Project Lead Manager- Aerospace Engineering Department and University of Michigan Space Institute

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The Department of Aerospace Engineering (AERO) and the Space Institute (SI) are seeking an experienced Project Manager to provide technical and project leadership to identify and develop new business opportunities specifically for access to space and space exploration. The level of effort will be split between AERO and SI in two equal parts of 25% each.

For AERO, the Project Manager will be responsible to: (1) Coordinate pre-proposal activities by identifying, defining and developing research topics for the faculty so to form and coordinate collaborative working groups within the University and with external institutions in academia, government agencies and private industry; (2) Serve as the Proposal Manager of major competed proposals to be submitted to sponsoring agencies; and (3) Support post-award activities of sponsored research projects in preparation for project implementation.

The Project Manager will plan, coordinate and help to manage Project Team activities by developing project plans, organizing proposal reviews, setting meeting agendas, developing action item lists, and developing similar work products.

For SI, the Project Manager will be responsible for coordinating and directing the implementation of all SI research, educational, and outreach initiatives. Primary responsibilities associated with the research initiatives include coordination of pre-proposal activities to form collaborative teams and develop research topics, serving as Proposal Manager for major SI-led competed proposals submitted to sponsoring agencies, and support for post-award activities in preparation for project implementation. Primary responsibilities associated with educational initiatives include support for seminar series activities and coordination of curricular programmatic requirements. Primary responsibilities associated with outreach include support for SI-sponsored networking activities and coordination of web site and newsletter content.

Mission Statement

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Responsibilities*

• Identify new research opportunities with government and industry in the space sector
• Develop a portfolio of industry opportunities for sponsored research
• Manage the development of large-scale center-level proposals
• Develop, maintain, and report on a proposal plan, organization, and other project planning documents including but not limited to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), the Integrated Master Schedule (IMS), and the baseline cost plan for the entire project
• Identify and track both critical path and in the shadow of the critical path tasks in proposed activities
• Coordinate with key stakeholders, keeping them informed of proposal progress, identifying and tracking issues that are of specific concern to the sponsor and faculty.
• Provide briefings and oral presentations to key stakeholders
• Ensure issues, concerns, requirements, and priorities of each party are successfully transmitted to all parties and that project planning reflects sponsor needs
• Prepare meeting agendas and summaries for regular proposal development meetings
• Support periodic in person visits to potential project sponsors for programmatic and technical interchanges
• Support post-award activities of sponsored research projects in preparation for project implementation.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications*

• 10 years of experience in management and business development related to aerospace engineering and space science research and development.
• Significant experience working with relevant federal agencies and aerospace industry.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to successfully interact with diverse groups of people.
• Excellent verbal, written, visual representation/interpretation skills.
• Experience facilitating large technical meetings and presenting to various constituents.
• Ability to work independently and to exercise initiative as well as part of a collaborative team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Google Docs, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Experience in the use of project planning and management tools
• Educational qualifications: Accredited degree (undergraduate minimum, graduate preferred) in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline.
• Ability to think independently and provide others with convincing and persuasive evidence that supports a stated strategy or position
• Ability to multitask and work effectively and quickly, both independently and in teams, ensuring timely completion of assignments and meeting established quality standards
• Experience working constructively organizing and leading project teams
• Superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact in a professional manner with senior level government managers and industry leaders.
  
  
  

Modes of Work

The work requires and the supervisors approve a fully onsite presence in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This is a one (1) year term-limited position through January 31, 2026 with possible renewal based on funding extension.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: This position reports to the Aerospace Engineering Department Chair and the Space Institute Director. This position will interact with faculty and researchers in other departments and universities. The position may also interact with administrative and financial staff at the university and other institutions.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.