Engineering Program Manager – Mechanical Systems

The Engineering Program Manager – Mechanical Systems is responsible for leading the planning, coordination, and execution of mechanical system development across product lifecycle phases—concept, design, validation, and launch. The role requires close collaboration with design engineers, manufacturing teams, procurement, and external partners to deliver mechanical subsystems (e.g., chassis, body, mounts, cooling systems) on schedule, within budget, and meeting technical and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Planning & Execution

• Define scope, timeline, and resource plans for mechanical system development within vehicle or equipment programs.

• Coordinate and track all engineering activities, technical reviews, milestones, and deliverables.

• Own the delivery of mechanical subsystems through engineering gates from concept to production launch.

2. Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as the primary liaison between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality, and suppliers for mechanical systems.

• Facilitate cross-functional design reviews, DFMEAs, DVP&R planning, and release cycles.

• Ensure engineering changes (ECRs/ECNs) are properly managed, approved, and implemented.

3. Technical Risk & Issue Management

• Identify program risks early and drive mitigation strategies across the mechanical systems team.

• Track open issues, lead resolution activities, and ensure countermeasures are in place before key builds.

• Escalate critical technical or timeline risks to leadership with recommended actions.

4. Budgeting & Cost Control

• Manage the engineering budget for mechanical systems (prototypes, tooling, testing).

• Ensure cost targets are met and communicate trade-offs for any proposed changes.

5. Reporting & Stakeholder Communication

• Provide program status reports and metrics to internal and external stakeholders.

• Drive alignment on scope, technical objectives, and program priorities across global teams.

Key Focus Areas:

• Program Management of Mechanical Subsystems
  (e.g., BIW, closures, chassis, mounts, brackets, HVAC/cooling systems)

• Engineering Execution Across Lifecycle Phases
  (Concept, design freeze, validation, SOP)

• Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA)
  (Close coordination with manufacturing engineering)

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Leadership
  (Bridging engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, and quality)

• Validation Planning and Test Execution Oversight
  (DVP&R, bench testing, vehicle testing support)

• Change Management and Release Control
  (PLM systems, ECR/ECN workflows)

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

• 8–12 years of experience in mechanical engineering, with 3–5 years in program/project management roles.

• Strong understanding of vehicle/mechanical system development processes.

• Experience using project management tools (e.g., MS Project, Jira) and PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill).

• Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Automotive, off-highway, aerospace, or industrial equipment background

• PMP or similar project management certification

• Experience with prototype builds and launch environments

• Familiarity with Six Sigma, DFMEA, and structured problem-solving tools