Functional Project Manager Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

At Aquatech, we tackle the challenges of water scarcity and complexity by leveraging technology, expertise, and financing to deliver comprehensive solutions that reduce carbon and recycled water footprint. As a leading global provider of water and process technology solutions, we help the world's most recognized companies achieve their sustainability and operational goals by implementing innovative approaches for water reuse, desalination, minimal and zero liquid discharge, and critical minerals recovery. Our work catalyzes the transition toward a more sustainable future and showcases our commitment to addressing water's role in climate adaptation. Learn more at www.aquatech.com.  

Aquatech immediately needs a full-time Operations Manager to work in our Albany, Oregon office. The hours of this position are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an accomplished Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations, engineering execution, quality systems, and production performance for a growing membrane filtration cartridge business. This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced manufacturing professional with a strong engineering foundation, disciplined project management skills, and the ability to build accountable, high-performing teams. The successful candidate will help drive operational excellence, support company P&L objectives, serve as the senior site leader when executives are traveling or unavailable, and lead the organization’s effort to achieve and maintain ISO certification.

Job Description:

Leadership Responsibilities

· Provide visible, hands-on leadership across manufacturing, engineering, quality, and production teams.

· Build a culture of safety, quality, accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.

· Serve as the senior on-site leader when executive management is traveling or unavailable, ensuring sound decisions that support employees, customers, and business priorities.

· Coach supervisors and team leaders, strengthen cross-functional communication, and align teams around measurable operating goals.

· Lead the company’s ISO certification initiative, including documentation, process controls, internal audits, corrective actions, training, and sustained compliance.

Operational & Technical Responsibilities

· Oversee membrane filtration cartridge manufacturing, production planning, staffing, resource allocation, and operational KPIs.

· Lead production expansion, capital improvement, cost reduction, and operational efficiency initiatives.

· Apply engineering and process knowledge to improve throughput, product quality, manufacturing reliability, and cost performance.

· Develop, implement, and manage the Quality Management System required to support ISO certification and long-term operational discipline.

· Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and operational standards while coordinating effectively with auditors, certification bodies, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.

Skill Requirements

Proven ability to lead, coach, develop, and hold teams accountable for results Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to drive practical execution and sound business decisions Effective change management, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills Commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, quality standards, and customer satisfaction

Benefits:

Aquatech offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, company-paid holidays, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

Physical Job Demands:

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, limited walking, and standing.

 Qualifications/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, operations, engineering, or project management.
• Demonstrated success leading complex operational initiatives, manufacturing improvement projects, or production expansion efforts.
• Experience with membrane filtration cartridge manufacturing or comparable precision manufacturing environments strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of process engineering, manufacturing optimization, quality systems, cost improvement, and continuous improvement practices.
• Proven ability to lead teams through growth, change, accountability, and operational improvement.
• Excellent communication, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal leadership skills.
• Ability and willingness to relocate to Albany, Oregon and work on-site.