Program/Project Engineer
On-siteMaumee, Ohio, United States
Job Summary
Lead assigned Soft Trim tooling programs from customer award through production launch and post-launch stabilization. Develop detailed project timing plans, milestones, and risk assessments while serving as the primary customer contact for status updates and issue escalation. Coordinate activities across engineering, tooling, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure successful tool acceptance, production startup, and program ramp-up. Manage incoming tooling work including design reviews, build coordination, and validation activities, ensuring all deliverables adhere to customer APQP and PPAP requirements. Maintain strong relationships with customers and suppliers to balance expectations with internal operational capabilities. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate problem-solving and drive accountability for program timing, budget, and deliverables. Identify opportunities for tooling improvements and cost reduction, maintaining lessons-learned documentation to support operational excellence.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in automotive tooling, manufacturing engineering, project engineering, program management, or launch support
- Experience supporting tooling programs through validation, launch, and production startup
- Strong customer-facing communication and project coordination experience
- Strong understanding of automotive launch processes and manufacturing readiness requirements
- Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, Control Plans, engineering change management, and corrective action processes
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Strong technical problem-solving, root cause analysis, and decision-making skills
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD data, specifications, and customer technical requirements
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with customers and internal leadership
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and follow-through
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence others without direct authority
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management tools
- Regular presence on the production floor and in tooling/manufacturing areas
- Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment in designated areas
- May require standing, walking, bending, reaching, and occasional lifting of up to 25–40 lbs. as needed
- Flexible schedule and travel may be required to support tool trials, customer events, production launches, and urgent issue resolution
Desired Qualifications
- Experience with soft trim tooling, thermoforming, vacuum forming, IMG/IMGL processes, automotive interior systems, or related manufacturing technologies
- Experience working with Tier 1 suppliers and/or automotive OEM customers
- Exposure to SAP or similar ERP systems
- PMP certification, formal project management training, or equivalent practical project leadership experience
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