Deputy Project Manager

Deputy Project Manager

• Salary: $112,000 – $146,000 (DOE)
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Position Summary

The Deputy Project Manager I supports the Project Manager in overseeing project execution, vendor coordination, and daily project activities. This role focuses on tactical project management responsibilities, including tracking deliverables, managing communications, and supporting project milestones.

The position includes a 5-level progression system based on vendor management capability:

• Level 1: Manage vendors with PM support
• Level 2: Manage daily vendor progress with engineering support
• Level 3: Control vendor output (delivery schedules, issue closure)
• Level 4: Proactively manage vendors to prevent project impact
• Level 5: Independently manage vendors without PM support

This role requires planning, decision-making, and collaboration with customers and suppliers to ensure project success, quality, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Project Support & Coordination

• Support Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager II in daily project activities
• Assist in managing Project Coordinators’ daily tasks
• Support Project Execution Team (PET) and Project Cost Management Group (PCMG) activities

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Assist in managing major vendors through production, delivery, and warranty phases
• Coordinate with internal teams, customers, vendors, and company affiliates
• Participate in meetings with customers, subcontractors, and internal teams (domestic & international)

Project Tracking & Documentation

• Manage project correspondence (letters, memos, meeting minutes)
• Maintain project databases, deliverables, and action item tracking
• Monitor and report on:
• Project schedules
• Milestones
• FMI activities
• Support closure of project deliverables

Risk, Contracts & Financials

• Identify and mitigate project risks (cost, schedule, technical)
• Understand contract and subcontract requirements
• Support financial milestone planning and execution
• Assist in supplier negotiations (with PM/Deputy PM II support)

Customer Interface & Reporting

• Act as a liaison during meetings (design reviews, reliability meetings)
• Ensure work stays within contract scope and identify/claim extra work when applicable
• Prepare reports for PM review and submission to customers
• Support administrative processes related to customer/vendor communications

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Systems Engineering

Experience

• Minimum 5+ years in:
• Project Management
• Project Engineering
• Project Administration

Preferred Experience

• Mechanical, electrical, or systems design experience
• Rail or transportation industry experience

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Project coordination and meeting management expertise
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and priorities
• Proficiency with computer systems and project tracking tools

Ideal Candidate Profile (Quick Snapshot)

• Organized and detail-oriented project professional
• Strong communicator who can interface with vendors and customers
• Comfortable in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environments
• Experience tracking schedules, deliverables, and project risks
• Engineering background + project coordination experience (rail experience is a strong plus)