Project Manager

Company: Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.
Location: San Luis Obispo
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Project Manager Job Summary: ESAero utilizes a project team methodology to execute engineering contracts. Projects are managed by a combination of a Project Manager and a Lead Engineer. The Project Manager handles customer facing project administration and is responsible for driving project performance and results. The Lead Engineer has overall responsibility for all the technical aspects of each project. Responsibilities and Duties: Managing customer relationships and expectations, ensuring customer satisfaction. Understanding contractual requirements and making sure they are met. Developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and deliverables. Identifying risks to budget and schedule and orchestrating risk mitigation plans, Reporting project status to external customer(s), the project team, and senior leadership. Working with cost accounting to ensure accurate project performance and projections. Ensure that project tasking remains within agreed upon scope. Develop initial or follow-on quotes, SOWs, and proposals. Initiate customer interaction to get contracts modified in the event of any changes to the contracted project scope. The Project Manager will work hand in hand with the assigned Project Lead Engineer to: Coordinate any sub-contracting and/or outsourcing. Develop Statements of Work (SOW), project plans, schedules and budgets. Ensure all regulatory and customer requirements are considered and executed in the project plan. Define deliverables and work with customers to finalize acceptance criteria. Define resource requirements and work with other ESAero management to secure the resources required for successful project execution The Project Manager will coordinate with Quality Assurance and the Chief Engineer to: Develop a quality plan for each project and ensure its execution. Identify and execute traceability requirements, inspection requirements, test requirements and FAI requirements Ensure all quality requirements have been met prior to delivery. The Project Manager will coordinate with the Manufacturing/Operations leads and the lead Engineer to: Identify and secure machine availability, machinist, assembly, material handling, and test personnel to support project deliverables and schedules. Identify and secure enough space and the appropriate equipment needed to support the project team. Identify any training requirements needed by the project team and/or manufacturing personnel in support of the project team, and ensure the training is conducted timely. Required Qualifications and Skills: Due to Federal Government Contracts US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card is required Demonstrated experience in Project and/or Program Management is required. BA/BS degree in engineering, or a technical related field; MA/MS or MBA degree preferred Formal project management education or training 5-7 years’ experience in any combination of the following areas: program management, project management, engineering, quality, contracts, operations, procurement and/or supplier management. Excellent computer skills are a must, including a variety of software applications; experience with project management software like Microsoft Project tracking/scheduling software Expertise working with cross-functional teams. Experience in aerospace program management is preferred. Experience with financial forecasting Responsible for promoting actively an ethics-based business culture in his/her project team(s), ensuring that all associates are aware of, and fully comply with, ESAero’s “Code of Ethics,” and related policies. Desired Qualifications and Duties: Must possess solid organizational skills and attention to detail MRP/ERP experience a plus Disciplined execution of processes and systems Familiar with ISO9001/AS9100 Knowledge of ASTM workmanship standards Ability to read engineering drawings Knowledge of DFAR, TINA, ITAR a plus Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play Company Overview: Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that propel the aerospace industry forward. This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ESAero is an equal opportunity employer. E-Verify participation required for employment. Must be able to pass background check. Must present proof of authorization to work in the United States. Hiring Range: $140k - $180k salary exempt Powered by JazzHR 9aLAdGRXaW

Keywords: Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc., Santa Maria , Project Manager, Engineering , San Luis Obispo, California