Project Senior Manager

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Job Summary

The SPRL Space Physics Research Laboratory in the College of Engineering is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Project Manager for Space Flight Projects to provide technical and project leadership for current and future space mission and instrument development projects.

SPRL Labs is a facility of the College of Engineering that serves clients who are faculty, government agencies (such as NASA and DoD), and commercial companies in the development of unique integrated systems and instrumentation that are often used in challenging environments (e.g. space, artic, above/on/below the water). The XTRM/SPRL Lab professional staff, with faculty and researchers, have built more than 35 space systems and instruments; instrumented numerous sounding rockets, balloons and aircraft; and developed ground-based instruments. For seven decades, this lab has been one of a handful of university centers able to conceive, design, construct, test, and operate space flight instruments a truly "end-to-end" operation.

The Project Manager will be responsible for the management, performance, and completion of the projects and provides a single point of contact for those projects. Takes projects from original concept through completion. Develops detailed work plans, schedules, project estimates, resource plans, and status reports. Conducts project meetings and is responsible for project tracking and analysis. Ensures adherence to quality standards and reviews project deliverables. Manages the integration of vendor tasks and tracks and reviews vendor deliverables. Provides analytical guidance to the project team. Recommends and takes action to direct the analysis and solutions of problems.

Responsibilities*

• Develop project plans to address contractual requirements, client needs, and organizational needs for project management
• Facilitate communication between key client managers, stakeholders, project team members, and contractors
• Develop, maintain, and report on a project plan and other project planning documents including but not limited to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and the baseline cost plan for the entire project;
• Identify and track both critical path and in the shadow of the critical path tasks.
• Maintain and report on key milestones as well as summary tasks. As needed, track spending, estimates at completion, balances, and develop revised estimates as needed.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders, keeping them informed of project progress, identifying and tracking issues that are of specific concern to the government client's managers and key stakeholders.
• Provide briefings and oral presentations to key stakeholders and client managers.
• Ensure issues, concerns, requirements and priorities of each party are successfully transmitted to all parties and that project planning reflects client needs.
• Prepare meeting agendas and summaries for regular project review meetings.
• Proposal management and comparative proposal cost analysis
• Other duties which may evolve from this position include new bid and proposal development responsibilities, and project portfolio management responsibilities

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor Degree in Engineering or an equivalent degree directly related to the duties of this position
• Minimum 4 years systems engineering experience with NASA, DoD, or similar satellite and rocket projects
• Experience in the use of standard project planning and management tools (MS Project, DOORS, or similar)
• Knowledge of the unique requirements for electronics and/or materials operating in the space environment, especially as applied to small satellites
• Experience working constructively

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's Degree in Space Systems Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience in the project management of complex space instrumentation especially managing flight hardware deliverables to NASA or industry
• Experience working with students on space systems projects
• Professional project management certification through PMI or other recognized certification organization

Background Screening

This position requires access to technology controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, candidates must qualify as a 'U.S. Person,' which includes U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and certain protected individuals (such as refugees or asylees) as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required export authorization from the U.S. government.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.