Project Manager Jobs 2026 (Now Hiring) – Smart Auto Apply

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain structure across numerous parallel prototyping and manufacturing preparation projects, guiding them from initial design through build, validation, and preparation for large-scale production.
• Develop comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation strategies for mechanical, electrical, and hardware-focused build initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and external partners, ensuring clear communication, alignment on goals, and timely milestone achievement.
• Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate risks inherent in a rapid-prototyping and manufacturing readiness environment, developing contingency plans as necessary.
• Drive continuous improvement in project management processes and tools specifically suited for prototyping cycles and transition to production.
• Apply a foundational understanding of hardware design, mechanical engineering, or electrical systems to effectively scope work, challenge assumptions, and communicate with technical teams.
• Act as a critical link to Supply Chain and Logistics, coordinating with procurement and external vendors to ensure timely delivery of components, materials, and services for prototype builds and pilot runs.
• Manage the Bill of Materials (BOM) process for projects across all stages, ensuring accuracy and preparing documentation for eventual transfer to mass production.
• Oversee project execution within our manufacturing and lab facilities, ensuring adherence to safety and quality protocols.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of demonstrable experience as a Project Manager managing technical projects, ideally within the energy, aerospace, automotive, or complex industrial hardware sectors.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Industrial), or a related technical field. A Master's degree or PMP certification is a plus.
• Direct experience operating in a rapid prototyping, low-volume manufacturing, or pilot production environment is essential.
• Proven ability to manage the supply chain and logistics aspects of technical projects, including vendor management, procurement scheduling, and materials flow.
• Hands-on experience with project management tools and an ability to use Microsoft Excel for project management.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to juggle and prioritize multiple small, build-focused projects simultaneously.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing without direct authority and building trust across technical and non-technical teams.
• A builder and problem-solver mindset, comfortable with ambiguity and adapting to changes in scope or direction inherent in iterative hardware development.