Program Manager Jobs 2026 (Now Hiring) – Smart Auto Apply

PurposeThe Program Manager is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the Engineering Team, Sales, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering and Production Support through new product development and product launch to meet customer expectations and the Company goals.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Collaborate with Sales, Accounting and Product Engineering in the development of new product cost, timing and program development.
• Provide leadership to concurrent engineering timeline ensuring customer and Company expectations are met.
• Direct individuals across functions and plants on critical timing and provide direction of due dates and required follow-up, holding people accountable to those dates.
• Develop and track APQP deliverable timeline in accordance with customer requirements.
• Track program against its schedule, budget and against phase review objectives.
• Lead program teams and facilitate the communication and interaction among the functional representatives.
• Document and track activities – identify and capture all associated costs – maintain a running log of all issues and status.
• Ensure accomplishment of program launch KPIs and operational performance in the plant through 90 days after SOP.
• Lead corrective action process.
• Coordinate and monitor technical matters, program costs, sufficient labor, etc. to ensure successful development and launch.
• Interface with Management keeping them advised of project status and important issues.
• Coordinate with customers to provide necessary program status and obtain customer feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QualificationsRequired Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, a related technical field, or equivalent
• 2-5 years of experience in engineering or program management
• Experience in automotive manufacturing
• Experience launching new programs across multiple locations.
• Manufacturing or program management experience (Stamping, Welding & Assembly)

Desired Education & Experience

• PMP certification
• Experience in automotive seat structures and/or mechanisms
• Worked with at least one of the following OEMs: Ford, GM, Stellantis, BMW, Volvo and VW
• Experience with at least one OEM system
• Experience with PLEX ERP system

Competencies

• Leadership – ability to direct individuals who do not report directly to them and hold individuals accountable.
• Program Management
• Technical Capacity
• Customer/Client Focus
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Computer Proficiency
• Ability to communicate with all levels of personnel including customers & suppliers.
• Understanding of product and processes
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of related safety requirements
• Confidentiality

Supervisory ResponsibilityThis position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but has authority to direct resources across various departments and plants.Work EnvironmentWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works on the plant shop floor and occasionally in an office setting.