Project Manager, Pilot Programs

Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems I LLC; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems I LLC in Louisville, KY seeks a Project Manager, Pilot Programs to lead planning, execution, and successful implementation of new manufacturing pilot programs. You will coordinate across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain and Production to validate new products, processes, and equipment prior to full-scale launch.

Responsibilities include developing project plans and schedules, managing risks, tracking milestones, and driving

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree specializing in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or related field.
• 5-9 years of experience in automotive industry and in leading launches or pilot programs.
• Experience with new product launches, pilot programs, or manufacturing transfers.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, APQP, PFMEA, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with project management tools and reporting systems.
• PMP certification preferred; strong leadership and communication.
• Willingness to travel to customer sites and plants (occasional).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of pilot programs from planning to production readiness.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and milestones.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain.
• Identify risks, develop mitigations, and resolve issues affecting objectives.
• Monitor pilot metrics to validate process capability, quality, and safety.
• Support equipment installation, process validation, and readiness activities.
• Maintain project documentation and change control; ensure smooth transitions to full-scale manufacturing.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Lean Manufacturing

APQP

PFMEA

Communication skills

Travel willingness

Education

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

Tools

PM software

MS Office/Excel

Reporting systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Project Manager, Pilot Programs is responsible for leading the planning, execution, and successful implementation of new manufacturing pilot programs within the facility. This role serves as the primary coordinator between operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and production teams to ensure new products, processes, equipment, and technologies are effectively validated prior to full-scale production launch. The Project Manager develops project plans, tracks milestones, manages risks, and drives cross-functional collaboration to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. The position requires strong project management, problem-solving, and communication skills to ensure pilot activities are completed on schedule while minimizing disruption to ongoing manufacturing operations.

Essential functions of the role

• 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 project 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 program 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 alignment among stakeholders.
• Coordinate transition of successful pilot programs into full-scale manufacturing operations.

Success Measures

• On-time completion of pilot program milestones.
• Achievement of launch readiness and production targets.
• Compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Effective risk management and issue resolution.
• Successful transition of pilot programs into stable production.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and cross-functional team engagement.

Required education

• Bachelor’s degree specializing in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.

Required qualifications

• 5-9 Minimum Years of Experience
• 5-9 Minimum Years of Experience in Automotive Industry
• Experience leading new product launches, pilot programs, process implementations, or manufacturing transfers.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, Lean Manufacturing, APQP, PFMEA, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in project management tools and reporting systems.
• PMP certification preferred.Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Must be able and willing to travel and work at customer sites, including industrial manufacturing plants which might require climbing, lifting, or working in confined spaces.

Our Investment in You

• Competitive Compensation Packages
• Generous Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Leave and Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits from day one
• Competitive 401k Match
• Rewarding Healthy Behavior Program
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Supplemental Health Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company Discount Program