Senior NPD Project Manager – Manufacturing Launch

Sterling Engineering; Buffalo Grove (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunity (15%)

Job summary

Sterling Engineering is seeking an experienced Project Manager - New Product Development (NPD) to lead complex engineering projects from concept through manufacturing launch for a leading transportation manufacturer.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in manufacturing or engineering PM, can drive cross-functional teams without direct authority, and manage budgets, schedules, and risks. A PMP or advanced degree is a plus; base salary is $130,000-$140,000 with a 15% bonus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; engineering degree preferred.
• 8+ years of project management experience, ideally within manufacturing or engineering environments.
• Hands-on experience managing new product development projects from concept through production launch.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and cross-functional engineering projects.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, schedules, risks, and resources simultaneously.
• Experience leading and motivating teams without direct reporting authority.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to navigate project roadblocks and difficult customer conversations.
• Experience with NPD Stage-Gate processes and APQP.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project or Smartsheet, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
• PMP certification or Master's degree is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Manage 3-5 concurrent NPD and customer-driven engineering projects, ranging from six-month initiatives to multi-year programs.
• Lead projects from initial concept and design through validation, manufacturing implementation, and post-launch support.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales, Quality, Finance, and customers.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and deliverables.
• Utilize project management tools, including work breakdown structures (WBS), risk matrices, RACI charts, and project timelines.
• Identify project risks, resolve roadblocks, and implement corrective actions to maintain project progress.
• Facilitate project meetings, communicate status updates, and present to leadership and customers.
• Manage scope changes, customer expectations, and challenging project situations.
• Support NPD Stage-Gate processes, APQP, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve project management processes, tools, and execution.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Engineering degree

PMP certification

Master's degree

Tools

Microsoft Project

Smartsheet

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Sterling Engineering is seeking an experienced Project Manager - New Product Development (NPD) to lead complex engineering projects from concept through manufacturing launch for a leading transportation manufacturer.

The ideal candidate has 8+ years in manufacturing or engineering PM, can drive cross-functional teams without direct authority, and manage budgets, schedules, and risks. A PMP or advanced degree is a plus; base salary is $130,000-$140,000 with a 15% bonus.