Senior Technical Project Manager, Chemicals

Estes Energetics is a leader in energetic materials and solid rocket propulsion, supporting defense, aerospace, and commercial markets. Our team is dedicated to advancing cutting-edge technology while fostering a culture of quality, innovation, safety, and collaboration. As we continue to grow, we are seeking skilled professionals who are eager to contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality, reliable solutions in a dynamic, start-up environment. Join a team pushing the boundaries of aerospace propulsion and energetic chemistry.

Summary 

Estes Energetics is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Senior Technical Project Manager to guide our chemical production efforts across our pilot and production operations. This role is critical in ensuring successful execution of our pilot-scale and production-scale chemical plants. These chemical plants will reshore American production of 8+ chemicals critical for defense applications that currently face supply chain challenges. The Senior Technical Project Manager will be responsible for developing and managing project plans, budgets, and schedules and working with the chief engineer and engineering team to solve problems and translate project objectives into actionable tasks. 

Essential Functions 

• Develop and manage project plans to support project timelines in the 18–36-month time range.  
• Communicate effectively with all internal and external stakeholders including US government representatives and suppliers.  
• Interface with contractors for both renovation and construction. 
• Interface with state and Federal regulatory agencies such as DCMA, DCSA, and EPA to ensure regulatory compliance. 
• Work closely with engineering and operations teams in multiple company locations and develop a high-level technical understanding of all chemical plant unit operations.  
• Manage and maintain records of budgets and schedules.  
• Identify and mitigate risks to ensure timely buildout and startup of the chemical plant. 
• Present to customers and partners on project status and plans.  
• Ensure that projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. 
• Manage and communicate large and diverse range of action items, risks, and opportunities. 
• Translate overall project plan and critical path into weekly prioritization for the team. 

Competencies, Experience, and Education 

Required 

• 8 years of experience managing technical, engineering, or manufacturing projects.  
• 8 years of experience working in a manufacturing environment.  
• Ability to coordinate with multiple internal and external stakeholders while balance competing priorities and finite resources. 
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders verbally, through written reports, and through presentations.  
• Experience developing and analyzing project-related financial reports.  
• Experience developing and managing project budgets and schedules in relevant tools like Unanet, Microsoft Excel, and project management software.  
• Experience identifying and mitigating risks. 
• Demonstrated ability to identify barriers to forward progress and mitigate the impact of these barriers to prevent project stagnation. 
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.  
• Eligible to obtain and maintain State and Federal explosives licenses, including  
• • Be 21 years of age or older.  
  • Pass pre-employment drug test and health screening.  
  • Pass State and Federal background checks.  
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and a project management software. 

Desired 

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.  
• 10+ years of experience managing technical, engineering, or manufacturing projects. 
• Experience working in the chemical industry. 
• Proficient with Smartsheet project management software. 

Supervisory Responsibility

No immediate direct reports, but this position may lead to personnel management opportunities for a successful technical project manager interested in pursuing personnel management. 

Work Environment

The work will be primarily in office and manufacturing environments. Some time may be spent working with energetic chemicals and explosives.

Physical Demands 

• Ability to lift 25 pounds. 
• Comfortable sitting, standing, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching. 
• Exposure to industrial machines, heat, cold, and energetic materials. 
• Frequent movement through a manufacturing environment. 
• Use of personal protective equipment appropriate to the work location. 

Travel

15-30%, particularly to the Minden, Louisiana area.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Working a 9/80 schedule

Benefits

Estes Energetics maintains a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance
• Life and disability insurance – 100% paid by company.
• 401(k) retirement plan with 7% company match with vesting at 30 days
• Single, comprehensive paid time off (PTO) policy

Work Authorization

Must be a US citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a protected individual as defined in 8 USC 1324b.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Program

Estes Energetics provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.