Program Manager, Engineering

Technical Center, 6715 South Sprinkle Rd, Portage, Michigan, United States of America

Posted Monday, November 24, 2025 at 5:00 AM

Summit Polymers is a leading, global supplier of automotive interior systems including consoles, door panels, and instrument panels. With over 50 years serving the industry, we deliver engineering and product excellence to our customers, on time, in budget, with the latest innovations.

A career with Summit Polymers means working with smart people in a culture that thrives on challenging, meaningful work. At Summit, we look for growth potential with every hire. We don’t just fill seats, we set people on career paths. We’re always on the lookout for smart people who are committed to continuous improvement, customer service and quality.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Program Manager, Engineering

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SUMMARY

The Program Manager is responsible for managerial and technical work involving the development and design of one or more components involved in a product. Manages program budget and timeline, leads the PDT and is primary liaison with Customer, Sales, Design, Estimating, Accounting, Quality and Manufacturing.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Participate in pre-production feasibility reviews to determine if new products are capable and designed within manufacturing standards.
• Participate in the development and review of the quote. Generate Engineering Change Request documents for all changes that impact tooling and/or product pricing.
• Maintain the program’s overall budget. Review and track all Sales Orders for the program.
• Works with Sales and Manufacturing to support resolution of production piece price amendments (3PAs), sales orders (S.O.s) and other debits that affect profitability.
• Responsible for completing the program within the design, engineering and tooling budgets agreed to for the program.
• Manages PEs, MEs, QEs and Designers as it relates to program timing, budget, quality, customer satisfaction, APQP and launch activities.
• Assures documentation is maintained on all program activity. Evidence of activities to be kept in Sharepoint.
• Provide the primary customer contact interface.
• Take the leadership role in the PDT and serve as the technical liaison between sales, design, engineering, estimating, accounting, quality and manufacturing.
• Maintain the program timeline. Develop and track the critical path of the program. Establish program priorities and leads the weekly White Board meetings to review open issues and establish resolutions.
• Supports the part design using SET based options approach. Supports Kaizens and A3 development activities.
• Participate in ongoing meetings with the customer to review concerns and issues. Prepare cost savings suggestions for the customer.
• Establish and maintain a good working relationship, throughout the program, with internal team members and external customers.
• Responsible for the on-time delivery of all customer requirements as defined in the customer’s statement of work or equivalent.
• In conjunction with the PDT, is responsible for assuring that a complete part submission is made and approved on or before the required customer date. Responsible for tracking and managing open issues related to a successful submission.
• Attend Customer builds as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• B.S. degree in engineering and 2 years automotive project engineering experience or some college instruction (preferably in an engineering curriculum) and 7 years progressive manufacturing / engineering experience including 2 years automotive project engineering.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Possesses the ability to gather and analyze information and make decisions from a limited number of

• A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Contemporary Cognitive Ability Test (Traditional score of 26 on the cognitive portion).

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

This position typically does require up to 25% travel.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in this job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor are they intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Agreement to complete all post-hire required training.