Project Manager I

About the Role of Project Manager I

We are seeking a detail-oriented Project Manager I to support Vendor Management & Prototype Manufacturing Operations at North Star Staffing. This hands-on role focuses on coordinating outsourced prototype work, managing vendor communications, supporting production scheduling, and ensuring timely fulfillment of hardware deliverables.

This position is ideal for professionals with early-career experience in manufacturing operations, prototype shops, or supply chain coordination who thrive in fast-paced hardware environments with tight production timelines. This role is fully onsite in Sunnyvale, CA, and involves direct interaction with hardware components and shop-floor processes.

Key Responsibilities

Vendor Management & Prototype Outsourcing

• Process purchase orders and track outsourced prototype production status.
• Coordinate with external manufacturing vendors (CNC machining, 3D printing).
• Communicate technical drawings and specifications to vendors.
• Monitor delivery timelines and follow up on order status.
• Assist with vendor performance tracking and documentation.

Quality Inspection & Technical Verification

• Inspect incoming prototype parts against technical specifications.
• Use calipers, micrometers, and gauges to verify tolerances and dimensions.
• Identify and escalate quality or specification deviations.
• Maintain inspection logs and quality documentation.

Work Management & Fulfillment

• Coordinate shipping logistics for prototype components.
• Manage inbound/outbound materials for external vendors.
• Track thousands of parts across concurrent prototype projects.
• Maintain accurate project records in tracking systems and spreadsheets.
• Support rapid prototyping timelines with shifting priorities.

Required Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in manufacturing operations, prototype environments, supply chain coordination, or technical vendor management.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and basic GD&T callouts.
• Hands-on experience using measurement tools (calipers, micrometers, gauges).
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and order tracking systems.
• Comfortable working in a shop-floor environment.
• Ability to lift packages up to 50 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in CNC machining, prototype manufacturing, or job shop environments.
• Familiarity with machining processes (milling, turning, grinding).
• Exposure to 3D printing technologies (FDM, SLA, SLS).
• Experience with ERP or manufacturing job tracking software.
• Understanding of packaging and shipping requirements for precision parts.
• Experience supporting rapid prototyping programs with compressed timelines.

Work Environment

• Onsite role in Sunnyvale, CA.
• Shop-floor and manufacturing environment.
• Collaborative work with hardware product teams and external vendors.

Key skills/competency

• Project Management
• Vendor Management
• Prototype Manufacturing
• Supply Chain Coordination
• Technical Drawing Interpretation
• Quality Inspection
• Measurement Tools
• Logistics Coordination
• Microsoft Office
• ERP Systems