Program Manager

CSP (Teijin Automotive Technologies); North Baltimore (OH); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

BENEfits4U program

Health, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) with company match

Job summary

CSP is seeking a Launch Manager to lead new product launches and automotive program management. You will coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Materials, and Supply Chain to ensure milestones are met from development through mass production.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and 5–7 years of automotive launch experience, preferably with Tier 1 suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, engineering, program management, or launch management.
• Tier 1 automotive supplier experience preferred.
• Proven experience leading new product launches from development through mass production.
• Strong knowledge of automotive quality and launch systems (APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Validation).
• Experience with manufacturing equipment, tooling, process development, and production readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all activities related to new product launches and engineering changes from award to production stabilization.
• Develop and maintain program launch timelines with key milestones and customer timing.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Engineering, Operations, Quality, Materials, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.
• Establish BOMs, routings, process flows, control plans, and PFMEAs for new programs.
• Support APQP activities and ensure completion of gateway requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate PPAP submissions for production and tooling invoices.
• Lead process validation activities including trials, pilot builds, and run-at-rate events.
• Ensure production systems meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives before SOP.
• Provide staffing, training, and readiness support with plant leadership.
• Support customer launch reviews, audits, readiness assessments, and plant visits.
• Monitor launch performance metrics and drive corrective actions for quality/delivery.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

Lean manufacturing

Project management

APQP/PPAP knowledge

PFMEA

Root cause analysis

Manufacturing process development

Customer launch management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

PFMEA

APQP

PPAP

Process validation

Job description

CSP is the industry leader in the formulation and molding of lightweight, advanced composite components for the transportation industries. As an innovative, full-service Tier One supplier, we offer an entrepreneurial environment where you’re only limited by your own imagination. In addition to our team-focused environment, we provide industry-leading benefits, called BENEfits4U. Our comprehensive offering includes: affordable medical, dental, and vision care; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; 401k with company match and much, much more.

Job Description

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and coordinate all activities related to new product launches and engineering changes from program award through production stabilization.
• Develop and maintain program launch timelines, ensuring key milestones and customer timing requirements are achieved.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams including Engineering, Operations, Quality, Materials, Maintenance, and Supply Chain throughout the launch process.
• Identify, develop, and implement manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production methods required for new products.
• Establish and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs), routings, process flows, control plans, and PFMEAs for new programs.
• Support APQP activities and ensure completion of all customer and internal gateway requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate PPAP submissions to obtain customer approval for production shipments and tooling invoices.
• Lead manufacturing process validation activities, including production trials, pilot builds, run-at-rate events, and capability studies.
• Ensure production systems are capable of meeting safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives prior to Start of Production (SOP).
• Partner with plant leadership to ensure staffing, training, work instructions, and operational readiness requirements are completed.
• Support customer launch reviews, audits, readiness assessments, and plant visits.
• Monitor launch performance metrics and implement corrective actions to address quality, delivery, or operational issues.
• Lead structured problem-solving activities and root cause analysis related to launch challenges.
• Support launch activities on-site at manufacturing facilities and customer locations as required.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to stabilize production and improve launch performance.
• Document lessons learned and incorporate best practices into future program launches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, or related field) required.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, engineering, program management, or launch management.
• Tier 1 automotive supplier experience preferred.
• Proven experience leading new product launches from development through mass production.
• Demonstrated project leadership and cross-functional team management experience.
• Strong knowledge of automotive quality and launch systems including:
  • APQP
  • PPAP
  • PFMEA
  • Control Plans
  • Process Validation
  • Run-at-Rate Activities
  • Customer Launch Requirements
• Experience with manufacturing equipment, tooling, process development, and production readiness activities.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience working directly with OEM customers and customer launch teams preferred.

Core Competencies

• Program & Launch Management
• Project Planning and Execution
• Manufacturing Process Development
• APQP / PPAP Management
• Cross-Functional Leadership
• Production Readiness Planning
• Customer Relationship Management
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Root Cause Analysis and Problem Solving
• Continuous Improvement

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, and access production equipment and tooling areas for extended periods.
• Occasional exposure to noise, manufacturing temperatures, and moving equipment.
• Occasional lifting of parts and materials up to 25 pounds.
• Frequent travel required, including overnight stays at customer and manufacturing facilities.

If you enjoy innovation, and an opportunity to learn and contribute to a growing organization, CSP is the place for you!