Summary of Position:

The Project Manager is a vital asset to Zepher Flight Labs and its execution team. This role supports all phases of design, development, contracting, proposals, and project execution. The Project Manager guides the ZFL team toward its contractual and self-determined deliverables by managing the budgets, resources, timelines, and deliverables of ZFL projects. The Project Manager is a leader and mentor in operational excellence and a collaborative part of the broader team, including subcontractors. This position requires a strong ability to work under pressure and adapt to evolving priorities. The Project Manager will be responsible for identifying and mitigating risks, as well as implementing best practices to improve project outcomes. Strategic thinking and driving solutions like process automation, data- driven decision-making, and continuous improvement are essential for success in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the CEO, the Project Manager shall:

Track Project Finances: Oversee, track, and report on active budgets for each assigned project / program. Ensure compliance with established project budgets and cost overrun risks are known, managed, and mitigated. Work with the Chief Engineer and Technical Program Manager to review, understand, and approve purchase requests according to established budget allocations.
Lead Projects: Create and lead regular status briefs and project reviews for assigned projects. Work with the Chief Engineer to drive the project team’s direction and achievements according to established project milestones. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of project, team, and risk status with frequent and efficient small meetings / collaborative conversations and minimized large group meetings. Work with the Technical Program Manager to track deliverables and coordinate team actions as required. Ensure projects stay on schedule and within scope.
Manage Information: Develop and maintain project status tools (financial, resource allocation, actions, deliverables, and risk management) as necessary to accomplish the objectives of this role. Utilize other resources – including CEO, Chief Engineer, Technical Program Manager, and Supply Chain Analyst – to support this tool creation. Maintain accurate and current project documentation.
Monitor Project Performance: Continuously assess project performance against objectives and milestones, implementing corrective actions as necessary to ensure project success.
Develop Proposals: Support the CEO and others in proposal lifecycle execution through development, analyses, pre-award planning, kickoff and budgeting, execution, closure, and lessons learned/best practices. Ensure proposals align with company goals and client expectations.
Communicate Effectively: Foster effective communication with customers, suppliers, and internal teams to ensure project success.
Drive Process Improvement: Enhance product development processes and methodologies to increase efficiency and quality.
Ensure Compliance and Safety: Uphold industry standards, regulations, and safety guidelines in all activities.

Job Qualifications: The Project Manager shall have:

Experience: 10+ years of specialized experience in project / program management, financial management and analysis, contracting, or similar.
Technical Skills: Highly skilled in understanding project-based execution and financial tracking.
Problem-Solving: Superior analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated passion for operational excellence, innovation, and finding solutions as problems arise.
Communication: Excellent writing, organizational, communication, and presentation skills. Capable of effectively conveying technical information to diverse audiences.
Interpersonal Skills: Advanced interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively and maintain credibility in customer, supplier, and coworker interactions.
Initiative: Proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues to drive projects to successful completion in a team environment.
Adaptability: Ability to quickly understand and apply new concepts in evolving environments while adjusting work approaches to address complex problems.
Attention to Detail: Demonstrated ability to be meticulous and thorough in completing work tasks, ensuring high-quality results and adherence to specifications and standards.
Software Proficiency: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools.
Contribute to the creation, modification, and maintenance of all documents, procedures, contracts, risk management plans, and any other documentation required by a customer or stakeholder.
Physical Demands: These can include standing, walking, lifting, pushing, carrying heavy objects, prolonged sitting and keyboarding, computer and desk work, and auto and plane travel.
Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science degree or greater in engineering, finance, or business management.
Experience in building and maintaining integrated project schedules and reports (MS Project or similar).
Aerospace and defense industry experience and/or knowledge of Uncrewed Aerial Systems.
Ability to obtain DOD Secret clearance.

This position may require access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To conform to the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Zepher Flight Labs is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation, political affiliation, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, parental status, military or Veteran status.