Pilot Programs Project Manager - Automotive

Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems I LLC in; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems I LLC is seeking a Project Manager, Pilot Programs (Transportation) to lead planning, execution, and validation of new manufacturing pilots. You will coordinate operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and production to ensure pilot success while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.

The role requires strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills, with 5–9 years in automotive environments and travel to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• 5-9 years of experience in automotive industry.
• Experience leading new product launches, pilot programs, process implementations, or manufacturing transfers.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, APQP, PFMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency with project management tools and reporting systems.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites including manufacturing plants.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of manufacturing pilot programs from planning through production readiness and launch.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, timelines, and key deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Production.
• Identify project risks, develop mitigation plans, and proactively resolve issues impacting objectives.
• Monitor pilot performance metrics and analyze results to validate process capability, productivity, quality, and safety requirements.
• Facilitate project meetings, status updates, and executive reviews.
• Ensure adherence to customer specifications, manufacturing standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and capture lessons learned for future launches.
• Support equipment installation, process validation, training, and readiness activities for pilot programs.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, reports, and communication plans.
• Manage change control activities and ensure stakeholder alignment.
• Coordinate transition of successful pilot programs into full-scale manufacturing.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Manufacturing/Operations Management/Business

Job description

Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems I LLC is seeking a Project Manager, Pilot Programs (Transportation) to lead planning, execution, and validation of new manufacturing pilots. You will coordinate operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and production to ensure pilot success while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.

The role requires strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills, with 5–9 years in automotive environments and travel to