Project Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Engineering

SODECIA is a global automotive supplier specializing in the development and manufacturing of components and systems for leading automotive OEMs and Tier 1 customers.

Our operations combine engineering, tooling, stamping, welding, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies to deliver high-quality products and competitive solutions to the automotive industry.

For our Auburn, USA plant
, we are looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead automotive industrialization and customer projects from project award through launch and successful transition into serial production.

As Project Manager
, you will be responsible for the overall coordination and execution of assigned projects, ensuring that technical, timing, cost, quality, and customer requirements are achieved.

This is a hands-on role for a professional who understands automotive manufacturing processes and industrialization
, particularly automatic MIG welding, stamping, tooling, automation, and production systems
.

You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Purchasing and Operations teams, as well as customers, suppliers and SODECIA's global organization.

• Lead projects from concept/design through industrialization, launch, and SOP
  .
• Define and manage project scope, timing, milestones, resources, costs, and deliverables.
• Coordinate cross-functional project teams across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Tooling, Maintenance, Purchasing and Operations.
• Act as the main project interface with customers and ensure effective communication throughout the project.
• Drive the industrialization of products and manufacturing processes, ensuring manufacturability, capacity, and production readiness
  .
• Coordinate the development and implementation of manufacturing equipment, including:
• Automatic MIG welding lines and robotic welding systems
• Stamping presses and stamping processes
• Tooling, dies, fixtures and gauges
• Automation and material handling systems
• Assembly and production equipment
• Manage equipment and tooling suppliers, including technical requirements, quotations, development, commissioning and acceptance.
• Coordinate run-offs, equipment installation, process validation, trials, and production ramp-up
  .
• Monitor project performance against timing, budget, quality, and technical targets and implement corrective actions when required.
• Lead risk identification and mitigation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure successful completion of PPAP/APQP and customer-specific requirements
  .
• Support production ramp-up and ensure a robust transition from project phase to serial production.
• Prepare and present project status, risks, action plans, and escalation topics to plant and senior management.
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and incorporated into future projects.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical and practical understanding of automotive manufacturing and industrialization
, with experience in several of the following areas:

• Automatic MIG welding / robotic welding
• Stamping and metal forming processes
• Tooling and dies
• Welding fixtures and gauges
• Industrial automation and robotics
• Production line design and implementation
• Manufacturing engineering
• Process development and optimization
• Equipment commissioning and production launch

Experience with
automotive body structures, chassis or metal components is highly valued.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in project management within automotive manufacturing, industrialization, or manufacturing engineering.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex automotive projects from award to SOP
  .
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes and production equipment.
• Experience working with automotive OEMs and/or Tier 1 suppliers
  .
• Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
• Ability to understand technical problems, challenge solutions, and drive decisions.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international, and multicultural environment
  .
• Strong problem-solving, organization, and negotiation skills.
• Willingness to travel to customers, suppliers and other SODECIA locations as required.
• Fluent English is required.
• Fluency in German is a plus

• The opportunity to join a global automotive…