Entry-Level Engineering Program Manager

American Expedition Vehicles; Wixom (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AEV Limited in Wixom, MI seeks a Program Manager to bridge Development and upstream/downstream customers, coordinating schedules, deliverables, and BOMs from concept through SOP. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration with design, engineering, and suppliers to deliver on time.

You will lead timing creation, stage-gate processes, test plans, and release engineering activities, while maintaining detailed documentation and tracking milestones in a fast-paced automotive environment.

Qualifications

• Automotive product development, project management, and/or release engineering experience.
• Knowledge of DFMEA, DVP&R, PPAP, APQP and automotive manufacturing methods.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Program Management: Manage new part development programs with Design studio, engineering, and suppliers to bring products to market on time.
• Release Engineering: Write test plans, coordinate testing, analyze results and implement countermeasures.
• Supplier Management: Collaborate with suppliers on issues from sourcing to cost.
• Work with Design for manufacturing on product development.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Automotive experience

Oral and written communication

Microsoft Office

ERP systems

Organization / detail-oriented

Problem solving

Multitasking

Fast-paced environment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering Technology or Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Program Manager will liaise between Development Departments and all “upstream” & “downstream” customers for scheduling/communication/deliverables. Under limited supervision, this position will work closely with other functions on “upstream” activities to successfully transfer information and schedule development from the initial concept through SOP. This position will also lead the coordination of all associated BOMs within the program scope and track necessary deliverables to ensure the program milestones are achieved.
RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Program Management
  • Manage new part development programs. Work with Design studio, engineering, and suppliers to bring products to market on time.
  • Follow AEV program management guidelines for each project. Stage gate approvals, write RFQ packages, tooling kickoff, part approval process, etc.
  • Coordinate product meetings and maintain detailed open issue items and track to resolution.
  • Create and manage detailed timing for each product.
  • Create and manage Bills of Material (BOM) for each product.
    
• Release Engineering
  • Write test plans, coordinate testing, analyze test results, and take countermeasures if necessary.
  • Maintain appropriate tracking documentation and disseminate it regularly to team members.
  • Become the expert on any given product/process and manage that product from the cradle to the grave.
    
• Supplier Management
  • Work directly with suppliers on all program issues, from sourcing, delivery, quality, and cost.
  • Determine the best supplier based on each part per AEV / Program requirements.
• Work with Supplier and AEV Design on design for manufacturing
• All other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Automotive experience preferred.
• 0-3 yrs. work experience in engineering/manufacturing.
• Experience with automotive product development, project management, and/or release engineering.
• Experience and working knowledge of product development process and quality disciplines (DFMEA, DVP&R, PPAP, APQP) and common automotive manufacturing methods.
• Work history that demonstrates diverse job responsibilities a plus
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong computer skills, Microsoft office, ERP systems, etc.
• High level of organization, strong attention to detail, adept problem solver
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable with completing complex and lengthy projects while being able to multitask with ad hoc requests.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required in Automotive Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or any Engineering. Work Experience may be substituted based on the manager’s discretion.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sitting: 6-8 hours at a time
• Standing: 1-2 hours at a time. There will be days standing could be 8 hours.
• Walking: 30 minutes to an hour
• Lifting: 50 lbs. occasionally
• Carrying: 50 lbs. occasionally

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• This role may require local and international travel. Employees must have and maintain active copies of all necessary paperwork for travel locally and internationally.