Manufacturing Project Manager

Apollo Technical has an immediate need for a Manufacturing Project Manager in the Mooresville NC area

Position Overview

The Manufacturing Project Manager will lead cross-functional projects that take new and existing medical implant, instrument, and cutting tool programs from prototype through production scale-up and ongoing manufacturing.

This role ensures on-time, on-budget, high-quality delivery while driving continuous improvement in our advanced CNC machining environment. You will partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Production, Supply Chain, and customers to support as a tier-one supplier known for rapid response, production-level prototypes, and cost-effective precision manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and close manufacturing projects for spine, trauma, arthroscopic implants, instruments, and cutting tools, managing scope, schedule, budget, resources, and risks from concept/prototype through validation and full production.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality Assurance, CNC Programming/Machining, Tooling, Supply Chain, and Operations) across facilities.
• Oversee production-level prototyping using the same advanced equipment (5-axis machining, Swiss turning, etc.) that will run production, minimizing inconsistencies between prototype and scale-up.
• Develop and maintain detailed project plans, Gantt charts, risk registers, and status reports; communicate progress, issues, and recovery plans to internal stakeholders and OEM customers.
• Ensure all projects comply with ISO 13485, FDA 21 CFR Part 820, and internal quality management systems; support First Article Inspections (FAI), process validations, and change control.
• Drive cost containment and efficiency by optimizing operations, reducing setup/lead times, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives (lean manufacturing principles).
• Manage customer requirements, including design transfers, specification reviews, and Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) coordination where applicable.
• Identify and mitigate manufacturing risks related to complex geometries, tight tolerances, materials and high-precision processes.
• Support new product introductions, capacity planning, and process improvements that leverage proprietary holding methods, laser tool management, and advanced machining protocols.
• Track key performance indicators (on-time delivery, quality metrics, cost variance) and lead post-project reviews to capture lessons learned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Biomedical), or related technical field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of project management experience in a precision manufacturing environment, preferably medical devices, or highly regulated machining.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes (multi-axis milling/turning, Swiss-type, 5-axis), GD&T, and medical device manufacturing workflows.
• Experience with quality systems (ISO 13485 and/or FDA QSR) and associated documentation (protocols, reports, change control) is preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize in a fast-paced production setting, and deliver results under tight timelines.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills; ability to work effectively with shop-floor teams and external OEM customers.
• Proficiency with project management tools (MS Project, Smartsheet, or equivalent), ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.