Automotive Program Lead, APQP & Launch

CapstoneONE Search; Sparta (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

CapstoneONE Search is seeking a Program Manager for an automotive supplier project based in Sparta, Michigan. The role leads programs from award through launch and production, serving as the main point of accountability for timing, cost, and quality.

You will manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and Manufacturing. Responsibilities include owning APQP milestones, serving as the primary customer contact, and overseeing financials, tooling, and profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of program/project management experience in automotive Tier 1/2 environment.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and automotive program launch processes.
• Experience managing customer relationships and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Leads cross-functional program teams through the full program lifecycle, from quoting/award through launch and production.
• Owns program timing, budget, and APQP milestones; escalates and resolves risks to keep programs on schedule.
• Serves as primary customer contact for program status, changes, and issue resolution.
• Manages program financials, including piece cost, tooling, capital, and profitability tracking.
• Coordinates prototype builds, PPAP submissions, and launch readiness activities.
• Drives resolution of engineering changes, cost variances, and program risks with internal and customer stakeholders.
• Reports program status and key metrics to senior leadership.

Skills

Program management

APQP/PPAP

Cross-functional leadership

Customer relationship management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Job description

CapstoneONE Search is seeking a Program Manager for an automotive supplier project based in Sparta, Michigan. The role leads programs from award through launch and production, serving as the main point of accountability for timing, cost, and quality.

You will manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Purchasing, and Manufacturing. Responsibilities include owning APQP milestones, serving as the primary customer contact, and overseeing financials, tooling, and profitability.