Junior Level Technical Program Manager/Engineer - Tooling & Transfers (Automotive)
Role summary
Seeking a Technical Program Manager with an engineering mindset for automotive tool transfers and new product launches. This role involves end-to-end project ownership, from quoting and decommissioning to installation and SOP. Responsibilities include managing metal stamping die validation, coordinating cross-functional teams (quality, production, logistics) for PPAP and APQP, and overseeing timeline and budget with tools like MS Project and Excel. The role requires expertise in automotive manufacturing, tooling, and logistics for industrial machinery. A Bachelor's degree in a technical field and 5+ years of relevant experience are required. PMP or Six Sigma certification is a plus. This is an onsite, full-time position.
Overview
We are seeking a high-energy, technically proficient Technical Program Manager to lead tool transfer projects and new product launches from inception to final production. The ideal candidate blends the precision of an engineer with the strategic oversight of a project lead. You will be the primary point of contact for relocating small to mid size stamping dies and manufacturing lines between facilities, ensuring zero disruption to automotive OEM supply chains.
Key Responsibilities
- End-to-End Project Ownership: Take full "cradle-to-grave" responsibility for projects, including initial quoting, equipment decommissioning, logistics, installation, and final SOP (Start of Production).
- Tooling & Stamping Oversight: Manage the technical validation of metal stamping dies (progressive, transfer, or tandem). Ensure tools are conditioned and capable of meeting dimensional tolerances post-transfer.
- Cross-Functional Leadership: Coordinate between quality, production, and logistics teams to ensure all PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) requirements and APQP milestones are met.
- Timeline & Budget Management: Develop detailed project charters, Gantt charts, and budget trackers. Proactively identify "critical path" risks and implement mitigation strategies.
- Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Act as the technical liaison between internal plants and external tool shops or automotive customers.
Technical Skills & Qualifications
- Manufacturing Expertise: Deep understanding of the automotive manufacturing environment, specifically metal stamping, fabrication, and assembly.
- Tooling Knowledge: Proven ability to troubleshoot die issues and oversee tool "buy-offs" at different locations.
- Software Proficiency: Expert-level command of Microsoft Office 365, with heavy emphasis on:
- MS Project: For complex scheduling and resource leveling.
- Excel: For advanced data analysis, budget tracking, and pivot tables.
- PowerPoint: For executive-level project status reporting.
- Logistics & Rigging: Familiarity with the requirements for moving Small to Mid-size industrial machinery and precision tooling across borders or regions.
Education & Experience
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Experience: 5+ years of experience in the automotive industry, specifically handling program management or launch engineering.
- Certification: PMP (Project Management Professional) or Six Sigma certification is a significant plus.
- Knowledge of IATF 16949 and CQI is plus
Soft Skills
"A great Program Manager doesn't just report on a fire; they anticipate the smoke."
- Decisiveness: Ability to make technical calls under pressure to keep a transfer on schedule.
- Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills to bridge the gap between shop-floor technicians and corporate leadership.
- Adaptability: Comfortable traveling to various plant locations to oversee "boots on the ground" activities during critical transfer windows.
Work Location: In person