Project Manager

2 weeks ago


Crystal Lake, IL, United States Sterling Engineering Full time
Job Description

Title: Project Manager

Salary: 80-90k

Industry: Plastics

Location: Crystal Lake

Type of Role: Direct Hire

We are a mid-sized company specializing in heavy-hitting, high-performance plastic products serving industrial, commercial, and custom-manufacturing clients. Due to the launch of a major new project, we are expanding our team and adding key headcount to support continued growth. We offer a stable, well-established environment with an outstanding, people-focused culture where employees are valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Key Responsibilities:

Proposal & Project Initiation
  • Develop and manage project proposals, scopes of work, and timelines.
  • Collaborate with sales and engineering to evaluate feasibility and clarify customer requirements.
  • Participate in project kickoff meetings and ensure all parties understand deliverables and expectations.
Blueprints, Technical Specs & Estimating
  • Review, interpret, and analyze blueprints, technical drawings, CAD files, and material specifications.
  • Prepare accurate quotations, estimates, and cost breakdowns for labor, materials, tooling, and production.
  • Work with engineering and production teams to validate assumptions and pricing accuracy.
  • Identify potential risks, constraints, or design challenges early in the process.
Project Execution & Coordination
  • Manage project schedules, milestones, and communication with internal stakeholders and customers.
  • Ensure materials, tooling, and resources are available and aligned with project timelines.
  • Monitor production progress and troubleshoot issues to minimize delays or cost overruns.
  • Maintain detailed project documentation and status reports.
Customer & Stakeholder Communication
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned projects.
  • Communicate updates, changes, and technical clarifications clearly and professionally.
  • Support customers through the full lifecycle-from quote to delivery and post-project follow-up.
Continuous Improvement
  • Recommend process improvements related to estimating, workflow management, documentation, and project execution.
  • Support efforts to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall customer experience.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience).
  • 3+ years of project management experience in manufacturing, plastics, industrial, or similar technical environments.
  • Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, CAD drawings, and technical specifications.
  • Proven experience in quoting, estimating, and proposal development.
Meet Your Recruiter

Erik Butzen
Technical Recruiter


Erik Butzen is a skilled and compassionate Senior Recruiter passionate about empowering individuals to advance in their careers. With two years of dedicated service at Sterling, Erik has already significantly impacted the organization's talent acquisition efforts.

Having honed his expertise over five years in the field of recruiting, Erik possesses a deep understanding of the industry's intricacies. His journey began with the desire to assist individuals in finding opportunities that would propel their professional growth forward.

As a Senior Recruiter, Erik takes great pride in his ability to help people make meaningful advancements in their careers. Whether it's guiding a candidate through the interview process, providing valuable insights into the job market, or matching the right talent with the perfect role, Erik is committed to positively impacting the lives of those he interacts with.

One of Erik's most valuable pieces of advice to both hiring managers and fellow recruiters is to ask a lot of questions. Understanding the needs and expectations of both candidates and employers is essential to finding the best fit for both parties.
  • 630-310-6963
  • ebutzen@sterling-engineering.com
  • Connect on LinkedIn


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

As one of the most respected names in engineering staffing, Sterling has hundreds of opportunities with top employers. If you've got a friend or colleague seeking their next move in engineering, we could have their next opportunity. We offer a referral bonus for every referral that we place. Submit referral now.

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