Engineering Technical Manager (Interior Trim)

Engineering Technical Manager (Interior Trim) Technical Center, 6715 South Sprinkle Rd, Portage, Michigan, United States of America Job Description 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. JOIN A TEAM WHERE YOU’LL BE CHALLENGED AND VALUED. 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 TITLE: Technical Manager, Engineering FLSA STATUS: Exempt REPORTS TO: Chief Technical Manager, Engineering SUMMARY The Engineering Technical Manager is a leadership role responsible for guiding a team of Product Engineers and Designers in the development of automotive interior trim (instrument panel, center console, door panels, hard trim and air registers). This position plays a key role in driving engineering excellence, fostering innovation, and ensuring flawless execution from concept through launch. The ideal candidate will be an expert in Lean Product Development and Set‑Based Concurrent Engineering, with a strong desire to continuously grow knowledge and set new standards of technical excellence. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Lead and mentor a team of Product Engineers and Designers in developing innovative, cost‑effective interior trim solutions. Technical expertise and leadership in part design, GD&T and injection molding. Work to meet all internal and external requirements including timing, dimensional accuracy, product validation and PPAP. Drive the application of lean product development principles to improve speed, quality, and collaboration. Champion best practices/standards and continuous improvement across design and development products and processes. Develop deep product expertise and serve as a subject matter expert for interior systems—door panel experience is highly preferred. Work cross‑functionally with Program Management, Advanced Manufacturing, and Plant Launch Teams to ensure alignment and flawless program execution. Lead reflections and benchmarking activities. Support sales, marketing and new product quoting activities. Other tasks as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE B.S degree in engineering and 5 years of industrial project management (automotive related preferred) experience or some college coursework in engineering curriculum and 10 years of progressive technical experience leading to and including industrial project management. SKILLS AND ABILITIES B.S degree in engineering and 5 years of industrial project management (automotive related preferred) experience or some college coursework in engineering curriculum and 10 years of progressive technical experience leading to and including industrial project management. A minimum score of 50 on the Wonderlic Select Assessment (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. Technical Center, 6715 South Sprinkle Rd, Portage, Michigan, United States of America #J-18808-Ljbffr