Project Manager – Mechanical Technologist Orientation

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager with a strong Mechanical Technologist orientation to lead complex mechanical manufacturing projects in Defence and Aerospace environments.

This is a hands-on, manufacturing-driven role, combining project ownership with deep involvement in precision CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, casting technologies, and advanced molding processes. The role requires frequent presence at supplier shop floors, close interaction with quality and production teams, and strict adherence to AS9100 quality management systems.

The position is primarily based in Bangalore, where most suppliers and daily operations are located, and includes travel across India for customer meetings, supplier audits, and project execution support.

Role Orientation Mechanical Technologist (Critical Requirement)

This role requires a candidate who:

• Operates with a Mechanical Technologist / Manufacturing Engineer mindset
• Understands manufacturing processes from raw material through finished part
• Is comfortable making process decisions at supplier facilities and on the shop floor
• Can bridge engineering intent with real-world manufacturing constraints

Candidates with purely administrative or office-based project management backgrounds, without hands-on manufacturing exposure, are not suitable for this role.

Mandatory Technical Competencies

• CNC machining & sheet metal processes
• Casting technologies and post-cast machining
• Plastic injection molding and MIM fundamentals
• Engineering drawings and GD&T interpretation
• AS9100 & AS9102 (FAI)
• NCR, CAPA, traceability, and root cause analysis

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering mandatory
• Strong advantage: education or hands-on experience equivalent to a Mechanical Technologist / Manufacturing Engineer

Experience

• 58+ years of experience in mechanical manufacturing projects
• Proven hands-on exposure to:
• CNC machining
• Sheet metal fabrication
• Casting processes (investment, die, gravity, sand)
• Plastic injection molding and/or MIM
• Proven experience in Defence and/or Aerospace programs
• Direct experience with AS9100-certified products, suppliers, and processes
• Strong shop-floor and supplier-facing background

Key Responsibilities

Project & Manufacturing Ownership

Mechanical Technologist Execution (Hands-On)

Machining & Sheet Metal

Castings & Forming Processes

Plastics & Advanced Molding

DFM / DFA

Defence & Aerospace / AS9100 Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with AS9100 quality management systems
• Lead and support First Article Inspection (FAI) per AS9102
• Ensure full traceability of materials, special processes, and documentation
• Manage NCRs, root cause analysis, and corrective actions (CAPA)
• Maintain configuration management and change control discipline

Supplier & Shop-Floor Management

• Work directly with suppliers across multiple manufacturing technologies
• Conduct on-site technical follow-ups, capability assessments, and audits
• Support supplier qualification and development
• Monitor supplier KPIs: quality, delivery, process stability, and responsiveness
• Act as the technical authority during shop-floor execution

Customer & Internal Interfaces

• Serve as the primary technical and project interface with customers
• Provide structured updates on project status, risks, and mitigation plans
• Coordinate internally with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Management teams