Associate Strategic Program Manager

Front Door Defense; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MISUMI Americas, a division of MISUMI Group, seeks an Associate Strategic Program Manager in Oakland, CA to coordinate cross-functional programs delivering complex parts on time and on budget. You will work with Sales, Quality, Logistics, and DFM teams to maintain high quality and customer satisfaction.

Travel about 10% within the U.S., contribute to continuous improvement, and manage internal process enhancements to elevate the customer experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering with 1–2 years of related experience, or 3+ years of manufacturing operations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Clear, confident communicator with cross-functional global teams.
• Proactive self-starter with interest in learning and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with CNC Machining, 3D Printing, Injection Molding, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Die Casting, or Assembly.
• Technically savvy with interest in AI tools and automation to improve workflows.

Responsibilities

• Own relationships with internal stakeholders and support customer-facing touchpoints to deliver standout service.
• Track and report program milestones across platforms, keeping timelines on course.
• Identify process gaps and risks, drive improvements.
• Champion cross-functional collaboration to boost efficiency and satisfaction.
• Manage customer change requests and project updates across platforms.

Skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Project coordination

Time management

AI/Automation interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering

Tools

CNC Machining

3D Printing

Injection Molding

Sheet Metal Fabrication

Die Casting

Job description

Associate Strategic Program Manager

Coordinate cross-functional programs to deliver on-time, on-budget manufacturing projects for complex parts

Location: Oakland, California, United States

Compensation: $75,000 – 100,000 USD / year

About the Role

MISUMI Americas, a division of MISUMI Group, is a leading provider of standard, configurable, and custom manufacturing solutions. By integrating a vast catalog of components with a world‑class digital manufacturing platform, MISUMI Americas empowers engineers and procurement teams to accelerate innovation across the entire product lifecycle. With operations in the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago, the company serves as a vital partner for the most innovative companies in the Americas.

Impact In This Role

As an Associate Strategic Program Manager (SPM) at MISUMI Americas, you'll work alongside engineers at some of the world's most innovative companies — helping get complex products across the finish line on time, on budget, and at the highest quality. You'll be a critical connector between Sales, Quality, Logistics, and C&DFM teams, keeping programs aligned and customers confident.

With a focus on continuous improvement, you'll contribute ideas, drive internal process enhancements, and elevate the overall customer experience. What you'll do:

• Own relationships with internal stakeholders and support customer‑facing touchpoints to deliver standout service.
• Track and report program milestones across multiple platforms, keeping timelines and deliverables on course.
• Identify process gaps and risks using your manufacturing or operations knowledge — then drive improvements.
• Champion cross‑functional collaboration to boost program efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Manage customer change requests and project updates across internal and external platforms, keeping every stakeholder in sync.
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date program status across multiple systems to support business decision‑making.
• Travel approximately 10% annually within the U.S. for customer onsites, team meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
• Contribute to and maintain the Quality Management System (QMS).

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering with 1–2 years of related experience, or 3+ years of manufacturing operations experience.
• Sharp organizational and time management skills — you juggle multiple priorities without dropping the ball.
• Clear, confident communicator with experience working across diverse, cross‑functional global teams.
• Proactive self‑starter with a passion for learning, continuous improvement, and operational success.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as CNC Machining, 3D Printing, Injection Molding, Sheet Metal Fabrication, Die Casting, or Assembly.
• Technically savvy with a strong interest in leveraging AI tools and automation to sharpen workflows and enhance performance.

Nice To Have

• Experience working with global manufacturing sites in a customer‑facing role.
• Familiarity with ITAR and EAR regulations, particularly ECCN classifications such as 9A515.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• 20–25% travel to visit customers and manufacturing facilities.

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $75,000 – 100,000 depending on experience.

If you thrive in a fast‑paced cross‑functional environment, and want to make a real impact on how the world's best products get built — we'd love to hear from you. Apply below and tell us what drives you.

We're actively seeking teammates who:

• Bring diverse perspectives and experience to our culture and company.
• Excel at being part of a strong, empathetic team.
• Thrive in an environment emphasizing respect, honesty, collaboration, and growth.
• Have an 'always learning' mindset that celebrates learning, not just wins.
• Help us continue to build a world‑class organization that values the contributions of all of our teammates.

We encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, members of the LGBTQ community, people of color, people with disabilities, and veterans.