Engineering Project Manager - Battery

Our client is a leader in specialty batteries, including small-format, single-use government and defense-related power solutions. As the company expands its New Product Development (NPD) pipeline, they are seeking an Engineering Project Manager who brings strong technical depth, hands-on problem solving, and the ability to manage projects from concept through full production launch.

This role is ideal for an early to mid-career engineer who started their career in mechanical, electrical, or product engineering, then grew into project or applications engineering. The team needs someone who is comfortable being the sole project owner, not just a coordinator-someone who can lead the technical conversation, manage timelines, engage directly with customers, and work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams.

Role Overview

The Engineering Project Manager oversees the full New Product Development (NPD) lifecycle for critical products such as lithium-ion batteries, chargers, power accessories, and related components. You will manage design, schedule, budget, customer communication, documentation, risk mitigation, and the full handoff to manufacturing.

This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical insight, structured project management, and the confidence to interact directly with customers and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the entire NPD process from concept, design, and prototype builds through validation, documentation, and transition to manufacturing.
• Own project schedules, budgets, resource planning, and phase-gate reviews (including DFMEA/PFMEA, validation protocols).
• Work hands-on with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering to solve design challenges and keep development on track.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, test labs, supply chain, materials, finance, and quality.
• Track project performance and report progress, risks, and mitigation plans to leadership.
• Establish and manage supplier components and documentation packages.
• Engage directly with customers-supporting requirements discussions, technical reviews, and status updates.
• Drive continuous improvement in project execution and engineering processes.
• Support domestic and occasional international travel as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required; Engineering degree strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of project management or engineering project leadership within a product manufacturing environment.
• Technical background in electrical, mechanical, product, or applications engineering.
• Demonstrated experience taking products from cradle to grave-concept through production launch.
• Hands-on problem-solving approach; able to jump into the technical details as needed.
• Strong understanding of mechanical and electrical components and how they integrate into a finished product.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact directly with customers.
• Strong familiarity with MS Project and MS Office.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and supporting projects with minimal supervision.
• Confidence and capability to pursue and support new business opportunities.