Technical Project Manager

ebm-papst, Inc.

Job Description

Job Title: Technical Project Manager (R&D Product Owner)

Department: Research & Development

** This is not an IT or software role **

Summary: At ebm-papst Inc., a leader in innovative fans, motors, and engineering solutions, we are looking for a proactive technical project manager to oversee the technical dimensions of our projects as an R&D Product Owner. This pivotal role involves managing engineering challenges and solutions across projects, ensuring alignment with our high standards and customer expectations. Additionally, this position requires effective cross-department communication of KPIs and progress to general project managers, integrating technical insights with broader project goals.

Essential Functions of the Job: The essential functions of this job require the person, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform the following: 

• Technical Oversight: Lead all technical aspects of projects from initiation to execution, ensuring they meet specifications, standards, and customer requirements. Understand stakeholder needs by taking in a market requirement specification / product vision and outputting a product requirement specification, work breakdown structure, and detailed project plan to be managed and followed throughout project duration.
• Project Coordination: Collaborate closely with multiple project teams, engineering departments, and stakeholders to ensure project milestones are achieved. Manage resources and timelines to meet project goals until product release.
• Communication and Reporting: Regularly report on project technical progress, challenges, and outcomes to general project managers. Prepare detailed reports and presentations that communicate technical achievements in the context of project objectives.
• Risk Management: Identify potential technical risks and develop mitigation strategies collaboratively with the project team. Ensure any changes to project scope, schedule, and costs are documented and communicated to the general project manager.
• Quality Assurance: Implement quality control processes to meet the technical excellence expected at ebm-papst Inc. Ensure compliance with industry standards and company quality guidelines.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary R&D liaison between the project team and external stakeholders. Translate information for non-technical audiences to facilitate informed decision-making. 
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze project outcomes and processes to identify areas for technical improvement and efficiency gains. Share insights and lessons learned with the project management team.

 Recommended Education and/or Experience: 

 Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, Physics, or related technical field. PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred.

• Experience: At least 3 years of experience in project management within a technical environment, ideally in the engineering, manufacturing, or electronics sectors.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong foundation in the technical aspects relevant to ebm-papst Inc.’s product line. Ability to manage complex technical projects and deliver innovative solutions.
• Analytical Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, with a focus on strategic thinking and risk management.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in presenting technical data and project information cross-departmentally & to diverse audiences.
• Leadership and Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, fostering collaboration and innovation. Strong interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder management.

Additional Requirements

• Willing to travel as needed for project requirements, ~10%.
• Proficient in project management software and tools.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in additional languages is a plus.

All Employees are expected to:

• Follow the Employee Handbook policies and procedures and uphold organizational values. 
• Contribute to building a positive work environment. 
• Report for work consistently and on time. 
• Report to supervision conditions or practices that are unsafe to ebm-papst and its employees. 

Benefits: Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance; HSA options; life and disability insurance; voluntary supplemental benefits; a 401(k) retirement plan with company contributions; and paid time off.