About the Role:
The Manufacturing Project Manager leads cross-functional manufacturing and engineering initiatives from concept through production launch, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to defined quality standards. This role plays a critical part in coordinating new product introduction, process development, and production readiness using structured project management and APQP methodologies. Common search terms include Manufacturing Project Manager, Engineering Project Manager, Technical Project Manager, and New Product Introduction Project Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Lead cross-functional manufacturing and engineering projects from concept through production launch using APQP and structured project management methodologies.

• Develop, manage, and maintain detailed project plans, including timelines, milestones, dependencies, risks, and critical paths.

• Define and validate technical, manufacturing, capacity, and resource requirements to ensure production readiness.

• Develop and implement process plans for new products, including bills of materials, routings, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.

• Create, review, and maintain internal production drawings using CAD tools and communicate clear requirements to manufacturing teams.

• Manage and execute engineering change orders and change requests throughout the project lifecycle.

• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to resolve inspection, verification, and manufacturability issues, including meeting customer PPAP requirements.

• Resolve discrepancies related to drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements that impact cost, quality, or delivery.

• Communicate project status, scope, milestones, and risks to stakeholders, sponsors, and cross-functional teams.

• Support continuous improvement of project management standards, tools, and best practices across manufacturing operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

• Proven experience managing manufacturing or engineering projects within a production environment.

• Strong working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, change management, and core manufacturing processes.

• Proficiency with CAD software and project management tools used in manufacturing settings.

• Experience developing bills of materials, routings, and production documentation.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience supporting new product introduction, production launches, or process improvement initiatives.

• Background in metal fabrication, complex manufacturing, or engineered-to-order environments.

• Experience working with external suppliers, customers, or contract manufacturing partners.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor or support team members in project management or manufacturing best practices.