Industrial Project Manager

Company: Industrial Kinetics, Inc.
Department: Project Management / Sales
Reports To: Lead Project Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Location: Downers Grove, Illinois (on-site)
Travel: Up to 30% (varies based on project timelines- not every week)
Salary Range: $90,000–$120,000 annually

Who We Are

Every product has a journey before it reaches your hands—and on the manufacturing floor, every handoff matters. Conveyor systems keep materials moving from one stage to the next, helping people, equipment, and processes operate as one coordinated team. IKI designs the systems that make those handoffs seamless, turning thousands of moving parts into a winning operation.

For more than 50 years, we've helped manufacturers keep that momentum going. From a single conveyor to fully integrated material handling systems, we solve complex production challenges by creating smarter, more efficient ways to move products, connect operations, and keep businesses running at their best.

That same philosophy shapes how we work together. Great projects, like great conveyor systems, depend on seamless handoffs, clear communication, and people moving toward a shared goal. We take ownership, solve problems collaboratively, and keep our promises—because when everyone works in sync, our customers succeed along the way.

The Material Handling Project Manager

The ideal Project Manager is the quarterback we all depend upon. You create alignment across customers, engineering, operations, suppliers, and installers, turning many moving parts into one coordinated team. From project award through final acceptance, you create clarity, drive execution, and keep everything on track.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary customer contact, building trust through proactive communication and issue resolution.
• Own projects from award through final acceptance, delivering on scope, schedule, budget, quality, and profitability.
• Lead cross-functional coordination internally and externally
• Review drawings and specifications to support project execution.
• Manage procurement, change orders, project risks, and financial performance using ERP tools (Epicor preferred).
• Oversee equipment delivery, installation, commissioning, and final customer acceptance.
• Complete project closeout and capture lessons learned to improve future execution.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of project management experience in manufacturing, capital equipment, OEM, industrial automation, or a similar technical environment.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects from planning through completion.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, customer relationships, and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, project scheduling software, and ERP systems.
• Strong communication, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Willingness to travel up to 30% (varied based on project timelines - not every week)  including occasional overnight travel.
• Preferred: Experience with Epicor, AutoCAD, conveyor or material handling systems, custom-engineered equipment, AI productivity tools, PMP certification, or a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.

What IKI Offers:

• Salary of $90,000–$120,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) 
• Paid time off, company holidays, and educational assistance.
• Paid leave in accordance with the law.
• Join a stable, family owned company with nearly 50 years of industry leadership and work alongside a tenured, highly skilled engineering team.
• Build your career in a collaborative environment focused on quality, innovation, and long-term growth.

How to Apply

Please apply online and make sure to submit your resume along with a cover letter that includes a brief description of a project you have personally managed, including approximate budget and outcome.  

Industrial Kinetics, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, order of protection status, or any other characteristic protected by the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) or applicable federal law. We utilize machine-based artificial intelligence (AI) systems to assist in our initial talent sourcing and passive recruitment efforts. Human recruiters and hiring managers make all evaluation, interviewing, and final selection decisions. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; please contact us to request one. Salary history will not be requested.