Engineering Project Manager - Custom Systems
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Summary
Engineering Project Manager who owns technically complex custom automation and leak-test system projects end to end—from order handoff through design, build, and customer acceptance—managing budgets, schedules, risk, and cross-functional controls/mechanical/manufacturing teams while acting as the customer's primary technical liaison.
Engineering Project Manager – Custom Automation Systems
Cincinnati Test Systems (CTS) is a global leader in high‑quality leak test instrumentation and custom automated test systems. Our advanced designs, test algorithms, and production‑ready solutions deliver fast, reliable, and repeatable results across demanding industries including Automotive, Medical, Consumer Goods, Powertrain, Energy, and Defense.
CTS is seeking an Engineering Project Manager to lead the execution of high‑value, technically complex custom automation projects. This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys collaborating at a deep technical level while owning project performance from concept through customer acceptance.
Position Overview
As an Engineering Project Manager, you will have end‑to‑end ownership of custom automation programs, balancing technical rigor with disciplined project execution. You will work closely with controls, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to ensure solutions meet performance requirements, budget targets, and delivery schedules.
This is a hands‑on, technically engaged leadership role—not a purely administrative PM position. Successful candidates will bring strong engineering fundamentals, systems thinking, and the ability to guide teams through complex problem‑solving while serving as the primary technical liaison to the customer.
What You’ll Do
- Own execution of complex engineering projects from order handoff through design, build, test, and customer acceptance
- Lead project planning, scope definition, risk management, scheduling, and resource coordination
- Serve as the technical and project interface for customers, ensuring clear communication, expectation alignment, and issue resolution
- Collaborate closely with controls, mechanical, and manufacturing teams to translate requirements into robust automation solutions
- Lead technical and design reviews, ensuring systems meet CTS and customer performance, quality, and safety standards
- Manage project budgets, cost tracking, material planning, and timeline commitments
- Provide technical leadership and direction to project team members throughout execution
- Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in processes, tools, standards, and product platforms
- Stay current with emerging automation and test technologies to influence future CTS solutions
- Prepare and maintain clear project documentation, reports, and customer deliverables
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or related field
- 3–7+ years of experience managing engineering projects involving custom equipment or automation systems
- Strong engineering background with experience in equipment design, automation systems, or controls
- Proven ability to lead cross‑functional engineering teams through complex technical challenges
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including customer‑facing discussions
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Engineering or related discipline
- Experience working with custom automated machinery or test equipment
- Familiarity with controls‑heavy systems involving PLCs, instrumentation, motion, or data acquisition
- Experience in regulated or high‑reliability industries (automotive, medical, defense, energy)
Why Engineers Choose Cincinnati Test Systems
- High‑impact work: Lead projects that produce complex, production‑critical automation systems—not commodity equipment
- Technical engagement: Stay close to the engineering while influencing execution and outcomes
- Engineering‑driven culture: Decisions rooted in data, performance, and long‑term system reliability
- Visibility & ownership: Project Managers are empowered, not buried in bureaucracy
- Growth opportunity: CTS is a growing, global organization offering long‑term career advancement