Project Manager

Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Acceptance Testing, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Automation, Best Practices, Biology, Budget Management, Budgeting, Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Contract Management, Contract Processing, Contract Review, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Customer Relations, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Support/Service, Database Design, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Documentation Plan, Documentation Standards, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Electromechanical Systems, Engineering, Engineering Management, Financial Projections, Genetics, Leadership, Machining, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Assembly, Manufacturing Automation, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Microsoft Office, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, Performance Analysis, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Process Development, Process Improvement, Process Management, Production Support, Production Systems, Project Close-Out, Project Execution, Project Lifecycle, Project Management Professional (PMP), Project Management Software, Project Planning, Project Schedule, Project/Program Coordination, Project/Program Management, Purchasing/Procurement, Requirements Management, Resource Management, Risk, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Software Engineering, Strategic Planning, Supply Chain, Systems Administration/Management, Team Lead/Manager, Technical Leadership, Technical Support, Technical/Engineering Design, Testing, Time Management, Track Customer Issues, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Minneapolis, MN
POSTED
30+ days ago
Senior Project Manager, Ascential Medical & Life Sciences | Automation PositionJob Title:Senior Project ManagerEmployer:Aspect Automation, LLC Ascential Medical & Life SciencesReports to:Senior PMO DirectorDepartment:40 – Project ManagementJob Location:8700 W 35W Service Dr. NE, Blaine, MN 55449Main Purpose of the PositionThe Senior Project Manager leads complex engineering and automation projects from order through customer acceptance, with full accountability for scope, schedule, budget, risk, and customer satisfaction. The Senior Project Manager independently leads both Design Build (DB) and Build to Print (BTP) projects through collaboration and influence, working cross-functionally across Applications, Engineering, Supply Chain, Assembly, Quality, and Customer Service. The Senior Project Manager serves as the primary customer contact at the operational level and secondary customer contact at the technical level throughout the project lifecycle. This role is expected to understand the customer’s organizational structure, identify key decision makers, and navigate stakeholder relationships to keep projects moving effectively. AccountabilitiesProject Leadership & Execution Lead complex projects end-to-end — from order through final customer acceptance — across both Design Build (DB) and Build to Print (BTP) work streams, with full accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and quality. Develop and maintain detailed project plans including scope, objectives, deliverables, timelines, and resource allocation. Utilize the Ascential Production System (APS) to manage the full project lifecycle — planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout. Fully accountable for project budgets and cost performance; identify variances and taking corrective action when deviations occur. Proactively identify, document, and manage project risks and issues; implement mitigation strategies and escalate as appropriate. Customer & Contract Management Serve as the primary customer contact for all matters related to scope, deliverables, timelines, and issue resolution; understand the customer’s organizational structure and identify the key decision makers in the process. Serves as a secondary customer contact for technical matters, enabling direct engagement with technical owners as needed. Navigate customer stakeholder relationships proactively — knowing when to engage the right contacts to resolve issues, obtain approvals, and maintain project momentum. Review and manage project contracts to ensure clarity of deliverables, responsibilities, and obligations. Ensures all customer-facing program documentation and deliverables are met, including Functional Design Specifications, Acceptance Test Plans, and milestone packages. Maintain accurate records of customer interactions, project activities, and key milestones. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with Application Engineering, Engineering, Supply Chain, Assembly, and other cross-functional teams to ensure coordinated project execution. Serves as trusted advisor to ensure alignment on priorities, risks, and delivery expectations. Support procurement and production readiness to ensure materials and resources are available to meet project timelines. Ensure smooth project handover to Customer Service and the customer at closeout, with fully documented and agreed-upon action items. PMO & Process Development Approximately 15% of the Senior Project Manager’s time is invested in contributing to the Ascential Production System (APS) and PMO- actively improving the tools and processes that drive organizational delivery performance. Identify process improvement opportunities based on project execution experience and share insights with the broader PMO team. Maintain disciplined project documentation and reporting standards to support organizational visibility and continuous improvement. Required Functional Competencies / Experience / QualificationsEssential Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 5+ years of experience leading complex engineering, manufacturing, or automation projects. PMP certification. Demonstrated ability to independently lead Design Build (DB) and Build to Print (BTP) projects from order through customer acceptance. Solid understanding of project management processes, contract management, and cross-functional collaboration. Experience navigating complex technical discussions to understand dependencies, identify, communicate, and control clear project scope boundaries. Strong communication skills — written, verbal, and customer-facing; ability to identify and engage the right decision makers across the customer organization. Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Experience working in a matrix environment and influencing without direct authority. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Smartsheet, and ERP/MRP systems. Knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes. Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and perform under pressure. High integrity, professionalism, and strong time management discipline. Desired Requirements: Familiarity with the Ascential Production System (APS) or similar stage-gate project methodologies. Background in automation, electromechanical systems, or industrial equipment. Experience with Encompix ERP. Ability to travel occasionally, including overnight and air travel. ADA Requirements: Typically sits, grasps items, and performs keyboarding for frequent operation of a computer. Stand, walk, bend, reach, or otherwise move about regularly. Occasional exposure to typical machine shop physical hazards. Employee Name (Print):Date:Employee Signature:Date:Manager / HR Signature:Date: Title: Senior Project ManagerLocation: Minneapolis, MNHire Type: Direct HireCompensation: $120,000 to $140,000Benefits: Health insurance, paid time off, holiday pay, 401kSenior Project Manager – Automation & Engineering ProjectsAbout the Role:We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to lead complex engineering and automation projects from order through final customer acceptance. This role is responsible for full project ownership including scope, schedule, budget, risk management, and customer satisfaction across both Design Build (DB) and Build to Print (BTP) programs.The ideal candidate brings strong leadership, technical project management expertise, and the ability to influence cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing and automation environment.Key Responsibilities:Project Leadership & ExecutionLead complex automation, manufacturing, and engineering projects from kickoff through customer acceptance Own project scope, schedules, budgets, quality, and overall execution Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, milestones, and resource allocations Utilize stage-gate project management methodologies and internal systems to manage the full project lifecycle Identify project risks, develop mitigation strategies, and drive issue resolution Monitor project financial performance and implement corrective actions when needed Customer & Contract ManagementServe as the primary customer contact for project execution, timelines, deliverables, and issue resolution Build strong customer relationships and identify key decision makers throughout the organization Support technical discussions alongside engineering and technical teams Review contracts and ensure project deliverables and obligations are clearly understood and executed Ensure all customer-facing documentation is completed accurately and on time, including:Functional Design Specifications Acceptance Test Plans Milestone documentation packages Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner closely with Engineering, Applications, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Assembly, Quality, and Customer Service teams Drive alignment on priorities, schedules, risks, and deliverables Support procurement and production readiness to ensure projects remain on schedule Coordinate successful project closeout and customer handoff activities PMO & Continuous ImprovementContribute to PMO and process improvement initiatives Help improve project management tools, systems, and best practices Maintain disciplined project reporting and documentation standards Qualifications:Required:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field 5+ years of experience managing complex engineering, manufacturing, automation, or industrial equipment projects PMP Certification required Proven experience managing both Design Build (DB) and Build to Print (BTP) projects Strong understanding of project management methodologies, budgeting, contracts, and customer management Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority Excellent communication and customer-facing skills Experience managing technical discussions and project scope boundaries Proficiency with:Microsoft Office Smartsheet ERP/MRP systems Knowledge of machining and manufacturing processes Strong organizational and multitasking abilities Preferred:Experience in automation, electromechanical systems, or industrial equipment Familiarity with stage-gate project management systems Experience with Encompix ERP Ability to travel occasionally, including overnight travel Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

About the Company

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Sterling Engineering, Inc.

Sterling Engineering has been a trusted partner for engineering, project management, and staffing solutions for over five decades. We provide exceptional engineering/technical recruitment and engineering project services to clients nationwide:

 

  • Engineering & Technical Recruitment - With our focus on engineering, technical, and IT, Sterling has the in-depth knowledge, industry expertise, and robust employee pipeline it takes to rapidly find talent for even the most difficult to fill positions. Sterling’s extensive recruitment methodology allows us to engage the most talented employees in the marketplace. We offer exciting work and career-building opportunities for our candidates, along with expert support at every step of the process.

 

  • Engineering Project Services – Our experienced, multi-disciplined team of project managers, engineers, and designers, led by licensed Professional Engineers (PE), provide project management, engineering, design, and Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) to manufacturing, OEM, and R&D customers. We work on complex, highly technical projects across a number of industry sectors, and our ability to scale and seamlessly integrate at multiple levels of your organization is what differentiates us.

 

Sterling offers a unique combination of engineering solutions and Best of Staffing level service to help our clients and talent achieve their goals.

COMPANY SIZE
500 to 999 employees
INDUSTRY
Staffing/Employment Agencies
FOUNDED
1969
WEBSITE
http://www.sterling-engineering.com