Program Manager, Engineering

Summit Polymers, Inc. • Portage, MI

4d

About The Position

The Program Manager is responsible for managerial and technical work involving the development and design of one or more product components. The role manages program budgets and timelines, leads the Program Development Team (PDT), and serves as the primary liaison among the customer, Sales, Design, Estimating, Accounting, Quality, and Manufacturing. The position reports to the Chief Engineer and operates under general supervision.

The Program Manager is responsible for delivering programs within agreed design, engineering, and tooling budgets and for meeting customer requirements and submission dates. The role includes managing program timing, budget, quality, customer satisfaction, APQP, and launch activities; maintaining program documentation; and supporting product design, continuous improvement, and cost-saving activities. The position typically requires up to 25% travel.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and 2 years of automotive project engineering experience; alternatively, some college instruction, preferably in an engineering curriculum, and 7 years of progressive manufacturing or engineering experience, including 2 years of automotive project engineering.
• Ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited amount of information.
• Minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test, or a traditional cognitive-portion score of 26.
• Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pre-production feasibility reviews to determine whether new products are capable of being manufactured and designed within manufacturing standards.
• Participate in developing and reviewing quotes, and generate Engineering Change Request documents for changes affecting tooling or product pricing.
• Maintain the program’s overall budget and review and track all program Sales Orders.
• Work with Sales and Manufacturing to resolve production piece price amendments (3PAs), Sales Orders, and other debits affecting profitability.
• Complete the program within its agreed design, engineering, and tooling budgets.
• Manage PEs, MEs, QEs, and Designers in relation to program timing, budget, quality, customer satisfaction, APQP, and launch activities.
• Maintain documentation of program activity, keeping evidence in SharePoint.
• Serve as the primary customer contact and liaison between the PDT and internal functions.
• Lead the PDT, establish program priorities, and lead weekly White Board meetings to review open issues and establish resolutions.
• Maintain the program timeline and develop and track the program’s critical path.
• Support part design using a SET-based options approach, and support Kaizens and A3 development activities.
• Participate in ongoing customer meetings to review concerns and issues, and prepare cost-saving suggestions for the customer.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal team members and external customers throughout the program.
• Ensure on-time delivery of customer requirements defined in the customer’s statement of work or equivalent.
• Work with the PDT to ensure complete part submissions are made and approved by the required customer date, and track and manage open issues related to successful submission.
• Attend customer builds as requested.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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