Project Manager - Site Establishment na Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to spearhead the construction and launch of our state-of-the-art defense manufacturing facility in Toano, VA. This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up and lead a critical facility that will directly support national security while establishing the operational foundation for long-term manufacturing excellence.

As our Project Manager, you will be the driving force behind bringing this facility from construction phase to full operational capacity. You’ll oversee all site operations during the construction period, ensure seamless integration of systems and processes, and then scale the facility to meet production targets. This role demands a leader who thrives in dynamic environments, can navigate complex technical challenges, and has the vision to build sustainable operations that will serve as a model for future facilities.

The successful candidate will be strategic, yet hands-on, and responsible for coordinating multiple stakeholders from construction teams and equipment vendors to regulatory bodies and internal engineering teams, all while maintaining the high KDA standards for safety, quality, and security. You’ll establish operational protocols, lead cross-functional teams, and create the framework for a world-class manufacturing operation.

This role includes detailed project budgeting & planning and extensive follow-up of activities like:

• Construction management
• Compliance with KDA Inc. requirements and local laws and regulations
• Recruitment of personnel
• Training plans of all personnel involved
• IT systems
• Management systems
• Special Tools & Test Equipment, design, manufacturing and implementation
• Production line set-up and verification
• Need for resources from DMS (Division Missiles Systems SMEs) in the different phases of establishing and getting a new site formally approved for the defined scope of work
• Lead/Coordinate progress meetings and on-site reviews
• Initiate formal reviews (PRR/FAI/PCA)
• All reported issues and related risk are handled in the project and/or line organization
• Support and Supervision of the new Manufacturing Site
• Close cooperation with the Norwegian project manager during the project period

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field required or equivalent experience.

NUMBER OF YEARS AND TYPE OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• At least 5 to 7 years of experience managing construction projects.
• At least 5 to 7 years of experience within Manufacturing (Operations) with technical hands-on experience from manufacturing complex Parts, Sub-Assemblies and Complete Systems.
• At least 5 to 7 years of experience in supporting defense contract manufacturing environments by devising plans and collecting information and recommending changes to reduce the cost of manufacturing processes as well as coordinating/organizing work centers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications Word, Excel, Power Point required; One Note, and Project preferred.
• Lean/Six Sigma certification, Black Belt preferred.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD is preferred.
• Project and/or Department Management leadership with experience from defense manufacturing and production.
• Ability to carry out the agreed assignment and deal with several activities simultaneously in a hectic environment.
• Self-driven, systematic and able to build good relationships, internally and externally.
• Skilled communicator and comfortable working closely with different departments such as Programs, Engineering, Supply Chain and Quality.
• Experience working in manufacturing environments/cultures in different continents and countries.
• Good written and oral skills.
• Needs to be flexible when it comes to supporting involved personnel located at different time zones.
• Conduct regular visits to Norway in the first year in position to get familiar with the products, meet with project teams, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Excellent cooperative and communication skills.
• Positive attitude, coping with challenges and finding solutions.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress and address any issues that arise during construction.
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and company policies throughout the construction process.
• Maintain clear communication with clients, stakeholders, and project teams to provide updates and resolve concerns.
• Prepare and present progress reports, budget updates, and project summaries to senior management.

MINIMUM LEARNING TIME FOR THIS POSITION PROVIDED EMPLOYEE HAS NECESSARY EXPERIENCE:

• 6 months (+).

OTHER POSITION CONSIDERATIONS:

• Follow established confidentiality policy, safety standards, or applicable regulations.
• Knowledge of customer service best practices. Organizational skills.
• Some international and domestic travel required (10 – 20%).
• Valid driver’s license and passport required.

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT: “To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.” OR “Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.” “A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations. In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, employee stock purchase option, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Sick time off

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Schedule:

Day shift

9/80 Schedule

Training:

6 months (+)