Summary of Position

Ascent Aerospace is a world renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace, defense and space industries. As the largest tooling group, Ascent produces a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest invar molds ever made for aerospace. As an automation provider and production system integrator, Ascent work with customers to develop their project and see it through from process engineering, to build and installation to ensure it is an efficient and cost-effective solution.

The Project Manager is responsible for the overall execution of a specific project or projects, the reporting thereof, and the customer relationship.

Essential Functions

• Provides complete oversight on assigned projects in reference to managing cost, quality, and schedule and customer satisfaction in compliance to specifications and commitments
• Identify adequate resources to be assigned to each project
• Project Manager represents the Voice of the Customer to functional departments
• Oversees, approves, and responsible for the creation of responses to RFQ’s, additional changes in contract/program scope, and/or any and all customer or internal changes that affect program goals/metrics (i.e. cost, gross margin, schedule(s))
• Ensures projects are in compliance with commercial, defense, government standards and specifications as applicable
• Provides recommendations to improve metrics designed to enhance operation efficiencies
• Interface directly with all internal departments, outside suppliers/vendors and especially the customer regarding all facets of program control, management, and reporting
• Generates and provides all required documentation regarding complete control and monitoring of assigned program(s)
• Provides management and coordination thereof of any customer visit, program review and/or requests from either internal sources and/or external sources regarding status, economic health or any other aspect of performance of assigned program
• Document all contract and manufacturing changes. Interface with Sales, Estimating and ERP administrator for cost or schedule impact improvement
• Responsible for the implementation and distribution of design engineering drawings and subsequent design changes to QA and manufacturing organizations

Required Skills, Education & Experience

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered. Typical qualifications would be:

• 5 years min experience in a Program and/or Project Management environment
• 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment – made to order fabrication a plus
• Demonstrated experience directly dealing with a customer from a program/project, liaison, engineering, and/or sales perspective
• Program financial understanding, program and scope estimating, cost of goods sold and program/project gross margin experience a plus
• Blue print interpretation, Bill of Material (BOM) understanding principles and practices
• Common knowledge of manufacturing practices including welding, machining, bonding and fastening
• Microsoft Project and/or similar program scheduling software capability
• Familiar with manufacturing shop and shop environment and able to communicate and work with a direct work force at all levels
• Experience with tooling fabrication, liaison role between customer and supplier, and shop practices a plus
• This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements, therefore a “US Person” as defined by 22.C.F.R. is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Understands cost effectiveness
• Effective speaking and listening skills
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Strong customer service skills
• Ethical conduct with a high regard for confidential information
• Proficient with computers, M/S Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
• Organized with an attention to detail

Working Conditions

Working conditions described here are representative of those that may be experienced by an employee on a daily basis while performing the functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes and airborne particles
• Typically sits for extended periods at a computer workstation
• May access and work in the manufacturing plant
• The employee may be exposed to vibration
• The employee is occasionally exposed to caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• May be required to work weekends to meet department and business demands
• Work with safe manufacturing processes and understanding that eyewear is mandatory in the manufacturing area
• Knows that safety shoes are recommended in the manufacturing area

Physical Demands

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• Must be able to see, talk, hear, touch, feel and reach with hands and arms
• Must be able to frequently walk & stand for short periods of time
• Must be able to lift and move up to 35 pounds, occasionally lift and move objects up to 50lbs.

Special Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing an employee reference check, criminal background check, and drug screening.

This position requires use of information that is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder').