Engineering Program Manager

Palmetto State Armory L • Lexington, KY

1d

About The Position

The Engineering Program Manager is responsible for leading cross-functional programs from concept through production within a thermoplastic injection molding and assembly manufacturing environment. This role serves as the primary interface between engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and customers to ensure programs are delivered on time, within budget, and to define technical and quality requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Plastics, or related field) or 10+ years of proven experience in the injection molding and assembly environment.
• 5+ years of experience in program management or engineering leadership within an injection molding and assembly environment
• Strong understanding of thermoplastic materials, injection molding processes, tooling, and secondary operations
• Experience managing new product introductions (NPI) and production launches
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple programs simultaneously
• Strong customer communication and stakeholder management skills
• Proficiency with project management tools (SmartSheets) and ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite)
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and quality documentation
• Technical leadership and problem-solving
• Program planning and execution
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Cost and schedule management
• Clear and effective communication; written and verbal.
• Customer-focused mindset

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering programs from quotation and design through tooling, validation, and full production launch
• Develop project quotes/estimates including component/assembly and tooling pricing and lead times
• Manage initial setup of Part Numbers, Manufacturing Routings, and Bill of Materials within ERP System (NetSuite)
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding technical scope, timelines, risks, and deliverables
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including sales, product engineering, tooling, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and external vendors
• Manage program schedules, budgets, resources, and risk mitigation plans
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Automation (DFAuto) activities
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, quality standards, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO, ITAR, IATF, FDA as applicable)
• Lead program reviews using Smartsheet’s APP to ensure on-time milestone completion
• Identify and resolve technical, schedule, and cost issues throughout the program lifecycle
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to product development, launch execution, and manufacturing efficiency
• Facilitate change management, including engineering changes and customer approvals
• Participate in product development activities.
• Participate in sales development activities including but not limited to visiting current customers as well as potential new customers.
• Participate in plant tours for visiting guests which could include current customers, new potential customers, inner company visitors and/or other special guests.
• All other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager