Machine Shop Project Manager Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

Work Location: Deltak Manufacturing Inc. – 4418 Pesson Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560
Employment Type: Full-Time, At-Will, Safety Sensitive
Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/V/D

Deltak Manufacturing Inc. is seeking an experienced Laser Shop Project Manager to oversee laser cutting and press brake fabrication projects from customer inquiry through final production and delivery. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and experienced in estimating, project scheduling, material planning, and customer communication. This position requires strong technical knowledge of laser cutting, press brake forming, and metal fabrication processes, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring quality, safety, efficiency, and profitability.

Responsibilities

Project Lifecycle Management

• Manage laser cutting and press brake fabrication projects from quote acceptance through production and delivery.
• Develop and maintain production schedules to ensure projects are completed on time.
• Coordinate with customers, sales, engineering, purchasing, production personnel, and management throughout each project.
• Monitor project progress, material availability, budgets, and timelines while proactively resolving production issues.
• Ensure customer specifications, quality standards, and delivery expectations are met.

Estimating & Project Planning

• Prepare accurate labor estimates, material takeoffs, and pricing for laser cutting and formed metal fabrication projects.
• Review customer drawings and determine manufacturing requirements.
• Coordinate nesting strategies to maximize material utilization and reduce waste.
• Develop forming plans for press brake operations to ensure efficient production.
• Prepare Requests for Quotation (RFQs) for outside services and specialty materials when required.
• Maintain detailed documentation supporting project estimates and production planning.

Technical Document Review

• Read, interpret, and review customer drawings, blueprints, specifications, CAD files, and work orders.
• Verify project requirements prior to releasing jobs to production.
• Work closely with engineering and programming personnel to ensure accurate laser programming, press brake setup requirements, and production readiness.
• Communicate project scope, revisions, and technical requirements to production teams.

Production Coordination

• Coordinate daily workflow within the laser and press brake departments to maximize machine utilization, production efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Monitor project status and communicate schedule updates to customers and internal departments.
• Assist in identifying process improvements that increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Ensure production documentation is complete and accurate throughout each project.
• Coordinate workflow between laser cutting, forming, welding, and downstream fabrication operations.

Vendor & Customer Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, vendors, and suppliers.
• Coordinate outsourced processing when necessary, including machining, powder coating, painting, or specialty fabrication services.
• Evaluate vendor performance to ensure quality, pricing, and delivery expectations are achieved.
• Provide exceptional customer service by responding promptly to questions, revisions, and scheduling requests.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of project management, estimating, and production management experience in laser cutting, press brake operations, metal fabrication, amd manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal fabrication, laser cutting, CNC press brake operations, and manufacturing workflows.
• Experience with AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS, SigmaNEST, or other nesting/programming software.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, CAD files, and bend specifications.
• Experience preparing estimates, quotations, and production schedules.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP manufacturing software.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive relationships with customers, vendors, and coworkers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of laser cutting equipment, CNC press brake programming, material selection, and fabrication processes.
• Experience with CNC manufacturing and production planning.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.

Physical Requirements

• Must successfully pass pre-employment screening.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk throughout an 8–10 hour workday.
• Ability to work in year-round industrial and outdoor conditions.
• Frequent bending, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays