Project Manager (R&D/Manufacturing)

Summary:

VIAVI (NASDAQ: VIAV) is a global provider of network test, monitoring and assurance solutions for telecommunications, cloud, enterprises, first responders, military, aerospace, and railway. VIAVI is also a leader in light management technologies for 3D sensing, anti-counterfeiting, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, government and aerospace applications.

We are the people behind the products that help keep the world connected at home, school, work, at play, and everywhere in between. VIAVI employees are passionate about supporting customer success and we welcome people who bring their best every day to the company – to question, to collaborate and to push for solutions that will delight our customers.

We are seeking a Project Manager to coordinate and oversee the development of advanced Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). This role is not a developer position but is essential for managing administrative tasks, procurement, testing coordination, and cross-departmental communication. The Project Manager will serve as the central link between engineering, production, and business units, ensuring project execution on time, within scope, and to quality standards.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Coordination & Administration

• Plan, track, and manage project schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, reporting, and progress updates.
• Monitor adherence to established processes, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Support management in preparing project-related reports and presentations.

2. Procurement & Logistics

• Place and track orders for components, PCBs, housings, and supporting equipment.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to secure timely delivery.
• Maintain and track inventory of critical components.
• Support cost monitoring and budget control related to purchases.

3. Testing & Evaluation Support

• Organize and schedule IMU testing activities (functional, environmental, vibration, and qualification testing).
• Coordinate test logistics, data collection, and reporting.
• Distribute evaluation results and ensure documentation is properly filed.
• Track compliance with testing protocols and project requirements.

4. Cross-Departmental Communication

• Serve as liaison between R&D, production, purchasing, sales, and quality assurance departments.
• Facilitate communication between technical teams and business-side units.
• Ensure smooth information flow and alignment of priorities across all stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver project updates for management review.

5. General Project Support

• Assist with allocation of resources (staff, equipment, facilities).
• Monitor risks and support development of mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to preparation of customer and partner documentation.
• Support coordination of external audits, certifications, or customer reviews.

Pre-Requisites / Skills / Experience Requirements:

Education & Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or related field).
• Solid technical understanding in areas relevant to IMU development:
  • PCB design, manufacturing, and assembly (population).
  • Mechanical design and housing considerations.
  • Basic knowledge of electronics and sensor systems.

Experience & Skills:

• Proven experience in project management within engineering, electronics manufacturing, or R&D.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Experience with procurement, supplier coordination, and vendor management.
• Familiarity with testing workflows and laboratory coordination.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interface with engineering, sales, production, and management.
• Proficiency with project management and productivity tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira, Confluence, MS Office).

Legal & Security Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (required for defense/export control compliance).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Military/Army background (helpful for defense-related projects and organizational culture).
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability sensor development.
• Familiarity with quality and testing standards (e.g., ISO, MIL-STD, DO-160).
• Experience with document control, configuration management, or ERP systems.

If you have what it takes to push boundaries and seize opportunities, apply to join our team today.

VIAVI Solutions is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer – minorities/females/veterans/persons with disabilities.