Program Manager

Kelly Services; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Services in the Bay City area seeks an experienced Project/Program Manager to plan, coordinate, and execute automotive electronic chassis control system programs from concept through production launch. This role is on-site with full benefits and requires an engineering degree.

The candidate will lead cross-functional teams, manage plans and budgets, and ensure compliance with ISO 26262 safety requirements and quality standards throughout the program lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ME, EE, Mechatronics, or Automotive.
• Significant experience managing automotive development programs.
• Strong PM skills with planning, scheduling, and budgeting responsibilities.
• Solid understanding of ISO 26262 functional safety requirements for automotive systems.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and Stakeholder management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional automotive development programs throughout the product lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor program progress and mitigate risks and issues.
• Coordinate activities among engineering, quality, manufacturing, purchasing, suppliers, and customers.
• Facilitate program reviews and provide regular status updates to stakeholders and management.

Skills

Project management

ISO 26262

Automotive electronics

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Schedule management

Risk management

Cross-functional teams

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in ME/EE/Mechatronics/Automotive

Tools

Jira

Smartsheet

Asana

Monday.com

Microsoft Project

MS Office

Job description

Full time contract to direct opportunity in the Bay City area for an experienced Project/Program Manager.
$35 – 45/hr
Full Benefits – Medical/Dental/Optical & Vacation/Holiday
This is a full time onsite role.
Engineering degree required

Job Summary:

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing automotive electronic chassis control system programs from concept through production launch. This role requires strong project management capabilities, excellent communication skills, and an understanding of ISO 26262 functional safety requirements for automotive electronic systems.
The ideal candidate combines technical engineering knowledge with strong organizational and leadership skills to ensure program objectives are achieved on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate cross-functional automotive development programs throughout the product lifecycle.
• Develop and maintain project plans, schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Monitor program progress and proactively identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and issues.
• Coordinate activities among engineering, quality, manufacturing, purchasing, suppliers, and customers.
• Facilitate program review meetings and provide regular status updates to stakeholders and management.
• Ensure adherence to customer requirements, quality standards, and internal development processes.
• Support budgeting, resource planning, and program cost tracking.
• Manage change requests, program documentation, and configuration control activities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on system requirements, validation activities, and product launches.
• Ensure compliance with automotive standards, including ISO 26262 functional safety processes.
• Support customer communications and act as a primary point of contact for assigned programs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program execution and efficiency.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in: ME, EE, Mechatronics, Automotive

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of automotive electronic systems and vehicle architecture.
• Knowledge of ISO 26262 Functional Safety processes and requirements.
• Familiarity with chassis control systems include:
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake Systems
  • Steering Control Systems
  • Vehicle Dynamics Control

Proficiency in:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook)
• Microsoft Project or equivalent project management software
• Time management and project tracking tools (e.g., Jira, Smartsheet, Asana, Monday.com, Planner)
• Ability to analyze project metrics and generate management reports
• Communication & Leadership
  • Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
  • Strong stakeholder management and customer-facing communication abilities.
  • Ability to lead cross‑functional teams and influence without direct authority.
  • Strong meeting facilitation and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Organizational Skills
  • Exceptional time management and prioritization abilities.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Strong attention to detail and follow-through.

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