Program Manager SW

Joyson Safety Systems; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Joyson Safety Systems is seeking a seasoned Program Manager in Auburn Hills, MI, to lead cross-functional teams from award through production. You will serve as the primary customer interface, driving timing, cost, quality, profitability, and satisfaction across engineering, operations, quality, purchasing, finance, and sales.

The role requires 8+ years in automotive program management, strong leadership, and expertise in APQP/PPAP.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in automotive program management, engineering, manufacturing, or product development.
• Experience within a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment preferred.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, product launches, and customer program management.
• Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead customer programs from development through launch and production.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for all program-related activities.
• Develop and manage program timing plans, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to meet program objectives for quality, cost, and timing.
• Monitor program budgets, profitability, and financial performance.
• Identify and mitigate program risks and lead issue resolution activities.
• Prepare and communicate program status updates to customers and leadership.
• Support launch readiness, APQP activities, and customer deliverables.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Together We Saves Lives by Innovation!

The keys to success are yours at Joyson Safety Systems! We are a global leader in design, development and manufacturing of safety-critical systems and components for automotive and non-automotive markets. We are dedicated to delivering life-saving technology to customers worldwide. Joyson Safety Systems harnesses collaboration and innovation to ensure quality and exemplary service for our customers worldwide. Our company is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, with a global network of more than 30,000 employees in 22 countries.

Date: Sep 22, 2026

Company: Joysonsafety

Job Function: R&D

Job Type:

Location: Auburn Hills, US

Country/Region: US

Requisition ID: 3562

Together We Saves Lives by Innovation!

The keys to success are yours at Joyson Safety Systems! We are a global leader in design, development and manufacturing of safety-critical systems and components for automotive and non-automotive markets. We are dedicated to delivering life-saving technology to customers worldwide. Joyson Safety Systems harnesses collaboration and innovation to ensure quality and exemplary service for our customers worldwide. Our company is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, with a global network of more than 30,000 employees in 22 countries.

Our team is passionate about the automotive industry, dedicated to delivering quality and innovation for the future. We support lifelong learning and offer resources that help our team members establish a strong, solid foundation. We aim to promote from within, providing excellent opportunities for career growth and advancement.

Our talented team is hardworking and dedicated to keeping people safe. We foster a collaborative, open culture; as a global business, we encourage our team members to communicate and collaborate with colleagues worldwide. As our operations continue to grow, we are always seeking top talent to join our winning team.

Position Summary

The Program Manager is responsible for leading cross-functional teams to successfully launch and manage automotive customer programs from award through production. This role serves as the primary customer interface and is accountable for achieving program objectives related to timing, quality, cost, profitability, and customer satisfaction. The Program Manager collaborates closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Purchasing, Finance, and Sales to ensure successful program execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead customer programs from development through launch and production.
• Serve as the primary customer contact for all program-related activities.
• Develop and manage program timing plans, milestones, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to meet program objectives for quality, cost, and timing.
• Monitor program budgets, profitability, and financial performance.
• Identify and mitigate program risks and lead issue resolution activities.
• Prepare and communicate program status updates to customers and leadership.
• Support launch readiness, APQP activities, and customer deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in automotive program management, engineering, manufacturing, or product development.
• Experience within a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment preferred.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, product launches, and customer program management.
• Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

Preferred Qualifications

• Steering Wheel or Restraints experience preferred.
• PMP certification or equivalent project management training.
• Experience managing program financials and customer-facing projects.
• Experience leading successful automotive product launches.

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and does not discriminate in any employment or employee relations based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran’s status, or any other basis protected by applicable discrimination laws.

Joyson Safety Systems does not provide immigration related sponsorship for this role. Please do not apply for this role if you will need JSS immigration sponsorship (e.g. H-1B, TN, OPT, etc.) now or in the future.

Joyson Safety Systems manages its recruitment processes internally. We do not accept resumes or profiles submitted by external agencies or headhunters that do not have an approved service agreement through the Joyson Safety Systems Purchasing department. Any resumes sent to any employee of our organization without an approved contract will be treated as public information and will be considered free of charge. We will not recognize any fees or assume any financial responsibility arising from the hiring of candidates whose profiles have been submitted to Joyson.