Project/Program Manager 3

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of driving complex engineering programs forward through proactive planning, cross-functional coordination, risk management, and effective communication. This is a highly visible role supporting vehicle development, validation testing, supplier management, logistics coordination, and manufacturing readiness activities.

Description: Sr. Technical Project Manager - Restraints

Location: California (Onsite)
Candidates must be willing to work 100% onsite.
Duration

Through 12/31 with potential for extension based on performance and business needs.

Schedule
Full-time
Typical hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Overtime: 4+ hours per week as needed
Minimal international travel may be required
Travel expenses reimbursable per policy
Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Sr. Technical Project Manager to support our Restraints Engineering team. This individual will serve as the central coordinator and program quarterback for critical vehicle safety systems, including airbags, seatbelts, and restraint-related components.

The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of driving complex engineering programs forward through proactive planning, cross-functional coordination, risk management, and effective communication. This role requires someone who can translate technical concepts for diverse audiences, anticipate obstacles before they occur, and keep teams aligned on critical milestones and deliverables.

This is a highly visible role supporting vehicle development, validation testing, supplier management, logistics coordination, and manufacturing readiness activities.

Key Responsibilities

*Manage restraints suppliers and development timing to ensure program milestones and deliverables are achieved.
*Track Planning BOM maturity, engineering changes, tooling, piece costs, and overall program readiness.
*Support restraint system integration and validation testing activities.
*Develop test parts requirements and coordinate procurement, timing, and logistics.
*Ensure parts are manufactured, shipped, and delivered on schedule to support testing and development activities.
*Coordinate with procurement, supplier partners, seating teams, interior systems teams, and other cross-functional stakeholders.
*Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, timelines, dashboards, KPIs, and readiness metrics.
*Identify and mitigate risks, issues, dependencies, and logistical challenges before they impact program timing.
*Manage shipment tracking, material flow, warehousing activities, engineering logistics, and international shipments.
*Track action items, drive accountability, and ensure timely closure of open issues.
*Document lessons learned, process improvements, and best practices throughout the program lifecycle.
*Support Manufacturing Readiness Reviews and other program execution activities.
*Facilitate communication across multiple technical and non-technical stakeholder groups.

Required Qualifications
****Must Have:

4+ years of Project Management experience.
2+ years of automotive industry experience.
Automotive restraints/safety systems experience is required and non-negotiable.
Experience managing complex cross-functional engineering programs.
Strong organizational, documentation, and project tracking skills.
Experience identifying risks and implementing mitigation plans.
Experience coordinating suppliers and managing deliverables to strict timelines.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Experience with Jira and Smartsheet.

Preferred

PMP Certification.
Experience in Lean manufacturing environments.
Experience supporting vehicle development programs.
Supplier management experience.
Validation testing and engineering integration experience.
Experience with dashboards, KPIs, and program status reporting.
Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or related degree.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will:

*Be highly organized and detail oriented.
*Demonstrate strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
*Be self-motivated and passionate about engineering program execution.
*Anticipate issues and communicate proactively.
*Thrive in fast-paced, evolving environments.
*Be comfortable driving alignment across multiple teams without direct authority.
*Possess strong collaboration, mediation, and problem-solving skills.
*Continuously seek process improvements and operational efficiencies.
*Take ownership of information dissemination, program tracking, and meeting follow-up activities.

Interview Process

1.Initial Hiring Manager Conversation
2.Cross-Functional Panel Interview
3.Director Approval

Candidates should be prepared to discuss:

*Project management experience
*Automotive program execution
*Risk and issue management
*Supplier coordination
*Cross-functional leadership examples
*Presentation of relevant project experience
*Supplier Guidance

Highly Desired Experience

*Automotive restraint systems
*Airbags
*Seatbelt systems
*Vehicle safety systems
*Engineering logistics
*Validation testing
*Supplier development
*Manufacturing readiness
*Program milestone management

Red Flags
Candidates may not be a fit if they demonstrate:

*Rigid thinking or lack of adaptability
*Resistance to taking ownership beyond assigned tasks
*Poor communication or stakeholder management skills
*Lack of initiative or professional development
*Difficulty collaborating across functions

Top Factors Driving Hiring Decisions

1.Organizational excellence, data tracking, and documentation.
2.Negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
3.Self-motivation, curiosity, and passion for the work.

Custom Fields:
Name: Department
Value: VENG-Vehicle Engineering

Name: Region
Value: North America

Name: Line
Value: DEFAULT-Default

Name: Previously Worked At ***?
Value: No

Name: Sub-Department
Value: SRENG-SRENG-Seating & Restraints

Name: Office Location
Value: USA_USAZ_Casa_Grande_Factory

Name: Division
Value: ENG-Engineering & Software

Name: Onsite / Remote Work Capability
Value: Onsite

Name: Employee Class
Value: Contractor

Name: Business Unit
Value: Research & Development

Name: Country
Value: United States