Program Manager - Wheel Ends

Job Description

Job Description

At ConMet, we design and manufacture industry-leading Wheel End solutions for commercial vehicles. 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.

ConMet is…

A division of Amsted Industries, has been advancing the commercial vehicle industry since 1964. A leading global provider to original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket channels, ConMet delivers wheel ends, cast metal components, plastic systems, and automated aerodynamic devices. Designed, engineered, tested, and manufactured in-house, ConMet’s comprehensive portfolio is built to enhance vehicle efficiency, performance, and sustainability. Standard on most heavy-duty vehicles in North America, ConMet products are increasingly adopted in global markets.

A Solutions Provider

We’ve been driving the commercial vehicle industry forward with transformative solutions since 1964. In fact, ConMet solutions and products are installed as OEM first-fit equipment on virtually all heavy-duty trucks in North America.

People-First

Collaboration and innovation are at the heart of everything we do. We focus on creating an environment where our people can thrive by improving our workplaces and our communities across all our global locations.

Customer Focused

For decades, ConMet has been a trusted partner to OEMs, fleets, Tier 1 suppliers, and the aftermarket. We supply forward-thinking, high-performance solutions that bring value to our customers.

Committed To Sustainability

Today’s biggest global challenges require transformative change, and we’re committed to doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint and drive environmental sustainability in the commercial vehicle industry.

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.

ConMet provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws (“Protected Characteristics”). Ensuring fair wages is an important Company value. Accordingly, the Company will not pay wages to any employee at a rate less than the Company pays to other employees for work that is substantially equivalent and requires comparable skills unless a bona fide factor justifies a pay differential. The Company prohibits pay disparity based on Protected Characteristics or prior salary history. The Company prohibits retaliation against employees for discussing compensation.