Junior Project Manager
About The Position
Carlson Tool & Manufacturing is hiring a Junior Project Manager to join our team onsite at our West Plant in Cedarburg, WI! We’re looking for a quality-driven team player to support our Tooling Division in daily project activities and manage smaller component build assignments, with hands-on exposure to all phases of mold build and component project execution including scheduling, coordination, customer communication, cost awareness, and cross-functional collaboration. This position is intended to support the Project Management team while building the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for future advancement into a Project Manager role. Carlson Tool and Manufacturing's West Plant designs and manufactures Plastic Injection Molds for a variety of industries. Our services include design, build, product modeling/development, and reverse engineering services to support the Consumer goods, Packaging, and Automotive markets.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience in plastic injection mold building, toolmaking, or a related manufacturing environment.
- Strong working knowledge of tool making processes, including design review, machining, EDM, assembly, and sampling.
- Proficient in using CAD viewers to review mold designs and engineering changes.
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Nice To Haves
- technical training or apprenticeship preferred
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., M2M, NCR) preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist Project Managers in developing, maintaining, and updating project plans for plastic injection mold builds, rebuilds, and component projects
- Support scheduling activities for design, machining, assembly, sampling, purchased components, and final approval milestones
- Manage assigned smaller-scale component build projects or portions of larger mold builds
- Monitor daily project activity and follow up on open items
- Prepare project status updates, action item lists, and reports
- Evaluate and communicate the impact of design changes, product changes, and scope adjustments on cost, timing, and mold performance
- Manage scope changes through formal change order processes
- Monitor project costs and resource utilization
- Identify project risks related to material availability or capacity constraints, and implement mitigation plans
- Communicate project progress, milestones, risks, and delivery expectations to customers and internal stakeholders
- Proactively address customer concerns related to mold functionality, sampling results, and delivery timelines
- Continually seek opportunities to improve customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships
- Evaluate and plan around required skill sets, machine capacity, and labor resources for each mold build
- Coordinate internal departments including Sales, Design, CNC Machining, Toolmaker, and Quality and Sampling
- Manage external suppliers and subcontractors to ensure quality, cost, and on-time delivery
- Help ensure projects follow customer specifications, drawings, and internal quality requirements
- Maintain project records and documentation in compliance with company procedures and ISO standards
- Support mold trials, sampling activities, and validation processes
- Identify opportunities to improve project tracking, communication flow, and execution efficiency
- Learn and apply company project management standards and best practices in preparation for advancement into a full Project Manager role
Benefits
- Weekly pay
- Relocation Assistance for qualified candidates
- Full Health Care Coverage including Dental & Vision
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions
- Life and AD&D Insurance
- PTO & Paid Holidays
- Gainsharing Bonus Program
- Self-Directed 401(k) with 3% Company Match
- Referral Bonuses
- Company-provided PPE including prescription safety glasses & safety-toe shoe reimbursement
- Company-provided inspection equipment
- Family-Owned Environment with Company lunches, Milestone recognitions, Cookouts and Holiday Parties
- on-site Carlson Recreational Center
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
