Technical Project Manager

ODU-USA; Camarillo (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

ODU-USA is seeking a Project Manager to lead customer product development projects from inquiry through launch, coordinating scope, schedule, budget, resources, risks, and customer communication.

The PM serves as the primary liaison between customers and internal teams, driving cross-functional collaboration across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery and manufacturing handoff.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in manufacturing/industrial/automotive environments.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects from concept through production launch.
• Experience working with customers and international teams preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer projects from initiation through series production and project closeout.
• Define project scope, objectives, requirements, milestones, and deliverables.
• Conduct feasibility reviews and identify risks, mitigation plans, and resource requirements.
• Serve as primary point of contact for customers on technical and project-related matters.
• Build and lead cross-functional project teams across engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and communication plans.
• Monitor project performance and address schedule, cost, quality, or resource issues.
• Manage project changes per approved change management processes.
• Track progress and communicate key risks and decisions to stakeholders.
• Coordinate tooling, investment costs, and production costs.

Skills

PM knowledge

PMP certification

Mech & E know-how

PM software & MS Office

Budgeting & Planning

Communication skills

Influence without authority

Negotiation & Conflict Mgmt

Multi-priority management

Customer focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Equivalent experience considered

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Brief Description

Position Summary

ODU-USA is seeking a Project Manager to lead customer product development projects from initial inquiry through production launch. This role is responsible for managing project scope, schedule, budget, resources, risks, and customer communication while ensuring successful project execution and achievement of business objectives.

The Project Manager serves as the primary coordinator between customers and internal teams, driving cross-functional collaboration, resolving issues, and ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead customer projects from project initiation through series production and project closeout.
• Define project scope, objectives, requirements, milestones, and deliverables.
• Conduct feasibility reviews and identify project risks, mitigation plans, and resource requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers on technical and project-related matters.
• Build and lead cross-functional project teams while coordinating activities across engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and other departments.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, resource plans, and communication plans.
• Monitor project performance and proactively address schedule, cost, quality, or resource issues.
• Manage project changes and ensure alignment with approved change management processes.
• Track project progress, provide status updates, and communicate key risks and decisions to stakeholders.
• Coordinate tooling, investment costs, production costs, and project-related expenditures.
• Ensure all project documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support production readiness activities and lead project handoff to manufacturing.
• Conduct project closeout activities, lessons learned reviews, and final project documentation.
• Travel as needed to support customers and ODU locations in San Diego, Camarillo, and Tijuana.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of project management experience in a manufacturing, industrial, automotive, or related technical environment.
• Experience managing cross-functional projects from concept through production launch.
• Experience working with customers and international teams preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong project management knowledge and methodologies.
• Project Management certification (PMP or equivalent) preferred.
• Technical understanding of mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with project management software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong budgeting, planning, risk management, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to influence and coordinate teams without direct reporting authority.
• Strong negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer focus and business acumen.

Travel Requirements

• Up to 20% travel, including visits to customer locations and ODU facilities in San Diego, Camarillo, and Tijuana, Mexico.

Why Join ODU-USA?

At ODU-USA, you'll work on innovative engineering and manufacturing projects while collaborating with talented teams across North America and Europe. This role offers the opportunity to lead complex customer programs, drive business success, and make a direct impact on project execution and customer satisfaction.

ODU-USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $115,000 to $135,000 plus bonus potential; however, ODU considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.