Project Manager, Pilot Programs

Socket.dev; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Yanfeng is seeking a Project Manager, Pilot Programs to lead manufacturing pilot initiatives from planning to production readiness. The role coordinates operations, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, purchasing, and production to ensure validation of new products and processes prior to full-scale launches.

The ideal candidate will drive schedules, budgets, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration to meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives while minimizing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 5–9 years of experience in automotive manufacturing or related.
• Experience leading pilot programs or new product launches.
• Knowledge of Lean, APQP, PFMEA and continuous improvement.
• Proficient with project management tools and reporting systems.
• PMP certification preferred.
• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel and work at customer sites.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end execution of manufacturing pilot programs from planning through launch.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Purchasing, and Production.
• Identify risks, mitigate plans, and resolve issues impacting objectives.
• Monitor pilot performance metrics and validate process capability, productivity, quality, and safety.
• Facilitate meetings, status updates, and executive reviews.
• Ensure adherence to specs, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement and capture lessons learned.
• Support equipment installation, process validation, training, and readiness for pilots.
• Maintain project documentation and communication plans.
• Manage change control and stakeholder alignment.
• Coordinate transition from pilot to full-scale production.

Skills

Pilot program leadership

Lean Manufacturing

APQP PFMEA

Project management tools

Leadership & communication

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

PMP certification

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

Thank you for your interest in Yanfeng. As one of the world’s largest automotive suppliers, we are creating the future of mobility as a collaborative, global team. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, as well as a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are a company with an established history and a bright future.

In North America, Yanfeng is focused on enhancing the mobility experience through the design, development, and manufacturing of automotive interiors, seating, electronics, and passive safety systems. Founded in Shanghai in 1936, Yanfeng’s history of innovation and craftsmanship have since expanded the business globally. Currently, Yanfeng has more than 240 locations and approximately 55,000 employees worldwide.

Become a part of something more. Join our team as we grow and create the future of mobility, together.

ABOUT THE TEAM

Yanfeng is committed to developing our employees through opportunities like development programs, continuous learning, mentorship, and volunteerism. Our industry-leading team is looking to recruit highly motivated and engaged talent. Upon joining Yanfeng, new employees will get a detailed introduction through our comprehensive onboarding process. Advance your career with personal and professional growth as a part of our global team!