Automotive Program Manager — Launch Leader

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP program

Employee-owned culture

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead automotive launches from design to production. You will report to the executive team, manage scope, cost, and schedule, and drive cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, and launch teams.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in automotive programs, strong APQP and PFMEA knowledge, and proficiency with MS Office and MS Project. A Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering is preferred, with ESOP as a core benefit.

Qualifications

• 10+ years automotive program management experience.
• Experience with APQP, PFMEA, and GD&T.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and launch complex programs.
• Strong planning skills to minimize risk and ensure on-time delivery.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Report program status, timing, quality and cost KPIs to executive team.
• Lead a cross-functional team to bring product design to production.
• Drive all aspects of program launch and ensure customer deliverables.
• Establish and maintain program files, scope changes, and risk mitigations.
• Facilitate lessons-learned sessions to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

KPI development

Risk management

Customer liaison

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical/Controls Engineering

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Word

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing seeks a seasoned Program Manager to lead automotive launches from design to production. You will report to the executive team, manage scope, cost, and schedule, and drive cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, and launch teams.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in automotive programs, strong APQP and PFMEA knowledge, and proficiency with MS Office and MS Project. A Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering is preferred, with ESOP as a core benefit.