Technical Project Manager, Aerospace

About QuartusQuartus Engineering Incorporated (www.quartus.com) 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.About Aerospace Project Management DepartmentDevelopment 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.What will you do?As a Technical Project Manager in our San Diego office, you will lead small to mid-sizedengineering 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.Essential Job Functions:Project ExecutionResponsible for all phases of project(s) from conception through completion, including:Proposal/project planningManaging project performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are metParticipate 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 planningPlanning project staffingTrack labor, material, and expense costs against developed cost estimate baselinesManage bill of material suppliers and subcontractors based on project needs to mitigate impact of cost and schedule constraintsResponsible for handling issues or nonconformances as they occur and reacting quickly towards resolutionCommunicate with client and manage their expectationsOrganize and lead internal and external weekly project status meetingsMay be a key technical contributor on project work. For example, perform engineering tasks such as design, analysis, hardware build and test, etc.Staff LeadershipDeliver project performance feedback - both directly to engineers and to their respective managersFoster a collaborative and transparent work environment, encouraging effective communication and knowledge sharing across project teams and departmentsMay be expected to mentor Project AdministratorsSalesWork 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 vehiclesTraining and Continuous ImprovementProcess improvement:Champion a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating and enhancing program management methodologies, tools, and processesLocationPosition 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.What are we looking for?Required:BS in engineering field - Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Electrical or similar discipline6+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Aerospace Optical Systems (preferred), Opto-Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Electrical or similarExperience managing a team of interdisciplinary engineers on technical development programsIncluding scope, budget and schedule managementStrong aptitude for customer interaction and communicationDemonstrated understanding of engineering fundamentalsDemonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to learnMust be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident)Preferred:Experience with proposal development (lead or assisting)Compensation and BenefitsProject Manager pay range: $104,190 - 160,000**This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.Referral eligibility: Tier 2Quartus 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.