Senior Research Project Manager Jobs in Park Ridge, IL

Senior Project Manager, PMO
Do you want to be a part of something innovative, relevant, and intellectually stimulating that has a meaningful impact? Come join our MxD team as we strive to increase U.S. competitiveness in manufacturing.
About MxD
MxD (Manufacturing x Digital) advances economic prosperity and national security by strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through technology innovation, workforce development, and cybersecurity preparedness. In partnership with the Department of Defense, we convene an ecosystem to solve critical manufacturing challenges by accelerating digital adoption, empowering a skilled workforce, and modernizing supply chains. MxD is also the National Center for Cybersecurity in Manufacturing, as designated by DoD. Visit mxdusa.org to learn more.
MxD is passionate about its people and committed to creating an environment where everyone is heard and respected. Flexible work arrangements and unlimited paid time-off programs are just a few of the exceptional benefits MxD provides its employees. MxD embodies a strong, fast-paced, and dynamic working environment while also fostering curiosity and innovation.
Position Overview
MxD is seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join our Project Management Office (PMO) in a contract role for at least a 1-year assignment, which is expected to start late August 2026. MxD has multiple ongoing research and modernization projects in Industry 4.0, Supply Chain, Digital Twins, Future Factory, Systems Integration, and Cybersecurity. You will be part of the team responsible for developing and leading research projects to help America's factories tackle grand challenges.
This role will simultaneously drive multiple initiatives from initiation through deployment, including sourcing, planning, and coordination across internal and external teams. A successful candidate will bring strong project management experience, technical engineering acumen, and ability to navigate ambiguity in a fast-paced environment. This role reports to the Senior Director, PMO.
Position Responsibilities

• Lead and manage multiple end-to-end projects simultaneously, from initiation through final delivery.

• In collaboration with the Project Team, lead and develop project planning activities and develop documentation associated with project initiation, including Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Statements of Work (SOWs), project schedules, reporting requirements, intellectual property documentation, asset tracking, and inventory management forms.

• Monitor and control project execution to ensure alignment with SoW, and contractual obligations.

• Facilitate regular project team meetings, capture and distribute key meeting outcomes, communicate project status updates to diverse audiences, and track deliverables against established milestones.

• Identify, assess, and proactively manage project risks, constraints, issues, and ensure timely escalation through the established escalation path when needed.

• Manage project budgets and collaborate with Finance to reconcile actual expenditures against forecast, mitigate and document budget variance, and communicate forecast-impacting changes in a timely manner.

• Coordinate and partner with internal teams, subcontractors, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment, accountability, and timely execution of project deliverables, while effectively influencing without direct authority.

• Support the development of strategic project concept materials and executive-level summaries, while contributing to the continuous improvement of PMO processes, tools, and workflows.

• Mentor Project Coordinators and Project Managers as needed to support professional growth and project success.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Engineering or another technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

• PMP or CAPM certification is strongly preferred.

• Minimum of four (4) years of project management experience leading complex, high-value projects strongly preferred.

• Experience working in technical environments preferred, including research, engineering, product development, and familiarity with digital manufacturing technologies.

• Strong interpersonal, presentation, communication, and negotiation skills, combined with excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Proven ability to effectively interface and collaborate with all levels of an organization, including executive leadership, commercial partners, and academic stakeholders.

• Self-motivated with the ability to thrive in a highly dynamic, collaborative environment.

• Experience with government-funded projects and contracting processes is desirable.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with familiarity using Monday.com or other project management tools.

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Must be available to work onsite for 1 to 3 days per week.

Salary Range: $97,351 to $116,821
How to Apply
Apply online at mxdusa.org/careers by clicking on the link to the position posting.
Work with Us
MxD is a results-oriented, lean, collaborative tech organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are hard-working, mission-driven, flexible, and work with a sense of urgency. We hire tech-savvy, committed, self-starters who can think outside the box, and have a strong capacity to learn and adapt to the needs of the organization and role, through both skill and grit. All-star employees excel without the help of administrative support, and don't mind rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty (figuratively!). Additionally, people who love to solve problems, no matter how big or small, find they are a good fit for MxD.
Our state-of-the-art facility, located on Goose Island in Chicago (just north of downtown), features a manufacturing floor, several infrastructure testbeds, and a bustling open-office environment. MxD is a collaborative space, hosting many events for our partners and other prestigious organizations, so being able to engage with staff and visitors in a professional, helpful manner is a must.
MxD is a 10-minute walk from the North and Clybourn Red Line stop, a 20-minute walk from the Division Blue Line stop, and accessible by a variety of other public transit options; additionally, we have free parking available for employees.
Flexible Work Policy
MxD recognizes the importance of providing flexibility for employees to balance work responsibilities with personal obligations and commitments. Specific feasibility of Flexible Work Arrangements is determined by specific roles and supervisors.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, disability status, economic circumstance, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to sponsor H1B visas currently.
Accommodations Statement
We recognize that individuals may require different types of accommodations to perform their jobs effectively. We encourage candidates who need accessibility assistance or have specific needs to apply and reach out to us.
Accommodations Include:
Application Process: If you need assistance with the application process due to a disability or other accessibility needs, please contact our People & Culture department at PC@mxdusa.org. To the extent possible, we are happy to provide alternative formats for our application materials or support you through the process.
Interview Process: If you require any accommodations for the interview process, such as assistive technology, modified interview formats, or additional time, please let us know in advance. We are committed to ensuring a fair and accessible interview experience.
Workplace Accommodations: Once employed, employees can request reasonable accommodations to perform their job duties. This may include adjustments to workstations, flexible scheduling, or other modifications. Please contact the People & Culture department to discuss your needs. We strive to create an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.
MxD Pay
$97,351-$116,821 USD