Project Manager

ARA

Madison, AL • On-site

$83K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

The Prototype, Manufacturing and Integration (PMI) Division of Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc (www.ara.com) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Project Managers on-site at our Madison, AL location. The Project Manager provides on-site project management support and coordination to complex contract(s), project task(s) or a business unit. Responsible for managing DoW projects and assisting our Program Manager(s) and associated project managers with managing scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables of dynamic R&D manufacturing projects. Must possess the ability to perform detail-oriented work, be a well-organized and dedicated individual to coordinate and execute program tasks within cross-functional team(s) and complete all activities within required deadlines. A Project Manager manages multiple competing priorities, is a proactive problem solver, critical thinker, can work both independently and also as a team player. Ensure all project activities are carried out in accordance with project commitments or specific objectives/tasks while adhering to quality and productivity standards and meeting client schedules.
This position will require a background check and must have the ability to obtain & maintain a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War. Must be a US Citizen.
Pay Ranges: From $83,000 - $90,000 annually; it is based on years of experience as a specialized Project Management and knowledge that you may bring to the position.
We are seeking the following in a Project Manager:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a technical or business degree and 2+ yrs. experience, OR Degree Waived with 8-10 years of recent and relevant work experience working as a DoW Project Management or industry acquisition activities
  • 2+ years' experience in project management or contract's role supporting DoW or other scientific/technical programs for scope, cost, and schedule
  • 2+ years' experience as a DoW contractor
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Project
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War
  • Contract accounting and reporting
  • Project scheduling
  • Cross-functional team management and leadership
  • Tracking annual fiscal plans and monthly updates, maintenance, and reporting
  • Contract administration, purchasing, maintains contract budgets
  • Prepares contract billing, estimates materials, equipment, production costs and delivery schedules
  • Gather information resource needs, project progress, timeline information, and updating action items, as required
  • Review project documents and Statement of Work (SOW) to determine project deliverables
  • Maintain deliverables to minimize scope creep and determine impacts to budget and schedule
  • Technical understanding of prototyping and manufacturing processes / scheduling and planning / ability to evaluate and implement process improvement
  • Hands on project management in manufacturing/industrial setting
  • Job requires pushing, pulling, standing, standing for long periods of time, reaching, grasping, bending, climbing, stooping, vision for computer work and candidate must be able to lift to 50lbs individually
  • Wear all required personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, hearing protection and hand protection as required
  • Must be a US Citizen

This will "WOW" us if you have the following:
  • Active / current Secret Clearance from the US Department of War
  • Project Management Professional certification or equivalent

Who is ARA?
Applied Research Associates, Inc. is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM, in 1979, currently employs over 2,200 employee-owners and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. The corporation also provides sophisticated technical products for environmental site characterization, pavement analysis, and robotics.
*Learn more about who we are and what we do by going to: www.ara.com
ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees' needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at ARA Benefits
Interested? Please apply at careers.ara.com for the Project Manager position. #LI-AB1
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.


Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Project Manager?

A: To succeed as a Project Manager, key technical skills include proficiency in project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), knowledge of project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, MS Project), and understanding of budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation. Essential soft skills include strong communication and interpersonal skills, ability to lead and motivate teams, and effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. By combining these technical and soft skills, a Project Manager can effectively plan, execute, and deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the satisfaction of stakeholders, ultimately driving career growth and professional success.

Q: What is the career path for a Project Manager?

A: A Project Manager's typical career progression involves starting as an Assistant Project Manager or Project Coordinator, where they gain hands-on experience and develop essential skills in project planning, execution, and team management. As they advance to mid-level roles such as Project Manager or Senior Project Manager, they take on more complex projects, lead cross-functional teams, and develop expertise in areas like risk management, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. Ultimately, senior-level roles like Program Manager or Portfolio Manager offer opportunities for strategic leadership, business acumen, and career specialization, with long-term prospects including executive leadership, consulting, or entrepreneurship.



ARA job posting for a Project Manager in Madison, AL with a salary of $83,000 to $90,000 Annually with a map of Madison location.