Last Energy is seeking a Project Manager to join the team. The Project Manager will be crucial in bringing structure and efficiency to our fast-paced hardware development and manufacturing readiness initiatives. This role is focused on managing multiple projects that span the full product development cycle, from initial concept and design through prototyping, validation, and establishing the pathway for vertically-integrated mass production. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who understands the complexities of taking a technical product end-to-end and has a strong foundation in a technical discipline.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Establish and maintain structure across numerous parallel prototyping and manufacturing preparation projects, guiding them from initial design through build, validation, and preparation for large-scale production.
- Develop comprehensive project plans, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation strategies for mechanical, electrical, and hardware-focused build initiatives.
- Lead cross-functional teams of engineers, technicians, and external partners, ensuring clear communication, alignment on goals, and timely milestone achievement.
- Proactively identify, manage, and mitigate risks inherent in a rapid-prototyping and manufacturing readiness environment, developing contingency plans as necessary.
- Drive continuous improvement in project management processes and tools specifically suited for prototyping cycles and transition to production.
- Apply a foundational understanding of hardware design, mechanical engineering, or electrical systems to effectively scope work, challenge assumptions, and communicate with technical teams.
- Act as a critical link to Supply Chain and Logistics, coordinating with procurement and external vendors to ensure timely delivery of components, materials, and services for prototype builds and pilot runs.
- Manage the Bill of Materials (BOM) process for projects across all stages, ensuring accuracy and preparing documentation for eventual transfer to mass production.
- Oversee project execution within our manufacturing and lab facilities, ensuring adherence to safety and quality protocols.
Qualifications
- 5+ years of demonstrable experience as a Project Manager managing technical projects, ideally within the energy, aerospace, automotive, or complex industrial hardware sectors.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, Industrial), or a related technical field. A Master's degree or PMP certification is a plus.
- Direct experience operating in a rapid prototyping, low-volume manufacturing, or pilot production environment is essential.
- Proven ability to manage the supply chain and logistics aspects of technical projects, including vendor management, procurement scheduling, and materials flow.
- Hands-on experience with project management tools and an ability to use Microsoft Excel for project management.
- Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to juggle and prioritize multiple small, build-focused projects simultaneously.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing without direct authority and building trust across technical and non-technical teams.
- A builder and problem-solver mindset, comfortable with ambiguity and adapting to changes in scope or direction inherent in iterative hardware development.