Project Manager

Ascent Aerospace•Santa Ana, CA

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ascent Aerospace is a world-renowned, single-source provider of production and automated assembly systems for the aerospace and defense industry. We provide high-precision advanced automated equipment as well as a full suite of both mold and assembly tooling required for the aerospace manufacturing market, including the largest Invar molds ever made— making us the largest tooling group in the industry. We work with our 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. As a true, single-source integrator, we have proven tools to surpass our customer expectations. We have greater control of timing and schedules, which allows for 100% accountability, and avoids costly mark-ups, ultimately saving our customers money. The result: a group of businesses, each an industry leader within their own discipline, now acting as one truly integrated supply base. SUMMARY OF POSITION The Project Manager is responsible for leading development programs within a medium-sized manufacturing environment. This role has full accountability for program execution, including budget, schedule, quality, and customer relationship. The position requires a highly proactive, hands-on individual who engages deeply in program details to ensure team commitments and contractual requirements are met. The role operates at both strategic and tactical levels, coordinating cross-functional teams and enforcing accountability while establishing and maintaining strong, professional customer relationships.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and skills required for successful job performance will be considered.
Minimum 5 years of experience managing development programs and/or projects in a small to medium manufacturing environment
Demonstrated experience managing program budgets, schedules, quality, contracts, and customer relationships
Direct customer-facing experience in a program management, project management or engineering role
Strong understanding of program financials, including cost estimating, scope management, cost of goods sold (COGS), and gross margin tracking
Proficiency in MS Project software for development and management of detailed program schedules
Above-average proficiency in Microsoft Excel for tracking, analysis, forecasting, and reporting
Proficiency in MS Word and PowerPoint for internal and customer-facing documentation and presentations
Ability to work hands-on, manage program details, and drive cross-functional teams to meet commitments
Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
Experience in a manufacturing environment; made-to-order or fabrication experience is a plus
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, bills of material (BOMs), and related technical documentation
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes, including welding, machining, bonding, and mechanical fastening is a plus
Familiarity with shop-floor operations and ability to communicate effectively with a direct labor workforce at all levels
Experience with tooling fabrication and serving as a liaison between customers, suppliers, and internal teams preferred
Must be familiar with Export Control compliance requirements, be a U.S. Citizen, and be eligible to obtain a Secret clearance.
An active Secret clearance is a plus.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Visual Basic / VBA, particularly for Excel automation or reporting
Bachelor’s degree is required.
Technical or engineering background is a plus
Experience with contract change management, cost control, and scope management
Familiarity with manufacturing, product development
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to listen effectively and present information clearly
Proven interpersonal and customer service skills; ability to build productive working relationships
Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
High level of integrity and ethical conduct, with demonstrated respect for confidential information
Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
Highly organized with strong attention to detail
Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for program outcomes
Results-driven mindset; comfortable challenging assumptions, escalating issues when necessary, and driving decisions to closure
Detail-oriented with the ability to maintain focus on overall program objectives, priorities, and business impact
Effective collaborator who works well across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, and customer organizations
Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence without direct authority in a matrix environment
Decisive and adaptable; able to balance competing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Proactive problem-solver who anticipates issues and takes action before they impact program performance
Professional, customer-focused demeanor with the ability to build trust and credibility
PMP Certification

Responsibilities

Manage development programs and customer contracts from award through completion, with full accountability for cost, schedule, quality, and delivery
Serve as the primary customer interface and represent the Voice of the Customer across internal functional teams
Develop, maintain, and execute integrated program schedules using MS Project
Plan, track, and forecast program financials, risks, and performance metrics using Excel
Lead cross-functional teams in a matrix organization; hold teams accountable to technical, cost, and schedule commitments
Identify program risks and issues proactively and drive corrective actions to timely closure
Ensure program compliance with applicable commercial, defense, and government standards and specifications
Manage change control, including scope changes, contract modifications, RFQs, and customer-driven requests; assess and communicate cost, margin, and schedule impacts
Oversee preparation, approval, and distribution of program documentation, reports, and customer communications using Word and PowerPoint
Coordinate and lead customer visits, program reviews, and internal or external status requests related to program performance and financial health
Interface directly with internal departments, suppliers, and vendors to support program objectives
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program execution efficiency and operational performance