Program Manager

Ascential Technologies; Utica (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascential Technologies is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to lead end-to-end automation equipment programs, including assembly lines, test systems, and machine builds. You will own scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables while coordinating with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure on-time, on-spec results.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of project management experience in automotive manufacturing or industrial automation, a Bachelor’s degree in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of project management experience in automotive manufacturing or industrial automation.
• Experience managing custom machinery, assembly systems, or test equipment programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project management for custom automation equipment projects (assembly lines, test systems, and machine builds).
• Develop detailed project plans outlining scope, schedule, budget, resource allocation, and deliverables.
• Define project milestones and ensure alignment with internal teams and customer expectations.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure seamless execution.
• Facilitate meetings, design reviews, progress updates, and risk assessments.
• Track performance against schedule, budget, and scope; manage risks and changes.
• Serve as primary point of contact for customers and communicate status and milestones.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with standards and regulations.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional coordination

Stakeholder management

Risk assessment

Root cause analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end project management for custom automation equipment, including assembly lines, test systems, and machine builds
• Develop detailed project plans outlining scope, schedule, budget, resource allocation, and deliverables
• Define project milestones and ensure alignment with internal teams and customer expectations
• Manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Coordinate with Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Controls), Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure seamless execution
• Facilitate regular project meetings, including design reviews, progress updates, and risk assessments
• Drive accountability across teams to meet project timelines and deliverables

Monitoring & Problem Solving

• Track project performance against schedule, budget, and scope
• Identify potential risks, bottlenecks, or delays, and implement corrective actions
• Lead root cause analysis and resolution of technical, production, or supplier-related issues

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers throughout the project lifecycle
• Communicate project status, key milestones, risks, and changes to customers and internal leadership
• Manage customer expectations and ensure final deliverables meet contractual and quality requirements
• Support customer visits, system run-offs, and final acceptance activities

Risk Management & Compliance

• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation and contingency plans
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, safety regulations, and quality requirements
• Monitor project changes and manage scope creep through formal change control processes

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5+ years of project management experience in automotive manufacturing, industrial automation, or machine tool environments
• Experience managing custom machinery, assembly systems, or test equipment programs strongly preferred

Technical & Functional Skills

• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing processes, automation systems, and production environments
• Proven experience managing project scope, schedules, budgets, and risk
• Familiarity with engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, controls) and manufacturing processes

Equal Opportunity Employer

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