Technical Project Manager, Aerospace 085QE

Quartus Engineering Incorporated () is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics structural thermal and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design prototype integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.

Development of custom optical systems for aerospace applications is a core business area for Quartus. Our work includes spaceborne airborne and ground-based systems for imaging spectrography lasercom LiDAR energy transfer and other applications. Typical development processes start with mission objectives definition progresses through all stages of design and analysis and concludes with hardware build and test. Our clients are very diverse - from well-established large government organizations such as NASA to agile new space start-ups. We pride ourselves on our ability to find common language with diverse groups of people and to develop new advanced technical systems while meeting the budget and schedule that each particular program can sustain. Our team includes optical opto-mechanical mechanical electrical and software engineers working in a highly collaborative environment where communication and team ethics are key.

As a Technical Project Manager in our San Diego office you will lead small to mid-sized engineering projects and may support larger programs as a deputy to a Program Manager. You will serve as the primary point of contact between Quartus and our clients managing expectations while planning and executing projects from start to finish. Responsibilities include overseeing scope schedule and budget; delegating tasks and ensuring quality; mentoring junior team members; and applying strong technical expertise to drive complex challenging work. Success in this role requires excellent communication leadership and time management skills in a fast-paced collaborative environment. This is a dynamic position in which time management of yourself and your project team members is critical for success.

Project Execution

• Responsible for all phases of project(s) from conception through completion including:
  • Proposal/project planning
  • Managing project performance to ensure quality business and financial objectives are met
• Participate with engineering to establish engineering technical approach that aligns with project budget and schedule typically including generation and maintenance of requirements verification/validation strategy and risk mitigation planning
• Planning project staffing
• Track labor material and expense costs against developed cost estimate baselines
• Manage bill of material suppliers and subcontractors based on project needs to mitigate impact of cost and schedule constraints
• Responsible for handling issues or nonconformances as they occur and reacting quickly towards resolution
• Communicate with client and manage their expectations
• Organize and lead internal and external weekly project status meetings
• May be a key technical contributor on project work. For example perform engineering tasks such as design analysis hardware build and test etc.

Staff Leadership

• Deliver project performance feedback both directly to engineers and to their respective managers
• Foster a collaborative and transparent work environment encouraging effective communication and knowledge sharing across project teams and departments
• May be expected to mentor Project Administrators

Sales

• Work with program managers engineering and sales to write effective proposals which includes defining scope estimating costs generating a schedule and defining technical content for a variety of contract vehicles

Training and Continuous Improvement

• Process improvement:
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating and enhancing program management methodologies tools and processes

Position is based in San Diego with a hybrid schedule.*

*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training performance or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.

Required:

• BS in engineering field Aerospace Mechanical Optical Electrical or similar discipline
• 6 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Aerospace Optical Systems (preferred) Opto-Mechanical Aerospace Mechanical Optical Electrical or similar
• Experience managing a team of interdisciplinary engineers on technical development programs
• Including scope budget and schedule management
• Strong aptitude for customer interaction and communication
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering fundamentals
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident)

Preferred:

• Experience with proposal development (lead or assisting)

Project Manager pay range: $104190 - 160000*

*This range represents base addition you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral eligibility: Tier 2

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce including but not limited to minorities women individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary discretionary performance-based bonus employee stock ownership plan medical dental vision and 401k plan with company match.