1

Project Management Jobs in Santa Maria, CA (NOW HIRING)

This is a technically oriented program management role with a focus on customer requirements and security-related business processes. PM Experience for large scale projects, project management ...

This is a technically oriented program management role with a focus on customer requirements and security-related business processes. PM Experience for large scale projects, project management ...

Project Manager

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Maintain accurate forecasting and management of budgets. * Managing subcontractors and project team (subordinates). * Resolve problems involving labor disputes, material deliveries and contracts ...

Project Manager

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$125K - $180K/yr

Maintain accurate forecasting and management of budgets. * Managing subcontractors and project team (subordinates). * Resolve problems involving labor disputes, material deliveries and contracts ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Project Management information

See Santa Maria, CA salary details

$39.5K

$105.3K

$166.1K

How much do project management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for project management in Santa Maria, CA is $105,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $126,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is project management?

Project management is the process of planning, organizing, and overseeing the completion of specific projects within an organization. It involves setting clear goals, allocating resources, managing budgets, and ensuring that project milestones are met on time and within scope. Project managers coordinate teams, handle risks, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery. Effective project management helps organizations achieve their objectives efficiently and with high quality results.

What is a project manager?

Project management jobs are crucial to businesses completing projects in a timely and cost-effective manner. As a project management professional, your job duties include planning workflows and scheduling the checkpoints of a project, ensuring the project stays on budget and meets the deadline, documenting every aspect of a project, and handling the supervision of the team of employees working on a project. You must be an effective communicator to liaise with different departments and teams. You can find project management jobs in engineering, aerospace, consulting, pharmaceuticals, and in almost every major industry.

What are common challenges faced by project managers when leading cross-functional teams, and how can they be addressed?

Project managers often encounter challenges like miscommunication, conflicting priorities, and varying work styles when coordinating cross-functional teams. To address these, it's important to establish clear communication channels, set well-defined goals, and foster a collaborative environment. Regular check-ins and transparent progress updates help align team members and ensure accountability. Additionally, understanding each department's unique perspective enables the project manager to anticipate and resolve conflicts proactively.

What is the difference between Project Management vs Business Analysis?

AspectProject ManagementBusiness Analysis
Primary FocusPlanning, executing, and closing projectsIdentifying business needs and solutions
CertificationsPMP, CAPMCBAP, CCBA
Work EnvironmentProject teams across industriesBusiness units, consulting
Industry UsageConstruction, IT, manufacturingIT, finance, healthcare

While project management focuses on delivering projects on time and within scope, business analysis centers on understanding business needs and defining solutions. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions in project success and organizational improvement.

What do you do in a project management job?

A project management job involves planning, organizing, and overseeing projects to ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and budget. Project managers coordinate teams, communicate with stakeholders, and use tools like Gantt charts and project management software to track progress and address issues throughout the project lifecycle.

What kind of jobs can a project management get?

A project management professional can work in roles such as project manager, program manager, project coordinator, or operations manager across various industries like construction, IT, healthcare, and finance. These roles typically involve planning, executing, and closing projects, often requiring skills in leadership, communication, and familiarity with project management tools like MS Project or Agile methodologies.

What qualifications does a project management need?

A project manager typically needs a bachelor's degree in a related field such as business, management, or engineering. Professional certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) are highly valued and demonstrate expertise. Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills are essential, along with experience in project planning and use of project management tools like MS Project or Jira.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Management jobs in Santa Maria, CA?

The most popular types of Project Management jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Project Management jobs in Santa Maria, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Project Management jobs in Santa Maria, CA are:

What cities near Santa Maria, CA are hiring for Project Management jobs?

Cities near Santa Maria, CA with the most Project Management job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Management job openings in Santa Maria, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,253 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Project Manager

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Project Manager 

Job Summary:
ESAero utilizes a project team methodology to execute engineering contracts.  Projects are managed by a combination of a Project Manager and a Lead Engineer. The Project Manager handles customer facing project administration and is responsible for driving project performance and results. The Lead Engineer has overall responsibility for all the technical aspects of each project. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

  • Managing customer relationships and expectations, ensuring customer satisfaction.
  • Understanding contractual requirements and making sure they are met.
  • Developing and managing project schedules, budgets, and deliverables.
  • Identifying risks to budget and schedule and orchestrating risk mitigation plans,
  • Reporting project status to external customer(s), the project team, and senior leadership.
  • Working with cost accounting to ensure accurate project performance and projections.
  • Ensure that project tasking remains within agreed upon scope.
  • Develop initial or follow-on quotes, SOWs, and proposals.
  • Initiate customer interaction to get contracts modified in the event of any changes to the contracted project scope.
  • Coordinate any sub-contracting and/or outsourcing.
  • Develop Statements of Work (SOW), project plans, schedules and budgets.
  • Ensure all regulatory and customer requirements are considered and executed in the project plan.
  • Define deliverables and work with customers to finalize acceptance criteria.
  • Define resource requirements and work with other ESAero management to secure the resources required for successful project execution

       Project Manager will coordinate with Quality Assurance and the Chief Engineer to:

  • Develop a quality plan for each project and ensure its execution.
  • Identify and execute traceability requirements, inspection requirements, test requirements and FAI requirements
  • Ensure all quality requirements have been met prior to delivery.

       Project Manager will coordinate with the Manufacturing/Operations leads and the lead Engineer to:

  • Identify and secure machine availability, machinist, assembly, material handling, and test personnel to support project deliverables and schedules.
  • Identify and secure enough space and the appropriate equipment needed to support the project team.
  • Identify any training requirements needed by the project team and/or manufacturing personnel in support of the project team, and ensure the training is conducted timely.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

  • Due to Federal Government Contracts US Citizenship or Permanent Resident Card is required
  • Demonstrated experience in Project and/or Program Management is required.
  • BA/BS degree in engineering, or a technical related field; MA/MS or MBA degree preferred
  • Formal project management education or training
  • 5-7+ years’ experience in any combination of the following areas: program management, project management, engineering, quality, contracts, operations, procurement and/or supplier management.
  • Excellent computer skills are a must, including a variety of software applications; experience with project management software like Microsoft Project tracking/scheduling software
  • Expertise working with cross-functional teams.
  • Experience in aerospace program management is preferred.
  • Experience with financial forecasting
  • Responsible for promoting actively an ethics-based business culture in his/her project team(s), ensuring that all associates are aware of, and fully comply with, ESAero’s “Code of Ethics,” and related policies. 

Desired Qualifications and Skills:

  • Must possess solid organizational skills and attention to detail
  • MRP/ERP experience a plus
  • Disciplined execution of processes and systems
  • Familiar with ISO9001/AS9100
  • Knowledge of ASTM workmanship standards
  • Ability to read engineering drawings
  • Knowledge of DFAR, TINA, ITAR a plus

 Comprehensive Benefits & Perks: 

  • Health & Wellness: Choose from three health, dental, and vision plans - including a
  • 100% employer-paid option covering both employees and their families. 
  • Paid Time Off: Enjoy 120 hours of PTO, 80 hours accrued plus an additional 40 hours of holiday break pay in addition to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day off. 
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 employer-paid life insurance policy, with the option to purchase additional coverage for employees and their families. 
  • Supplemental Coverage: Access optional benefits such as Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness with Skin Cancer coverage. 
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): Take advantage of a tax-advantaged HSA to manage medical expenses. 
  • Retirement Savings: 401(k) with a company match to support your financial future. 
  • Paid Holidays: Enjoy 9 paid holidays throughout the year. 
  • Work Environment: A casual dress code, complimentary snacks, and a welcoming company culture. 
  • Ideal Location: Work in an area that offers an outstanding quality of life - a perfect place to live, work, and play

Company Overview:

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc (ESAero) is a leader in aerospace engineering, product development, and manufacturing, dedicated to delivering high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. We specialize in cutting-edge system design, rapid product development, precision manufacturing, comprehensive testing, and technology demonstrations to support the evolving needs of the aerospace community. Committed to excellence, on-time delivery, and continuous growth, we invest in infrastructure to expand our manufacturing and aftermarket capabilities while maintaining the highest standards of engineering services. 

At ESAero, we don’t just build products, we engineer solutions that 

propel the aerospace industry forward. 

**This position is fully on-site at ESAero in San Luis Obispo, CA** 

_________________________________________________________________


ESAero is an equal opportunity employer.
E-Verify participation required for employment.
Must be able to pass background check and drug test.
Hiring Range: $140k - $180k Salary/Exempt
 

Powered by JazzHR

9aLAdGRXaW