Project Manager Assistant (PMA)

Applied Research Associates - Huntsville, AL

Full-time - Entry Level

Huntsville, AL

1,001-5,000 employees

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Project Manager Assistant (PMA) at Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc. plays a crucial role in providing project management support and coordination for complex Department of Defense (DoD) projects. This position involves assisting project managers with managing project scope, budget, schedule, and deliverables, while ensuring all tasks are completed within deadlines. The PMA will work in a dynamic environment, requiring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple competing priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support including scheduling meetings, preparing presentations, and recording meeting minutes.
• Assist with purchasing support through micro-purchase orders (MPO) and purchase orders (PO).
• Input MPOs and POs into databases.
• Assist in project scheduling and updating reports/financials for internal process reviews and government reports.
• Track annual fiscal plans and provide monthly updates and maintenance.
• Administer contracts and maintain contract budgets.
• Assist project managers with bill of materials (BOM) and prepare technical proposals.
• Estimate materials, equipment, production costs, and delivery schedules.
• Track material orders by communicating with project managers, procurement, and vendors.
• Serve as a delegate to the Project Manager as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree AND 0-2 years relevant work experience; OR a H.S. diploma (or equivalent) and 6-8 years' relevant experience.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• Obtain and maintain a minimum of a SECRET clearance from the US Department of Defense.
• Technical understanding of prototyping and manufacturing processes, scheduling, and planning.
• Experience in writing technical processes, procedures, and documentation templates/forms.
• Proficient skills with Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Hands-on project management experience in a manufacturing/industrial setting with knowledge of mechanical systems and tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Highly organized with excellent time management skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Active / current SECRET Clearance from the US Department of Defense.
• Project Management Professional certification or equivalent.
• Experience with organizing processes using software and tools.

Benefits

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Training and development opportunities
• Challenging work environment
• Innovative and experimental culture