Senior Program Manager

Advanced Manufacturing Engineer - Program Lead Join to apply for the Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Program Lead role at J.B. Poindexter & Co Company and Position Overview JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO) is a privately held, diversified manufacturing company forecasting $3B in annual revenue and 10,000 team members in 2025. JBPCO prides itself on providing best‑in‑class commercial automotive and industrial vehicles. The nine operating subsidiaries, covering approximately 70 locations, are engaged in the production of commercial truck bodies, step‑vans, utility trucks, ambulances, funeral coaches, limousines, electric and alternative‑fuel vehicles, pickup truck bed enclosures, and expandable foam‑plastic packaging. For more information about our industry‑leading brands and products visit JBPoindexter.com or connect on LinkedIn. Advanced Manufacturing Engineer – Program Lead will be responsible for leading automation projects from concept to implementation across JBPCO’s manufacturing sites. The project’s life cycle includes, but is not limited to, identifying automation opportunities, justifying, developing concepts, writing the scope of work, selecting the preferred vendor/integrator, design validation, ensuring the design & build follows JBPCO standards, and launching the solution at the plant. The Program Lead will be executing multiple projects at one time, potentially in different facilities across North America that vary from welding chassis frames and laying fiberglass to machine tending and general assembly. Essential Job Functions Lead and support manufacturing initiatives aimed at process improvements through the targeted implementation of automated processes that drive improvements in key corporate metrics for safety, quality, cost and throughput. Lead the Concept‑to‑Commissioning process for automation systems, working with internal manufacturing customers and external system integrators. Help define better business processes that support the transformation and automation of JBPCO’s manufacturing footprint. Work cross‑functionally and collaboratively, at all levels in the organization, to gain buy‑in and ensure successful implementation of projects, strategies, and initiatives. Confere with planning and design staff concerning product design and tooling to ensure efficient Lean production methods. Confere with management, engineering and other staff regarding manufacturing capabilities, production schedules and other considerations to facilitate production processes. Collaborate on the development and implementation of standardized work instructions, PFMEAs and other control plans to ensure quality and consistency. Develop equipment specifications (RFQ) to meet manufacturing requirements and negotiate purchase of equipment, materials or parts. Evaluate equipment according to specifications and quality standards through design reviews and gated acceptance testing. Work with business units on production times, staffing requirements and related costs to provide information for stakeholder decisions. Adhere to the Quality policy by exceeding customer expectations, being customer‑focused and supporting continuous improvement activities. Adhere to JBPCO and industry safety policies and standards 100% of the time, including but not limited to RIA, ANSI, ISO, IEEE and NFPA. Execute internal concept development workshops with manufacturing sites to define base project scope. Output includes base process, automation selection, man‑machine charts, cardboard mockups and cost estimates. Utilize project management skills to maintain an appropriate level of project control with respect to budget, timeline, resource allocation, document control and issuance of purchase orders. Create and maintain the required level of control with all JBPCO documents, including but not limited to solid models, drawings, procedures and work instructions. Lead design reviews, build validation, FAT and SAT with suppliers ensuring the full representation of JBPCO is integrated into the process. Lead training efforts across the enterprise to enable manufacturing operations to be self‑sufficient at running, maintaining and modifying automation systems. Execute or assist vendors/integrators with standardized Task‑Based Risk Assessment in accordance with A3 and JBPCO (ANSI/RIA TR R15.306). Work with maintenance on policies, procedures and spare parts. Lead and train the business units on automation safety standards, mechanical and electrical. Coach and mentor junior engineers to help build internal capabilities on project management across the enterprise. Partner with site‑level engineers, operations leaders and corporate stakeholders to deploy best practices, standards and advanced technologies. Conduct process capability analysis, time studies and value stream mapping to identify and eliminate waste. Serve as a technical resource for new product introductions (NPIs), manufacturing cell designs and layout optimization. Stay current with emerging manufacturing technologies (e.g., Industry4.0, robotics, additive manufacturing) and assess their fit within the organization. Qualifications A self‑starter with strong project leadership experience. Experience successfully leading projects transforming a traditional low volume/high mix manual manufacturing environment to automation. Proven ability to lead various sizes of manufacturing projects and drive measurable improvement in cost, quality, safety or delivery metrics. Experience with various types of automation, automation vendors and automation applications. Experience working in a high‑volume, complex manufacturing environment and/or high‑mix, low volume manufacturing environment. Ability to communicate, collaborate and build rapport with personnel at all levels in a manufacturing environment. Understanding of manufacturing design elements/tools/systems, processes and regulatory requirements. Understanding of design principles such as Data Analysis, DOE, FMEA, DFM/DFA. Must possess excellent automation/electrical/mechanical aptitude. Ability to work collaboratively within a team as well as independently. Passion and strong working knowledge for safety, workplace organization and continuous improvement with a focus on Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and Lean implementation. Proficient with computer systems and software packages such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Power‑Point, Outlook (email), Microsoft Project or Smartsheet, and JDEdwards. Optional: 3D CAD competency (SolidWorks preferred). Optional: Visual Basic programming, ladder logic or other programming knowledge. Education BSME, BSIE, BSEE or equivalent. Ten years or more of directly related experience in a manufacturing engineering or advanced manufacturing role, preferably in a multi‑site or complex manufacturing environment. A minimum of five years must be in program/project leadership. Preferred: Certifications in PE, Lean Six Sigma, PMP or relevant engineering credentials. Travel Expectation 35-50%. Must have a valid driver’s license and passport. JB Poindexter & Co., Inc. 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 characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Seniority level Mid‑Senior level Employment type Full‑time Job function Engineering and Information Technology Motor Vehicle Manufacturing Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at J.B. Poindexter & Co by 2x Sign in to set job alerts for “Advanced Manufacturing Engineer” roles. South Bend, IN $60,000.00-$90,000.00 2 weeks ago #J-18808-Ljbffr