Manufacturing Project Manager- Entry Level-OPT Programs

Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Bonus based on performance Company parties Competitive salary Dental insurance Health insurance Opportunity for advancement Paid time off Parental leave Relocation bonus Signing bonus Training & development Job Title: Manufacturing Project Manager Company: Kodion Energy Location: Paola, Kansas (On-site) About Kodion Energy Kodion Energy is a U.S.-based manufacturer of next-generation electrical grid and power infrastructure equipment headquartered in Paola, Kansas. We are modernizing the power grid through domestic manufacturing and advanced engineering. Our product portfolio includes single-phase overhead distribution transformers, high-capacity 0-4000 Series pad-mounted transformers, custom switchgears, compact substations, and sodium-ion battery storage systems. By integrating proprietary cooling systems and embedded AI chips into our transformers, we deliver real-time performance tracking, hands-free diagnostics, and proactive outage prevention. Focused on rapid domestic production, we proudly serve utility providers, industrial partners, and the U.S. Department of Energy with industry-leading 4-to-6-month delivery timelines. Role Overview We are seeking an experienced, self-starting Manufacturing Project Manager to own production timelines for our electrical infrastructure equipment. This is a high-autonomy role built for a decisive leader who requires zero hand-holding. You will serve as the connective tissue between our engineering office and our shop floor—seamlessly leading and collaborating with both white-collar engineers and blue-collar production teams. Your primary mission is to drive projects from purchase order to final shipment, ensuring our smart transformers, switchgears, and energy storage systems meet strict quality standards within our signature 2-to-6-month turnaround window. Key Responsibilities Autonomous End-to-End Execution: Take full ownership of manufacturing schedules from initial purchase order to final shipment for single-phase overhead transformers, 0-4000 Series pad-mounted units, switchgears, and battery storage systems without needing micromanagement. Cross-Floor Leadership: Bridge the gap between white-collar and blue-collar teams—translating complex electrical engineering specs into clear, actionable build plans for welders, assemblers, and technicians while feeding shop-floor realities back to leadership. Decisive Problem-Solving & Lead-Time Protection: Safeguard Kodion Energy’s 4-to-6-month domestic delivery timelines by spotting production bottlenecks early, making rapid judgment calls on resource allocation, and resolving floor issues in real time. Government & Utility Contract Delivery: Manage strict compliance, documentation, and milestone tracking for high-stakes clients, including utility providers, industrial partners, and U.S. Department of Energy military base installations. Supply Chain & Component Tracking: Partner with procurement to stay ahead of long-lead materials (core steel, copper/aluminum windings, proprietary cooling hardware, and AI chips) so shop-floor builds never stall. Quality Assurance & Testing Oversight: Enforce strict quality control by ensuring every unit passes factory acceptance testing (FAT), IEEE/ANSI standards, and internal AI-diagnostic calibration prior to shipment. Executive & Client Reporting: Provide clear, no-nonsense project status updates, risk assessments, and delivery forecasts to executive leadership and external stakeholders. Qualifications & Skills Proven Manufacturing Experience: 5+ years of hands-on project management or production leadership experience in a heavy manufacturing environment, strongly preferred within power systems, electrical distribution, transformers, or switchgear production. High Autonomy & Decisiveness: Demonstrated track record as a self-starter who takes initiative, owns outcomes, and makes confident, timely decisions under pressure without waiting for step-by-step …

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