Project Manager – Space and Fusion Energy Optics

U.S. Fusion Energy; Southbridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Technical Project Manager at AOS leads complex engineering and manufacturing programs from concept through delivery, coordinating mechanical, optical, electrical, software and systems teams while tracking schedules, budgets and technical performance.

He/she interfaces with engineering leadership, customers and suppliers to ensure quality, cost control, and timely completion, overseeing design reviews, risk mitigation, and transition from development to production in a structured programmatic

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Technical aptitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field

Master's or PhD 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.

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
• Customer satisfaction
• Risk reduction and issue resolution effectiveness

Location: 170 Pondview Dr., Meriden, CT 06450 USA