Application Guide
How to Apply for Project Manager
at Oshkosh Corporation
🏢 About Oshkosh Corporation
Oshkosh Corporation is a global industrial technology leader that designs and manufactures vehicles and equipment for defense, fire, emergency, and commercial markets. Their focus on innovation and reliability makes them a top choice for professionals seeking to work on mission-critical projects that enhance safety and resilience worldwide.
About This Role
As a Project Manager, you will manage the Service Provider Network to optimize fleet readiness, lead cross-functional projects from initiation to closeout, and ensure compliance with government regulations. Your work directly impacts operational efficiency and supports Oshkosh's commitment to delivering robust solutions for defense and emergency services.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing KPI dashboards to assess fleet readiness, followed by a meeting with service providers to negotiate rates or resolve issues. You'd then collaborate with engineering and supply chain teams on a project milestone, update project plans in Smartsheet, and prepare a status report for leadership using Power BI.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Oshkosh Corporation Is Looking For
- A PMP-certified professional with 3+ years of project management experience, ideally in government or defense contracting, and familiarity with FAR/DFARS regulations.
- An expert in data analytics and reporting, proficient in Excel (pivot tables, macros, VBA) and tools like Power BI or Tableau to track KPIs and earned value metrics.
- Experienced with project management software such as Smartsheet, Primavera P6, Jira, and Confluence, and skilled in Lean, Six Sigma, or CMMI frameworks.
- A collaborative leader who can navigate cross-functional teams (Warranty, Contracts, Engineering, etc.) and serve as the primary liaison for customers and service providers.
📝 Tips for Applying to Oshkosh Corporation
Highlight any experience with government contracting (FAR/DFARS) and defense-related projects; use specific examples of managing compliance-heavy initiatives.
Emphasize your data analytics skills by showcasing projects where you used Excel VBA or Power BI to drive decision-making and improve readiness metrics.
Tailor your resume to demonstrate experience with the exact tools listed: Smartsheet, Primavera P6, Jira, Confluence, and Microsoft Project.
If you have a PMP or CAPM certification, place it prominently near the top of your resume; if not, consider mentioning your intent to obtain it.
In your cover letter, connect Oshkosh's mission of 'enhancing safety and resilience' to your own career goals and past work in high-stakes environments.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express enthusiasm for Oshkosh's role in defense and emergency services, and how your project management skills can directly improve fleet readiness.", 'Detail your experience with service provider networks, including vendor onboarding, rate negotiation, and global coverage management.', 'Showcase your ability to manage projects with strict regulatory requirements (e.g., FAR/DFARS) and your proficiency in earned value management and KPI dashboards.', 'Mention your cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly with engineering, supply chain, and finance teams, and your comfort acting as a primary liaison.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read about Oshkosh's defense programs (e.g., JLTV, FMTV) and how the Service Provider Network supports fleet readiness for military vehicles.
- → Familiarize yourself with Oshkosh's recent press releases or annual reports to understand their strategic priorities and growth areas.
- → Review the basics of FAR/DFARS regulations, especially those related to contractor performance and supply chain management.
- → Look into Oshkosh's use of Lean and Six Sigma; check if they have specific case studies or mentions of these methodologies in their operations.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to demonstrate specific experience with government contracting or defense projects; generic project management examples won't suffice.
- Not showcasing proficiency in the required tools (Excel VBA, Power BI, Smartsheet, etc.) or providing vague descriptions of data analytics skills.
- Overlooking the importance of the Service Provider Network aspect; ensure your application addresses vendor management and global coverage.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Oshkosh Corporation!