Technology Project Manager, Core Engineering

Overview
LAIKA, the world-renowned stop motion studio known for its groundbreaking storytelling and technical innovation, is seeking a Project Manager, Core Engineering to join our Technology team. In this role, you will be the primary liaison between Technology leadership and Engineering teams, ensuring projects are well-organized, efficiently executed, and aligned with company goals.

You will oversee project planning, road mapping, and execution while driving best practices in workflow efficiency, communication, and risk management. Working closely with engineers, product owners, and other production managers, you will translate complex technical requirements into actionable plans and ensure seamless collaboration across teams. 

Key Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution:

• Develop, maintain, and oversee project roadmaps, ensuring visibility into timelines, dependencies, and deliverables.
• Track project progress and provide real-time updates to leadership, flagging risks and roadblocks as needed.
• Manage key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Assist leadership in creating executive-level communication materials, including presentations, project forecasts, and data visualizations.
• Ensure projects comply with company policies, procedures, and industry standards. 

Cross-Team Collaboration & Communication:

• Act as the primary liaison between Technology leadership and Engineering teams, ensuring alignment on objectives and priorities.
• Work closely with engineers and product owners to translate technical discussions into clear, actionable project plans.
• Partner with other project managers to track and manage cross-functional dependencies.
• Lead regular status meetings, providing structured updates to stakeholders. 

Process Improvement & Technical Support:

• Identify inefficiencies in project workflows and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Evaluate technical feasibility, implementation approaches, and deployment strategies.
• Enhance project tracking and communication systems using Jira, Smartsheet, Power BI, and Keynote/PowerPoint.
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation to ensure clarity and accessibility across teams. 

Qualifications
Experience & Background:

• 7+ years of experience in project management, production coordination, or business analysis within a technology-driven environment.
• Experience in film, television, or media technology is preferred, though relevant experience in software, hardware, or engineering development is also valuable.
• Strong ability to engage in technical discussions and absorb key engineering requirements.
• Proven experience leading projects from conception to delivery within Agile, Kanban, Lean, and Waterfall frameworks. 

Technical & Project Management Skills:

• Solid understanding of technical architecture and engineering workflows, with the ability to assess system impacts.
• Experience managing consumer application development projects through the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC).
• Expertise in project tracking and communication tools such as Jira, Smartsheet, Power BI, and Keynote/PowerPoint.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and business audiences. 

Additional Requirements:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Comfortable working across teams and bridging gaps between engineering, leadership, and production.
• Passionate about technology and its role in creative and operational success. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk; stand; sit; use hands to operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; talk or hear both in person and by telephone. The employee must lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee works under typical office conditions and is exposed to variable indoor temperatures. The noise level is usually quiet or moderate.  

Location 
On-site in Hillsboro, OR and also eligible for hybrid work / or remote work.
Salary 
Salary is commensurate with skills and experience.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

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