Senior Automotive Program Manager – Launch Excellence

Challenge Manufacturing; Walker (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Challenge Manufacturing in Michigan seeks an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead customer programs from concept to full production launch.

You will manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure on-time, high-quality, and cost-effective launches. Strong launch discipline, technical understanding, and excellent communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, electrical/controls, industrial, or manufacturing engineering.
• 7+ years of automotive experience in stamping, welding, or assembly.
• 5+ years of program or project management in a Tier 1 automotive environment.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple OEM customer programs.
• Strong understanding of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, and GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned programs through all phases—concept, design, build, validation, launch, and handoff to production.
• Manage all aspects of program timing, open issues, and deliverables for launch execution.
• Serve as primary contact between Challenge and customer for engineering, quality, and launch activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional support from Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance teams.
• Track and report program status using timing charts and KPI dashboards.
• Identify risks early and implement corrective and preventive actions to maintain launch readiness.
• Support financial tracking and cost management with Finance and Engineering.
• Ensure APQP, PPAP, and related customer requirements are properly executed.
• Conduct post-launch reviews and contribute to continuous improvement of launch processes.
• Promote accountability, communication, and collaboration within program teams.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Program management

APQP/PPAP

GD&T

Problem solving

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical/Controls, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

PLEX

Job description

Challenge Manufacturing in Michigan seeks an experienced Senior Program Manager to lead customer programs from concept to full production launch.

You will manage cross-functional teams across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure on-time, high-quality, and cost-effective launches. Strong launch discipline, technical understanding, and excellent communication are essential.