Automotive Program Lead — Launch & Execution

TOTAL Deutschland GmbH; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company-paid coverage

Generous PTO

401(k) with match

Global opportunities

Job summary

Hutchinson in the United States seeks a senior program manager to lead automotive development programs across the full lifecycle, from RFQ to launch readiness and post-launch stabilization. You will guide cross-functional teams, manage APQP/PPAP deliverables, and coordinate with OEM customers to secure on-time, on-budget launches.

The role requires a Bachelor in engineering, at least five years of experience, strong English communication, and the ability to drive decisions without direct

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or a related technical discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least five years of experience in automotive product development, manufacturing, engineering, quality, commercial, or program management.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, product and process validation, engineering change management, and automotive launch processes.
• Experience communicating directly with automotive OEM or Tier 1 customers.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, cost information, validation results, and program financial data.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, recognize critical-path risks, and drive closure without direct supervisory authority.
• Ability to communicate technical, commercial, and program information effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned programs across the full lifecycle, including RFQ and feasibility support, program award and kickoff, product and process development, prototype and validation phases, tooling and industrialization, PPAP and launch readiness, Start of Production, post-launch stabilization, and formal handoff.
• Establish program objectives, scope, assumptions, deliverables, governance, and cross-functional responsibilities in alignment with the approved customer offer and business case.
• Lead program kickoff meetings, recurring program reviews, APQP reviews, design reviews, gate reviews, launch-readiness reviews, and program closeout activities.
• Provide functional leadership to cross-functional program teams without direct supervisory authority. Establish clear commitments, action owners, due dates, and escalation paths.
• Facilitate cross-functional decision-making and document key program assumptions, decisions, approvals, and changes.
• Prepare concise, professional program status reports and presentations covering timing, cost, quality, technical status, risks, decisions, and required management support.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

APQP/PPAP knowledge

Program management

English communication

Technical interpretation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related discipline

Tools

MS Office & MS Project

Customer portals

Job description

Hutchinson in the United States seeks a senior program manager to lead automotive development programs across the full lifecycle, from RFQ to launch readiness and post-launch stabilization. You will guide cross-functional teams, manage APQP/PPAP deliverables, and coordinate with OEM customers to secure on-time, on-budget launches.

The role requires a Bachelor in engineering, at least five years of experience, strong English communication, and the ability to drive decisions without direct