Program Manager

Program Manager

Position Summary

Reporting to the Engineering Manager or Senior Program Manager, the Program Engineer is responsible for supporting the manufacturing team and customers by providing the technical direction, specifications, and engineering decisions required to successfully launch and maintain products throughout their lifecycle. This role ensures products meet customer design intent while achieving quality, productivity, cost, performance, and manufacturing objectives. The Program Engineer serves as the primary engineering liaison between the customer and the Company, supporting new product launches, engineering changes, continuous improvement initiatives, and production quality.

Key Responsibilities

Program Launch & Project Management

• Lead and manage new product launches from planning through production.
• Ensure customer drawings, engineering specifications, and technical documentation are received, controlled, and maintained.
• Coordinate internal and customer launch meetings while documenting action items and progress.
• Monitor launch timelines and ensure all milestones and deliverables are completed on schedule.
• Collaborate with Advanced Engineering and cross-functional teams to support prototype builds, production launches, and engineering changes throughout the program lifecycle.
• Coordinate production sample builds and prototype deliveries to customers.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives throughout the launch process.

Manufacturing Equipment & Process Development

• Coordinate the acquisition, installation, and commissioning of manufacturing equipment while ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget.
• Participate in equipment design, specification development, supplier selection, plant layout, installation, and validation.
• Prepare technical specifications for manufacturing equipment and production processes.
• Coordinate component procurement required for production and sample builds.

Quality & APQP

• Ensure manufacturing equipment and production processes meet all customer technical requirements.
• Lead the development and implementation of Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) documentation, including:
• Feasibility Reviews
• Prototype Programs
• GD&T Analysis
• Process Flow Diagrams
• Process FMEAs
• Control Plans
• Process Sheets
• Gauge R&R Studies
• Capability Studies
• Support the development and maintenance of quality systems to meet customer and Company requirements.
• Coordinate the preparation and maintenance of all quality documentation.
• Ensure production quality meets customer expectations for fit, form, and function.
• Support problem-solving and corrective action activities related to product quality.

Customer Support & Engineering

• Serve as the primary engineering liaison between the customer and manufacturing operations.
• Communicate engineering changes, process updates, and technical information to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Support customer product development by providing engineering expertise and design guidance.
• Develop and maintain strong customer relationships through regular communication and technical support.
• Lead engineering design changes and revisions during product development, launch, and production.
• Participate in customer meetings and plant visits as required.
• Support engineering activities related to customer concerns and continuous improvement initiatives.

Troubleshooting & Continuous Improvement

• Investigate manufacturing issues and implement solutions while maintaining product design intent.
• Analyze production data and recommend process improvements.
• Support continuous improvement projects that enhance quality, productivity, and efficiency.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain safe work practices in accordance with Company policies and legislative requirements.
• Support employee training on the safe operation of equipment and manufacturing processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, environmental, and customer standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Complete technical reports and project documentation as required.
• Participate in special projects and other duties assigned by management.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required to support customers and business operations.

Authority

• Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate activities related to customer concerns, product launches, engineering changes, and continuous improvement projects.
• Provide technical direction to personnel across multiple departments to ensure successful program execution.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering with a minimum of three (3) years of automotive manufacturing experience; or
• Engineering Technology Diploma (CET or equivalent) with a minimum of five (5) years of automotive manufacturing experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is considered a strong asset.

Required Skills & Experience

• Experience managing new product launches within an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of APQP methodologies including:
• Process Flow Diagrams
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• Gauge R&R
• Capability Studies
• Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with manufacturing fixtures, gauges, and inspection processes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, layout reports, and dimensional data.
• Hands-on knowledge of manufacturing processes and production equipment.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project.
• Experience with AutoCAD or other CAD software is considered an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Self-motivated with strong leadership and teamwork skills.
• Working knowledge of applicable engineering standards, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and customer-specific requirements.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required.

Please send your resume to Laura@canadianexecutivesearch.com