Project Manager – Lathe & Grinding Machine Manufacturing

Chicago / Elgin Area | Capital Equipment | Engineered-to-Order Systems

Why This Role

• Base salary range: $90,000–$120,000, depending on experience

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage

• 401(k) with 100% company match up to 5%

• Short- and Long-Term Disability

• Life insurance

• 11 paid company holidays

• Paid Time Off

• Stable global manufacturer with approximately $225M in revenue and 700+ employees worldwide

• High-visibility role working closely with machines, engineering, manufacturing, and customers

Company Overview

We are partnered with a global manufacturer of precision industrial machine tools, with manufacturing and sales operations in the United States, Switzerland, and China. The company designs and delivers custom, engineered-to-order lathe and grinding machine systems for customers with demanding accuracy, performance, and reliability requirements.

Position Overview

The Project Manager oversees and manages all phases of manufacturing projects, from initial customer engagement through final delivery and installation. This role requires strong organizational skills, technical understanding of lathe and grinding machine manufacturing, and the ability to coordinate across multiple departments and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope and budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Project Managers who are most successful in this role typically bring prior hands-on machine experience (assembly, applications, manufacturing engineering, or field service). An engineering background is a plus, but practical machine knowledge is equally valued.

Reports to: Senior Project Manager

Location:
Chicago / Elgin area. Regular onsite presence is important for success.

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Coordination

• Utilize MS Project to develop comprehensive project plans based on project quotes, clearly defining scope, timelines, resources, and deliverables

• Coordinate with engineering, operations, supply chain, and sales to align project goals and schedules

• Manage project budgets, ensuring effective cost control and efficient resource allocation

Client Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle

• Conduct regular customer meetings and status updates to communicate progress and address concerns

• Ensure client requirements and expectations are clearly defined and work with internal teams to ensure they are met

Project Execution

• Oversee the production and assembly of machine tool systems, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and quality standards

• Apply project management tools and methodologies to track progress and resolve issues

• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies

• Monitor milestones and deliverables to ensure performance and quality objectives are achieved

• Prepare and present project status reports and final project evaluations to senior management

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor cross-functional project team members

• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and productive work environment

• Delegate tasks and responsibilities effectively to ensure timely project execution

Background & Experience (Flexible by Design)

• Experience in machine tools, capital equipment, or complex industrial machinery

• Hands-on technical background strongly preferred (machine assembly, applications engineering, manufacturing engineering, field service, or similar)

• Project management experience in custom or engineered-to-order environments

• Engineering background is a plus, not a requirement

• Proficiency with MS Project or similar scheduling tools

• Strong communication skills with both customers and internal technical teams

There is no strict minimum education requirement. Practical experience, technical credibility, and the ability to manage complex machine projects are the primary success factors.

Travel Expectations

Travel varies by customer and project:

• Some projects require periodic travel

• Others may involve minimal or no travel for extended periods

• Travel is project-driven less than 20% overall.