Technical Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

VanSpeag Group is conducting a confidential search on behalf of a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier headquartered in the Germany with offices in Northville, Michigan. Our client is seeking an experienced Technical Project Manager to lead customer programs from initial concept through successful product launch. This role is central to ensuring projects meet technical, financial, and quality objectives while strengthening customer relationships and supporting long-term business growth.

The Technical Project Manager will guide technical product development activities, oversee cross-functional project teams, and align internal resources to deliver technical, innovative, cost-effective solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical foundation across mechanical, electronic, electrical, mechatronic, hardware, software, or related engineering disciplines.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with Sales and Marketing to translate strategic business plans into tactical engineering actions.

• Confirm customer requirements and technical inputs to support cost-effective, high-quality product design, including reliability expectations, environmental conditions, and material/technology selection.

• Partner closely with Development, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality, and Finance to ensure all program milestones, deliverables, and financial targets are met.

• Lead recurring PDT meetings, drive task accountability, and communicate status updates effectively.

• Establish clear program goals, timelines, and deliverables; define technical requirements and set achievable targets.

• Lead and mentor cross-functional project teams; manage internal conflict and promote collaborative team performance.

• Oversee multiple programs simultaneously, using program plans and performance metrics to provide updates to senior management and customers.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of departmental guidelines, procedures, and lessons learned processes.

• Identify program risks and develop/execute mitigation plans.

• Ensure availability of appropriate engineering resources for each project.

• Develop and track program metrics supporting customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.

• Manage crisis-response activities for production issues affecting program performance.

• Support resource planning efforts with functional managers.

• Build strong engineering partnerships with customers, supporting advanced technology discussions and problem-solving activities.

• Serve as the primary customer contact for the program, supporting sales in commercial topics and resolving engineering, quality, or manufacturing concerns.

• Manage transitions across R&D, Design Engineering, and Production for seamless program execution.

• Review and approve CSR submissions, validate ECO/ECR requests, and respond to technical inquiries.

• Support evaluation of product liability or insurance claims and recommend appropriate actions.

• Maintain professional expertise through training, publications, and participation in professional networks.

• Ensure compliance with Quality Management System requirements, including IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and Customer Specific Requirements.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering.

• 7+ years of experience leading technical projects in a product development or engineering environment.

• Strong project management and planning capabilities.

• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple internal and external levels.

• Knowledge of system-level product development (ASPICE).

• Working knowledge of CAN, LIN, and other automotive communication protocols.

• Working knowledge of JIRA.

• Combined hardware and software understanding.

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.

• Familiarity with Functional Safety Standard ISO 26262.

• Proven ability to drive teamwork and maintain a customer-focused approach.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW
VanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of n independent, medium-sized automotive supplier and specialist in mechatronic systems, tracing its origins to the "Electronic Interfaces" product division in Michigan market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.
Due to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.

Company Description

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW\nVanSpeag Group LLC (VSG) is conducting a confidential search on behalf of n independent, medium-sized automotive supplier and specialist in mechatronic systems, tracing its origins to the "Electronic Interfaces" product division in Michigan market. This is a critical leadership role responsible for building and sustaining a high-performance quality culture across a fast-paced, precision-driven manufacturing environment.\nDue to the confidential nature of this search, the client name will be disclosed only to qualified candidates who advance in the selection process.