MANUFACTURING PROJECT MANAGER

Location: Westfield, IN
Department: Engineering / Operations
Reports to: Director of Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time 
Salary Range: $75k- $85k commensurate on experience

Job Summary

We're hiring a Manufacturing Project Manager to lead complex electronics manufacturing and process improvement projects from concept through completion. In this role, you'll partner with engineers, production teams, suppliers, and customers to deliver technical systems on time, on budget, and to spec. Your projects will range from test equipment builds and custom electronic assemblies to production process improvements and engineering documentation development.

This is a high-ownership role for a detail-oriented, data-driven project manager who thrives in a fast-paced contract manufacturing environment. If you have a background in electronics manufacturing services (EMS), engineering project management, or production operations and you're equally comfortable building a Gantt chart, writing an SOP, and walking the production floor, we want to talk to you.

Key Responsibilities

Lead cross-functional manufacturing projects from requirements gathering through final delivery
Develop and maintain project schedules, budgets, and technical documentation with minimal oversight
Translate customer Statements of Work (SOW) and internal requirements into actionable project plans
Coordinate procurement, fabrication, assembly, and installation activities across departments
Manage production resources and drive schedule execution to meet customer commitments
Track and control project budgets covering labor, materials, subcontractors, and overhead
Support quoting and estimating efforts through accurate material and labor analysis
Create and refine engineering documentation, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Bills of Material (BOMs)
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using metrics, root-cause analysis, and lean methodologies
Facilitate clear communication between customers, vendors, engineering, and production teams

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in one of the following: Engineering or Engineering Technology (Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or similar), Supply Chain & Operations Management, Industrial or Manufacturing Technology Management, Operations Management, Business, Project Management, or Organizational Leadership
Project Management Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with near-complete independence
Technical Writing: Proven experience authoring and maintaining structured technical documentation, SOPs, and work instructions
Software Proficiency: Strong skills in Microsoft Excel, Gantt chart tools, and project scheduling platforms (MS Project, Smartsheet, Asana, Monday.com, or similar)
Analytical Skills: Comfortable with data analysis, KPI tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Bills of Material (BOMs), MRP/ERP systems (M1, Epicor, NetSuite, SAP), or production support
Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or DMAIC methodologies
PMP, CAPM, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, or similar project management certification
Background in electronics manufacturing, PCB assembly, test equipment development, or contract manufacturing (EMS)
Experience supporting quoting, estimating, or cost analysis for custom builds

Skills and Attributes

The right candidate is a self-starter who owns outcomes without needing close supervision. You communicate clearly with both technical engineers and non-technical stakeholders, you stay organized when priorities shift mid-week, and you have the discipline to document your work as you go rather than after the fact. You're comfortable saying "I don't know yet — I'll find out" and then actually finding out.

You take initiative, ask sharp questions, and translate ambiguity into action plans. You're equally at home in a customer meeting, a production huddle, or a quiet hour building a project schedule.

What Success Looks Like

In your first 90 days, you'll get up to speed on our project portfolio, manufacturing capabilities, and key customer accounts. By six months, you'll independently manage a slate of active projects, drive at least one measurable process improvement, and become a trusted point of contact for cross-functional coordination. Long-term, you'll help mature our project management practices and shape how we scale.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens or CURRENT Green Card holders due to our military contracts. We cannot sponsor visas.

About Ball Systems
In business for 60 years, Ball Systems is a full-service test, automation, and custom engineering company solving complex technical and manufacturing challenges across industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, and commercial. We design and deliver electronic custom test systems with thorough attention to detail.

Why Work Here?
Work with a high-performing, supportive team that values your ideas
Projects across diverse industries and technologies
A collaborative, respectful workplace
Clear opportunities for growth and leadership

Benefits
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k) with Company Match
Paid Holidays, PTO, and personal time
Dynamic work environment with real ownership over your role

If you do not see a specific opening that matches your qualifications but would still like to be considered for upcoming positions or additions to existing teams/departments, please send your resume to HR@ballsystems.com.