Junior Project Manager Carlson Tool & Manufacturing is hiring a Junior Project Manager to join our team onsite at our West Plant in Cedarburg, WI!We're looking for a quality-driven team player to support our Tooling Division in daily project activities and manage smaller component build assignments, with hands-on exposure to all phases of mold build and component project execution including scheduling, coordination, customer communication, cost awareness, and cross-functional collaboration. This position is intended to support the Project Management team while building the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for future advancement into a Project Manager role. Carlson Tool and Manufacturing's West Plant designs and manufactures Plastic Injection Molds for a variety of industries. Our services include design, build, product modeling/development, and reverse engineering services to support the Consumer goods, Packaging, and Automotive markets. Starting pay ranges from $32 - $36/hr depending on experience, with generous perks and benefits including: Weekly pay Relocation Assistance for qualified candidates Full Health Care Coverage including Dental & VisionHealth Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions Life and AD&D InsurancePTO & Paid Holidays Gainsharing Bonus Program Self-Directed 401(k) with 3% Company Match Referral Bonuses Company-provided PPE including prescription safety glasses & safety-toe shoe reimbursement Company-provided inspection equipment Family-Owned Environment with Company lunches, Milestone recognitions, Cookouts and Holiday Parties On-site Carlson Recreational Center with weightlifting, cardio, a golf simulator, pickleball court, and more — open to employees and their families. What You'll Bring to the Table:5+ years of experience in plastic injection mold building, toolmaking, or a related manufacturing environment. Strong working knowledge of tool making processes, including design review, machining, EDM, assembly, and sampling. Proficient in using CAD viewers to review mold designs and engineering changes. High school diploma or equivalent required; technical training or apprenticeship preferred. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) Experience with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., M2M, NCR) preferred.
A Day in the Life:- Project Planning & Control
- Assist Project Managers in developing, maintaining, and updating project plans for plastic injection mold builds, rebuilds, and component projects
- Support scheduling activities for design, machining, assembly, sampling, purchased components, and final approval milestones
- Manage assigned smaller-scale component build projects or portions of larger mold builds
- Monitor daily project activity and follow up on open items
- Prepare project status updates, action item lists, and reports
- Scope, Budget & Change ManagementEvaluate and communicate the impact of design changes, product changes, and scope adjustments on cost, timing, and mold performance
- Manage scope changes through formal change order processes
- Monitor project costs and resource utilization
- Identify project risks related to material availability or capacity constraints, and implement mitigation plans
- Communication & Customer Interface
- Communicate project progress, milestones, risks, and delivery expectations to customers and internal stakeholders
- Proactively address customer concerns related to mold functionality, sampling results, and delivery timelines
- Continually seek opportunities to improve customer satisfaction and long-term partnerships
- Resource & Vendor ManagementEvaluate and plan around required skill sets, machine capacity, and labor resources for each mold build
- Coordinate internal departments including Sales, Design, CNC Machining, Toolmaker, and Quality and Sampling
- Manage external suppliers and subcontractors to ensure quality, cost, and on-time delivery
- Quality, Compliance & Process Improvement
- Help ensure projects follow customer specifications, drawings, and internal quality requirements
- Maintain project records and documentation in compliance with company procedures and ISO standards
- Support mold trials, sampling activities, and validation processes
- Identify opportunities to improve project tracking, communication flow, and execution efficiency
- Learn and apply company project management standards and best practices in preparation for advancement into a full Project Manager role
Ready to Join a Team That Values You? At Carlson, we believe great people build great things — and we'd love for you to be one of them. Apply today and discover what it's like to work for a company where your hard work is valued, and your contributions are celebrated.
Carlson Tool & Manufacturing Corp. is an ISO certified and ITAR registered manufacturing company serving customers with engineering, tooling, drilling, and machining services. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) including disability/veteran.
