SMEs into clear status reports for stakeholders.
• Maintain up-to-date project documentation, schedules, budgets, and status reports.
• Prepare regular progress updates for management and stakeholders.
• Support tracking of project costs and variances against budget.
• Apply structured PM tools and methods (PFMEA/DFMEA, Design/Project Reviews).
• Act as day-to-day contact between engineering, manufacturing and project stakeholders.
• Facilitate project meetings with notes, action items and follow-up on open items.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation plans with senior project management.
• Escalate issues appropriately and drive timely resolution.

Skills

Project coordination

Communication

Organization

Analytical skills

MS Office / Excel

MS Project familiarity

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Project

Job description

Summary

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications. We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company - to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination & Execution

• Develop and drive the planning, scheduling, budgets and execution of projects which span from proof-of-concept to high-volume production in collaboration with engineers.
• Manage the transition of new products or processes from engineering/R&D into manufacturing.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to support timely procurement and delivery of materials and equipment.
• Track project milestones and flag schedule or budget risks to stakeholders and senior staff.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with process and manufacturing engineers to keep projects aligned with requirements and timelines.
• Review specifications, contracts, and drawings to confirm project scope is accurately reflected in plans.
• Translate updates from subject matter experts into clear status reports for stakeholders.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain up-to-date project documentation, including schedules, budgets, and status reports.
• Prepare regular progress updates for management and stakeholders.
• Support tracking of project costs and variances against budget.
• Apply structured PM tools and methods (e.g., integrated schedules, PFMEA/DFMEA, Design/Project Reviews).

Communication & Issue Resolution

• Act as a day-to-day point of contact between engineering, manufacturing, and project stakeholders.
• Facilitate project meetings, ensuring clear notes, action item assignment and follow‑up on open items.
• Identification of project risks and development of mitigation plans alongside senior project management.
• Escalate issues appropriately and help drive timely resolution.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements

Required

• Associate's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field, or 2+ years of relevant project coordination/management experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to translate project details for varied audiences.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks/deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; familiarity with Microsoft Project a plus.
• Detail‑oriented with solid analytical and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred

• Prior exposure to a manufacturing, production, or engineering environment (internship experience counts).
• Familiarity with NPI / Stage‑Gate product development processes.
• Coursework or certification in project management (e.g., CAPM, PMP‑track).

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer - minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.

ITAR

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. Citizen or National, U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, Refugee, or Temporary Resident granted amnesty.

Job Posting Pay Range

66,500 to 123,500 Exceptional qualifications, experience and location may impact salary.

• VIAVI offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off , health, life and disability insurance, 401(k), and a bonus program.