Automotive Automation Program Manager

3Con Corporation; Wixom (MI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

3CON is seeking a capable Program Manager to lead end-to-end automation equipment programs for automotive OEMs, from concept to production launch, with cross-functional collaboration across global teams.

You will own project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and on-time delivery. Occasional travel to the USA, Mexico, or Austria is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in automotive program management, automation equipment, or product design.
• Strong working knowledge of CATIA (Part Design, Assembly, Drafting, Surface Workbench).
• Proven ability to manage complex technical programs in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience interfacing with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Solid understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, tooling, and materials.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead Program Execution: Own and manage automation equipment programs from concept development through production launch, ensuring alignment with customer expectations and business objectives.
• Customer Interface: Act as the primary point of contact for OEM and Tier 1 customers, leading technical reviews, program updates, and milestone discussions with occasional on site travel in the USA, Mexico or Austria.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinate activities across engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality teams to ensure seamless program execution and manufacturability.
• Design & Engineering Oversight: Support development and review of 3D models and 2D drawings (CATIA), ensuring compliance with OEM requirements and internal standards.
• Program Planning & Control: Develop and manage project timelines, milestones, budgets, and deliverables; proactively drive performance against KPIs.
• Risk Management: Identify program risks early and implement mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Prototype & Validation Support: Oversee prototype builds, design validation activities, and engineering changes to ensure robust product and process readiness.
• Change & Configuration Management: Manage engineering changes, BOM structures, and documentation throughout the program lifecycle.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive lessons learned, process improvements, and operational efficiencies across programs.

Skills

Program management

CATIA collaboration

Automotive industry experience

Cross-functional leadership

Communication

Project planning

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CATIA

MS Project / Scheduling tools

Job description

3CON is seeking a capable Program Manager to lead end-to-end automation equipment programs for automotive OEMs, from concept to production launch, with cross-functional collaboration across global teams.

You will own project timelines, budgets, and deliverables, working closely with engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality teams to ensure manufacturability and on-time delivery. Occasional travel to the USA, Mexico, or Austria is expected.