What are the responsibilities and job description for the Project Manager - Tool Install position at KAEKO, Inc.?
Description
About KAEKO:
KAEKO is an A/E design firm with expert staff that plans, designs, and executes complex MEP projects in the semi-conductor industry. Our team includes engineering and design staff in Mechanical, Electrical, Structural and Architectural disciplines.
At KAEKO we strive for the highest level of customer service throughout the entire project life cycle. We believe in managing client expectations through excellent communication. From project kick-off to completion, our team utilizes this approach to deliver projects that exceed expectations.
Requirements
Summary of Position Responsibilities:
KAEKO is seeking a Project Manager – Tool Install to lead semiconductor tool installation, conversion, and demolition projects from concept through completion. This role carries full responsibility for project performance, profitability, safety, schedule, and customer satisfaction, while also providing direct leadership to engineering/design teams and contractor workforces.
The ideal candidate combines strong project management fundamentals with hands-on tool install and construction leadership, ensuring safe execution, uninterrupted factory operations, and high-quality project delivery. These responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Manage multiple semiconductor tool installation, conversion, and demolition projects simultaneously across diverse stakeholders.
- Maintain full responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and profitability for assigned projects.
- Define project scopes and support estimating, bidding, and proposal development for new and existing work.
- Set up and maintain project schedules and budgets, monitoring performance and implementing corrective actions as needed.
- Prepare and review progress reports, cost reports, and billing, ensuring accurate financial tracking.
- Translate business and technical requirements into constructible, cost-effective project solutions.
- Lead day-to-day tool install construction operations using lean principles to ensure safety, quality, and zero impact to factory operations.
- Manage contractor workforces and key trade partners within the semiconductor construction environment.
- Oversee construction activities supporting new Fab modules, Fab conversions, tool installations, and special building projects.
- Conduct weekly safety meetings and enforce safety standards to eliminate incidents and operational disruptions.
- Review and manage as-builts, redlines, and record set documentation.
- Provide daily leadership and support to a team of Engineers and Designers.
- Lead functional-area teams of matrixed employees across multiple projects.
- Review and approve timesheets and time-off requests for direct reports.
- Conduct annual performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.
- Manage design package setup, drawing organization, and document control.
- Lead cross-discipline coordination (Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Structural).
- Ensure designs adhere to documented CAD standards and procedures.
- Review and direct revisions to design packages to maintain quality and constructability.
- Coordinate changes and information flow across internal teams, clients, and suppliers.
- Partner effectively with clients, factory and facility owners, global supply management, design teams, and suppliers.
- Lead progress meetings, design review meetings, and executive-level discussions as required.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential clients to support business development and repeat work.
- Provide value engineering ideas and cost-reduction strategies during proposal and execution phases.
- Drive decision-making and change at the pace required by fast-moving semiconductor environments.
- Foster innovation by challenging traditional construction practices and leveraging industry insights.
- Set the tone for world-class safety, customer service, and operational excellence, helping make KAEKO the best place to work.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management
- Master’s degree preferred
- 4 years of complex tool install experience may be considered in lieu of degree
- 3 years of experience in Project Management, Construction Management, or Engineering
- 2 years managing teams of 3 or more employees
- Experience with semiconductor tool installation or construction leadership
- Working knowledge of process tool equipment installation
- Experience managing medium- to large-scale projects or programs
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, and Microsoft Office with ability to learn new tools quickly
- Ability to read, interpret, and clearly communicate engineering drawings
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
- Ability to work in a clean room environment
- Strong customer-service mindset with professionalism under pressure
- Willingness to engage at both executive-level discussions and hands-on field execution
- U.S. citizenship required
This position outlines the basic tasks and requirements for the position noted. It is not a comprehensive listing of all job duties. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
KAEKO provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, KAEKO complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
KAEKO expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.