Automotive Programs Lead, North America

PennEngineering®; Danboro (PA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & 401K

Medical/Dental/Vision

Parental Leave

Tech provided equipment

Employee‑centric culture

Job summary

PennEngineering is seeking a Program Manager – Automotive, North America to lead automotive fastener programs from RFQ through Start of Production and beyond. You will manage multi‑stakeholder programs, chair gate reviews, and ensure on‑time delivery within budgets.

The role requires cross‑functional collaboration across PEM North America and travel up to 30%. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in production, engineering or PM roles in automotive, with IATF 16949/APQP experience and a strong grasp

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in production, engineering or project management.
• Experience managing automotive programs at a Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier.
• Demonstrated experience carrying a minimum of two programs from RFQ through Start of Production.
• Working knowledge of IATF 16949 and APQP, including PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA and Gauge R&R, PSW and PPAP submission levels.
• Familiarity with customer‑specific requirements, OEM portals, and IMDS or equivalent material reporting.
• Understanding of fastener manufacturing processes and related applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop plans that meet the objectives of each program.
• Manage relationships with internal departments, stakeholders and customers.
• Monitor program progress and adjust work to meet deadlines.
• Chair gate reviews and maintain the master launch timeline.
• Coordinate cross‑functional activities across Commercial, Engineering and Supply Chain.
• Lead cross‑functional program teams and define exit criteria at each gate.
• Maintain program risk registers and communicate status to stakeholders.
• Ensure program documentation is up to date and archived for future reference.
• Support new business opportunities by delivering parts on time and within budget.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Automotive programs

APQP

IATF 16949

Gate reviews

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Project Management or similar

Job description

PennEngineering is seeking a Program Manager – Automotive, North America to lead automotive fastener programs from RFQ through Start of Production and beyond. You will manage multi‑stakeholder programs, chair gate reviews, and ensure on‑time delivery within budgets.

The role requires cross‑functional collaboration across PEM North America and travel up to 30%. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in production, engineering or PM roles in automotive, with IATF 16949/APQP experience and a strong grasp