Manufacturing Project Manager

Description:Onsite in Irvine, CA The Manufacturing Project Manager will lead region-for-region localization and execution of manufacturing programs to support continuity, capacity, and risk mitigation for the organization. The role requires strong manufacturing and supply chain expertise, the ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications, and fluency in translating design intent into supplier capabilities. The position partners cross-functionally and with domestic and international suppliers to qualify, ramp, and sustain production to defined cost, quality, delivery, and capacity targets.Due to client requirements, applicants must be willing and able to work on a w2 basis. For our w2 consultants, we offer a great benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits, 401k with company matching, and life insurance. Rate: $75.00 to $65.00/hr. w2Responsibilities:Lead end-to-end region-for-region manufacturing initiatives including supplier identification, qualification, and ramp-up.Own program execution from design transfer through production readiness to meet cost, quality, delivery, and capacity objectives.Develop and maintain detailed project plans with milestones, risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies.Ensure localization supports business continuity, resilience, and operational scalability.Review engineering drawings, blueprints, BOMs, and specifications to define manufacturing requirements.Translate product requirements into manufacturing capability needs including processes, tolerances, equipment, certifications, and capacity.Evaluate and select suppliers based on technical capability, maturity, scalability, and regional fit in partnership with sourcing and supply chain.Engage domestic and international suppliers to assess readiness, close capability gaps, and drive execution.Coordinate supplier qualification activities including process reviews, capability assessments, and readiness reviews.Serve as the primary manufacturing project interface between internal teams and external suppliers.Navigate regional and operational differences while maintaining consistent execution standards.Partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, Planning, and Procurement to align execution and resolve tradeoffs.Escalate risks early and lead structured problem solving when deviations occur.Develop manufacturing requirement lists for processes, equipment, tooling, fixturing, quality, inspection, certifications, compliance, capacity, and scalability.Verify supplier readiness prior to ramp and track readiness milestones with documented evidence.Identify supply chain and manufacturing risks and lead root cause analysis and corrective actions.Coordinate recovery plans when timelines, quality, or capacity are at risk.Manage program milestones, commitments, risks, dependencies, and action items with clear documentation and communication.Experience Requirements:8+ years in manufacturing project management, supply chain, operations, or industrial engineering.Strong background in manufacturing processes and supplier management.Proven experience working directly with domestic and international suppliers.Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and product specifications.Experience translating design intent into manufacturing requirements and supplier capabilities.Strong program management skills with high attention to detail.Mandarin language proficiency (preferred).Willingness to travel up to 50% domestically and internationally.Ability to stand and walk in manufacturing environments, lift up to 25 lbs, and wear PPE and clean-room gowning as required.Education Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related field.Relevant manufacturing or quality certifications as required by product or supplier processes (as applicable).