The
Program Manager is responsible for leading Wheel End development programs from concept through production launch, ensuring technical, timing, cost, and quality objectives are achieved.
This role provides program leadership across ConMet internal teams and external partners. The successful candidate is a detail-oriented, collaborative leader who can align cross-functional teams, communicate effectively with customers and suppliers, manage competing priorities, and drive accountability throughout the product-development process.
This is an onsite (not hybrid or remote) office job working with our global wheel ends engineering team in Vancouver, Washington. Non-local candidates must be open to relocation (relocation assistance available).
Note: Employer will not sponsor visas for position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US on a full-time basis.
Key Duties - Define and manage program scope, timing, cost, technical requirements, and key milestones to meet ConMet and customer objectives.
- Develop APQP-based program plans; track progress, lead phase-gate reviews, and obtain required approvals.
- Coordinate ConMet teams, suppliers, and customers to deliver program requirements on time.
- Drive ownership of program actions, deliverables, risk resolution, and launch readiness from concept through production.
- Manage budgets, schedules, engineering changes, and program risks; escalate significant issues as needed.
- Maintain key program documentation, including plans, budgets, APQP records, risk assessments, DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, 8Ds, and design-review records.
- Ensure ConMet and customer quality requirements are integrated throughout development, validation, and launch.
- Partner with Manufacturing and Quality to support continuous improvement, successful launches, and transition to production.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; an engineering degree is preferred.
- Minimum of five years of relevant experience in engineering, product development, manufacturing, program management, or project management.
- Significant experience leading complex product-development programs or projects from concept through production launch.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and communicate effectively across functions, including internal stakeholders, customers, and suppliers.
- Strong organizational, planning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining focus on quality, timing, cost, and customer requirements.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience in the automotive and/or commercial vehicle industry, including the launch of new components or assemblies.
- Experience with Wheel End products, heavy-duty vehicle components, or related mechanical systems.
- Working knowledge of APQP, DFMEA, DVP&R, 8D, risk management, engineering change control, and product-launch processes.
- Experience with PLM systems such as Teamcenter, Enovia, or Windchill.
- Knowledge of iron or aluminum foundry operations, machining, finishing processes, or manufacturing of cast and machined components.
- Experience working with customer quality systems, scorecards, and supplier or customer portals.
Compensation & Benefits- The full salary range for the position, across all geographies, is $100,000 - $172,000 per year. The upper portion of the salary range is typically reserved for existing employees who demonstrate strong performance over time. Starting salary will vary by location, qualifications, and prior experience.
- Targeted annual bonus is based on company performance to objectives during the fiscal plan year which runs from October 1 - September 30.
- Comprehensive employee benefits package, including medical/dental/vision coverage, life and disability protection.
- Vacation plan - ConMet offers exempt employees a paid vacation benefit that provides the flexibility to take time off from work based on factors including good discretion, sound performance, and consideration of overall team and business needs.
- Paid sick leave up to 10 days (80 hours) per calendar year
- ConMet offers an extremely strong retirement package:
- ESOP - Participation (100% company paid) in the ConMet/Amsted Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP). The Company contributes 10% of considered compensation into this plan each fiscal year.
- 401k - The Company provides a 401(k) Plan with a 4% employer contribution match.
- Ten paid holidays per year.
- Wellness reimbursement.
