Project Manager – Space and Fusion Energy Optics

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc.; Meriden (CT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Aperture Optical Sciences Inc. in Meriden, CT, is seeking a Technical Project Manager to lead Space and Fusion Energy optics programs from concept through delivery. You’ll manage cross-functional teams, schedules, budgets, and customer requirements to ensure technical performance and on-time results.

Candidate will coordinate engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality activities, drive risk mitigation, and oversee production readiness and documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (Master’s, PhD degree preferred).
• Management training & experience.
• 5+ years of experience managing technical or engineering projects in a manufacturing or product development environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering design processes and product lifecycle management.
• Experience with complex assemblies, precision systems, or high-performance hardware preferred.
• Familiarity with quality systems (ISO, AS9100, or similar).
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, other).
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data.

Responsibilities

• Define project scope, technical requirements, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with engineering leadership and customers.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans including engineering design phases, procurement, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, optical, electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, etc.).
• Manage design reviews (PDR, CDR), technical readiness reviews, and production readiness milestones.
• Identify technical risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
• Track cost performance, labor utilization, material expenditures, and forecast completion costs.
• Ensure configuration control and proper documentation throughout development and production.
• Oversee supplier performance, long-lead procurements, and subcontractor deliverables.
• Lead customer communications, status reviews, and technical interchange meetings.
• Support transition from development to production, including validation, qualification, and acceptance testing.
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering execution and project management processes.

Skills

Project management

Technical leadership

Cross-functional coordination

MS Project

Engineering drawings interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MS Project

Job description

Project Manager – Space and Fusion Energy Optics

For more than 15 years, AOS has delivered advanced optical manufacturing solutions supporting spaceflight programs and operational systems. The company employs state-of-the-art fabrication technologies—including robotic optical finishing and high-resolution surface metrology—to produce flight-qualified satellite telescopes, large-aperture mirrors, and opto-mechanical assemblies designed to withstand harsh launch and on-orbit environments. AOS’s in-house silicon carbide (SiC) optics capability enables lightweight, thermally stable optical systems that support rapid deployment and long operational lifetimes.

Project Manager – Space and Fusion Energy Optics

Position Summary

The Technical Project Manager leads complex engineering and manufacturing programs from concept through delivery. This role manages cross-functional technical teams, creates and manages detailed schedules and budgets, and ensures that engineering objectives, quality standards, and customer requirements are fully achieved. The Project Manager serves as the primary interface between engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and customers, ensuring technical performance, cost control, and schedule adherence throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Define project scope, technical requirements, deliverables, and success criteria in collaboration with engineering leadership and customers
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans including engineering design phases, procurement, fabrication, assembly, integration, and testing
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary engineering teams (mechanical, optical, electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, etc.)
• Manage design reviews (PDR, CDR), technical readiness reviews, and production readiness milestones
• Identify technical risks early and implement mitigation strategies
• Track cost performance, labor utilization, material expenditures, and forecast completion costs
• Ensure configuration control and proper documentation throughout development and production
• Oversee supplier performance, long-lead procurements, and subcontractor deliverables
• Lead customer communications, status reviews, and technical interchange meetings
• Support transition from development to production, including validation, qualification, and acceptance testing
• Drive continuous improvement in engineering execution and project management processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field (Master’s, PhD degree preferred)
• Management training & experience,
• 5+ years of experience managing technical or engineering projects in a manufacturing or product development environment
• Strong understanding of engineering design processes and product lifecycle management
• Experience with complex assemblies, precision systems, or high-performance hardware preferred
• Familiarity with quality systems (ISO, AS9100, or similar)
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, other)
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and test data

Core Competencies

• Technical leadership and systems thinking
• Schedule development and critical path management
• Risk identification and mitigation planning
• Budget management and earned value tracking
• Cross-functional coordination
• Customer-facing communication
• Detail orientation in documentation and configuration control
• Ability to adapt plans, solve problems

Performance Metrics

• On-time milestone completion
• Budget adherence and margin performance
• Technical performance against specification
• Risk reduction and issue resolution effectiveness

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