Project Management Consultant

The Ohio State University•Columbus, OH

4d•$103,000 - $134,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Management Consultant for the Distributed-Entanglement Quantum Sensing of Chemical Properties (DQS-CP) initiative provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a multi-institutional, federally funded program advancing quantum sensing technology. This position plays a central role in shaping and executing the program’s vision, guiding strategic priorities, and coordinating efforts among The Ohio State University, MIT, the University of Chicago, the University of Iowa, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). This position leads project planning and execution across all three program phases—Pilot, Proof of Principle, and System Fabrication—ensuring that deliverables align with the goals of the National Quantum Initiative and that all work is completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with sponsor requirements. This role is responsible for developing and co-creating the Strategic Plan, Workforce Development Plan, and Project Execution Plan for the program, translating overarching goals into actionable plans and milestones. Working closely with the lead principal investigator (PI) and co-principal investigators (Co-PIs), this position evaluates opportunities for program growth, identifies emerging research capabilities, and ensures that day-to-day operations contribute to high-impact scientific outcomes. The position requires proactive collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, partner institutions, NSF, and professional societies. This position plans and executes large-scale program events such as town hall meetings and technical workshops that build a quantum sensing ecosystem and accelerate the dissemination of technical knowledge across the field. This position is also responsible for financial oversight and risk management across the program. This includes developing cost and contingency estimates based on best practices and market data, performing earned value analysis, and forecasting budgets to support program goals. The position oversees project scheduling, resource allocation, progress reporting, and evaluation processes, ensuring that decisions are data-driven and consistent with NSF and institutional guidelines. This position monitors progress across multiple research teams and helps coordinate the work of PIs and Co-PIs to align with project objectives, resolve issues, and support continuous advancement toward long-term goals. In addition to strategic and operational leadership, this position provides technical direction for the engineering and systems design of the Quantum Test Bed, a critical deliverable in Phase 2 of the program. The individual leads the design process, including the development of complex engineering models and CAD drawings, and oversees procurement, fabrication, and implementation activities in Phase 3. They are responsible for preparing specifications for procurement and fabrication, as well as plans for testing, commissioning, and acceptance that align with grant deliverables and performance metrics. Through close coordination with technical teams and external partners, this position ensures the successful translation of advanced research concepts into functional engineering solutions that advance the goals of the National Quantum Initiative.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
6 years of relevant experience in project or engineering management involving complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and budgets exceeding $1 million.
Demonstrated experience in risk management, budget oversight, and strategic project planning.
Proven ability to lead teams of highly technical professionals.
Proven ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including external sponsors.
Minimum of five years of experience with 2D/3D CAD software and engineering design of process systems or equipment.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in a relevant field.
8-12 years of project or engineering management experience.
Familiarity with Ohio State University systems, policies, and federal sponsor requirements.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for a multi-institutional, federally funded program.
Shapes and executes the program’s vision and guides strategic priorities.
Coordinates efforts among The Ohio State University, MIT, the University of Chicago, the University of Iowa, and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Leads project planning and execution across all three program phases: Pilot, Proof of Principle, and System Fabrication.
Ensures deliverables align with the goals of the National Quantum Initiative and are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with sponsor requirements.
Develops and co-creates the Strategic Plan, Workforce Development Plan, and Project Execution Plan.
Translates overarching goals into actionable plans and milestones.
Evaluates opportunities for program growth and identifies emerging research capabilities.
Ensures day-to-day operations contribute to high-impact scientific outcomes.
Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, partner institutions, NSF, and professional societies.
Plans and executes large-scale program events such as town hall meetings and technical workshops.
Provides financial oversight and risk management across the program.
Develops cost and contingency estimates, performs earned value analysis, and forecasts budgets.
Oversees project scheduling, resource allocation, progress reporting, and evaluation processes.
Monitors progress across multiple research teams and coordinates the work of PIs and Co-PIs.
Provides technical direction for the engineering and systems design of the Quantum Test Bed.
Leads the design process, including the development of complex engineering models and CAD drawings.
Oversees procurement, fabrication, and implementation activities.
Prepares specifications for procurement and fabrication, and plans for testing, commissioning, and acceptance.
Ensures the successful translation of advanced research concepts into functional engineering solutions.