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Project Manager, Manufacturing & Strategic Initiatives

CesiumAstro

Job Location:

Austin, TX - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 29 September 2026 (21 hours ago)

Application Deadline: 27 December 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Please Note:To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations the applicant must be a U.S. citizen lawful permanent resident of the U.S. conditional resident asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

AtCesiumAstro we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites UAVs launch vehicles and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment which allows us to learn develop and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on interactive and autonomous work CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate collaborative energetic and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

CesiumAstro is seeking a Project Manager Manufacturing & Strategic Initiatives to lead manufacturing activation equipment commissioning production readiness and operational ramp activities across the companys expanding manufacturing footprint.

This is a hands-on execution role for someone who understands what it takes to operate a production environment. Strong candidates may come from production operations maintenance manufacturing engineering or technical project leadership within aerospace defense technology hardware semiconductor automotive aseptic manufacturing high-volume production or another complex technical industry.

The Project Manager will translate manufacturing objectives into detailed execution plans and coordinate the people equipment facilities vendors and operating systems required to bring new production capabilities online. The initial focus will include developing the manufacturing activation plan through March 2027 followed by leading equipment installation commissioning qualification and production ramp activities over the subsequent 12 months.

This position must be equally comfortable developing an integrated schedule working directly with engineers and equipment vendors resolving issues on the production floor and communicating risks and recommendations to executive leadership. This is not a desk-only project management role. The successful candidate will take ownership work through operational details and act when execution challenges arise.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and manage the integrated manufacturing activation plan including facility readiness equipment delivery installation commissioning qualification and production ramp.
Translate long-range manufacturing objectives with Engineering into detailed workplans milestones dependencies ownership assignments and readiness criteria.
Lead the transition from facility construction and infrastructure delivery into an operational manufacturing environment.
Coordinate equipment installation utility connections rigging site acceptance commissioning and production handover.
Work with Quality Production and Engineering to develop production ramp plans covering first article process stabilization throughput improvement and achievement of planned production rates.
Ensure tooling materials maintenance support work instructions quality controls safety requirements and operator training are ready to support production.
Maintain a regular presence on the manufacturing floor during installation commissioning and ramp activities.
Work directly with production engineering maintenance quality facilities and equipment vendors to identify and resolve execution issues.
Take practical action to maintain progress when equipment process material staffing or infrastructure problems arise.
Support equipment placement installation troubleshooting testing and operational readiness activities in accordance with company safety requirements.
Coordinate the safe use and movement of equipment tooling materials and production assets.
Support Engineering during equipment integration process development first-article builds and transition into repeatable production.
Serve as a primary operational interface with equipment manufacturers integrators rigging providers contractors and technical consultants.
Coordinate vendor schedules site requirements installation activities acceptance testing training documentation warranties spare parts and service support.
Confirm that equipment requirements are incorporated into facility utility layout safety and production planning.
Hold internal and external partners accountable for commitments while maintaining productive working relationships.
Build strong working relationships across Manufacturing Engineering Supply Chain Quality Facilities Operations Finance and executive leadership.
Understand the requirements of internal customers and convert those requirements into executable operational plans.
Navigate competing priorities while maintaining alignment around company-level manufacturing objectives.
Communicate effectively with production personnel technical specialists equipment vendors functional leaders and executives.
Lead through influence credibility accountability and practical manufacturing experience.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in Engineering Manufacturing Operations Industrial Technology Business another relevant field or equivalent practical experience.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in manufacturing production operations maintenance engineering project management program management or another complex technical operating environment.
Experience activating a greenfield facility expanding a factory or launching a new production line
Practical experience working in or directly supporting an active production operation.
Hands-on experience installing commissioning qualifying troubleshooting and bringing manufacturing equipment to planned production rates.
Working knowledge of manufacturing utilities equipment maintenance material flow safety systems production controls and operator training.
Willingness and ability to work in active manufacturing environments and participate directly in installation commissioning and production-readiness activities while following applicable safety training and authorization requirements.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience as either a manufacturing leader or a highly accountable individual contributor with direct responsibility for production performance.
Experience in aerospace defense technology hardware semiconductor automotive aseptic manufacturing high-volume production or another high-reliability technical industry.
Hands-on experience installing commissioning qualifying troubleshooting and bringing manufacturing equipment to planned production rates.
Experience coordinating equipment manufacturers systems integrators rigging providers contractors and other technical vendors.
Experience supporting new-product introduction process development first-article builds or the transition of engineering designs into repeatable production.
Experience activating a greenfield facility expanding a factory or launching a new production line.
Experience safely using common hand and power tools in an industrial environment.
Forklift or material-handling equipment experience certification or ability to obtain required certification.
Experience with Lean manufacturing continuous improvement root-cause analysis production KPIs or data-driven problem solving.
Experience coordinating cross-functional teams schedules risks and operational dependencies.
Demonstrated ability to develop detailed execution plans and maintain progress under changing priorities.
Strong interpersonal stakeholder-management written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to understand internal customer requirements and build productive relationships across technical and operational teams.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health dental vision HSA FSA life disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard torace color religion sex national origin disability protected Veteran Status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process such as reviewing applications analyzing resumes or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed please contact us.

Required Experience:

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