Project Manager - NREC

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition benefits

Retirement savings program

Paid time off and holidays

Bus pass

Job summary

National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie Mellon University seeks a dynamic Project Manager to lead cross-functional teams in taking autonomous systems from concept to production and deployment. You will align hardware and software efforts across mechanical, electrical, ROS/ROS 2, and autonomy disciplines, ensuring schedules, budgets, and sponsor milestones are met.

The role requires a Master’s degree and 5+ years in robotics project management, with strong communication and leadership

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in science, engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of project management experience in robotics, autonomous systems, mechatronics, aerospace, or automotive sectors.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams (hardware, software, systems integration).
• Hands-on experience with fast software releases and long-lead hardware development cycles.
• Proficiency with Jira, Confluence, Asana, MS Project and CAD/hardware visualization tools.
• DoD or government-sponsored research project experience is desirable but not required.
• Excellent problem-solving, organization, planning, teamwork, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary operational contact for sponsors, translating requirements into WBS and milestones.
• Manage end-to-end program lifecycle from scoping to hardware/software integration and field deployment.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across mechanical, electrical, software (ROS/ROS 2, perception, autonomy) and system safety disciplines.
• Develop detailed project schedules, milestones, resource allocations, and long-lead hardware procurement plans.
• Balance stage-gate controls with rapid iterative software/hardware development methods.
• Prepare and present progress reports, design reviews, and milestone demonstrations to leadership and sponsors.
• Perform risk assessments, mitigation plans, and ensure field safety compliance.
• Manage project budgets, scope changes, and resource utilization; lead proposal efforts and SOW drafting.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Jira

Confluence

Asana

MS Project

Robotics

Agile/Scrum

Education

Master's degree in science/engineering or related field

Tools

Jira

Confluence

Asana

MS Project

CAD visualization tools

Job description

At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), every team member plays a vital role in our collective success. Our project managers work closely with leadership, technical experts, and external sponsors to keep daily operations running smoothly and complex engineering programs progressing efficiently. Whether providing technical or operational leadership, coordinating cross-disciplinary engineering efforts, managing resources, or delivering critical sponsor milestones, each contribution is vital to achieving our shared goals.

As part of our versatile team, you will collaborate with world‑class robotics professionals who tackle complex industrial and government challenges and deploy innovative technologies into real‑world operations. Your efforts will have a direct impact on both the efficiency of our operations and the meaningful projects we advance. We foster a culture grounded in integrity, respect, and collaboration, offering a flexible, supportive environment that promotes work‑life balance and empowers you to take control of your career development.

We are seeking a dynamic Project Manager to lead cross‑functional engineering teams in taking autonomous systems from early‑stage concept to production and deployment. In this role, you will sit at the intersection of hardware (mechanical, electrical) and software (autonomy, ROS, embedded systems, cloud). You will be responsible for aligning multi‑disciplinary teams, managing complex technical dependencies, and ensuring our robotic systems meet performance, timeline, and safety standards. This exciting opportunity is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, engaging environment. You will play a vital part in advancing successful projects while adding new value for our sponsors, licensing NREC and CMU technologies, and generating follow‑on business all while ensuring our team remains ready and motivated for outstanding results.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Serving as the primary operational contact for sponsors, translating client requirements into clear work breakdown structures (WBS) and actionable project milestones
• Managing the end-to-end program lifecycle from initial scoping and prototyping to hardware/software integration, field testing, and site deployment
• Coordinating cross‑functional engineering teams across mechanical, electrical, software (ROS/ROS 2, perception, autonomy), and system safety disciplines
• Developing detailed project schedules, technical milestones, resource allocations, and long‑lead hardware procurement plans
• Balancing traditional stage-gate project controls (EVT/DVT/PVT milestones, EVM) with rapid, iterative Agile software and hardware development methods
• Preparing and presenting formal project progress reports, design reviews (PDR/CDR), and milestone demonstrations to internal leadership and external sponsors
• Performing technical risk assessments, maintaining mitigation plans for hardware delays or software bugs, and ensuring compliance with field safety protocols
• Managing project financial budgets, critical‑path dependencies, scope changes, and resource utilization both internally and externally
• Leading proposal efforts, scope definition, resource estimating, and statement of work (SOW) drafting for new initiatives and program extensions

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree required, preferably in science, engineering, or a related field (A combination of education and relevant experience that demonstrates comparable knowledge and skills may be considered in lieu of the degree requirement)
• 5+ years of project management experience required in robotics, autonomous systems, mechatronics, aerospace, or automotive sectors
• Demonstrated experience leading multi‑disciplinary engineering teams (hardware, software, and systems integration)
• Hands‑on experience navigating both fast‑paced software releases and long‑lead hardware development cycles
• Proficiency with project management platforms (Jira, Confluence, Asana, MS Project) and CAD/hardware visualization tools
• Experience managing DoD or government-sponsored research projects is desired but not required
• Excellent problem‑solving, reasoning, organization, planning, teamwork, interpersonal, and oral/written communication skills required

We especially want to hear from you if you have experience in any of the following areas:

• PMP or Agile/Scrum Certification (CSM, PMI-ACP)
• Experience with ROS / ROS 2 ecosystems, computer vision, or autonomous navigation systems
• Familiarity with hardware manufacturing phases (EVT, DVT, PVT) and vendor/supplier management
• Experience deploying field‑tested autonomous systems in commercial, industrial, or warehouse environments

Other Requirements:

• Successful pre-employment background check

Location

Pittsburgh, PA

Job Function

Program, Project and Operations Management

Position Type

Staff – RegularFull Time/Part time

Pay Basis

SalaryMore Information:

• Please visit “Why Carnegie Mellon” to learn more about becoming part of an institution inspiring innovations that change the world.
• Click here to view a listing of employee benefits
• Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.
• Statement of Assurance

NREC at a Glance:

• Located in Pittsburgh or “Roboburgh”, a hub for over 120+ robotics companies
• 30+ years of pioneering robotics research
• 150+ professionals driving innovation and real‑world impact
• Part of Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute, a global leader in robotics

NREC also leads in educational outreach through its Robotics Academy, which develops curricula and software for K–12 and college‑level students. You will also have opportunities to engage with these student groups through outreach activities.

As part of our team, you will have the flexibility to grow your career by building expertise, supporting high impact initiatives, collaborating with others, and contributing as part of a high performing team - all while enjoying a supportive schedule and maintaining work/life balance.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits. Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well‑deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.