Application Manager Jobs in Howell, MI (NOW HIRING)

TITLE: Sr Manager, Application Engineering  

REPORTS TO: Director, Technical Center 

DEPARTMENT: Technical Center 

LOCATION: Plymouth 

Summary: 

The Sr Application Manager is a key leadership role within the engineering team. In this role you will be responsible for leading and managing multi-sites teams with engineering responsibilities ranging from early design concepts with suppliers/Customers to mass production launches for electromechanical products including, but not limited to, steering and driveline for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and off-highway equipment. You must ensure that project teams are properly resourced to deliver innovative and cost-effective products following JTEKT Processes. Playing key roles such as Mentor, Coach, Manager and Team Leader are important in addition to the formal management functions of objective setting, employee appraisals and vision development. 
If you are looking for a challenging, rewarding opportunity to display your expertise, we want you! 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead diverse teams of engineers working across multiple domains (Mechanical, Mechatronics, systems, and project management) and multiple sites to deliver state-of-the-art products. 
• Optimize resources and workload driving a whole system approach for the Engineering team. 
• Provides team leadership, management support, workload projection and monitoring, including coaching and active engagement with direct and extended team. 
• Support Programs from quotation to production, meeting internal and customer milestones in between as well as technical and budget targets.  
• Is aware of the big picture (Technical, Product Space, Financial, Organizational, etc.) and proactively support it by collaborating globally. 
• Develops customer and suppliers (both internal and external) relationships helping with negotiations for delivery timing and content. Incorporate ASPICE and Functional Safety (especially ISO26262) activities into project plans. 
• Ensure all projects follow the Quality Gates process (QG) and adhere to the IATF. Lead benchmarking activities and participation in industry events to stay up to date on technology and Identify areas of improvements, cost reduction and business opportunities. 
• Work daily overtime and Saturdays and/or Sundays when directed by immediate supervisor or, as necessary, to complete essential job duties. 
• Perform other duties as assigned 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Lead the department in a manner that creates high morale and delivers excellent results 
• Define key objectives and provide formal and informal performance feedback against them 
• Control and approve documents and designs released by the group 
• Plan for and use resources efficiently, always looking for ways to reduce costs, creating accurate and realistic budgets. 
• Create and communicate a long-term vision, balancing short and long-term goals, keeping team’s work aligned with overall Company goals 
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with JNA policies and applicable laws 

Key Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Self-motivated and able to thrive in a team environment, without close supervision 
• Strong strategic vision along with the planning and tactical skills to achieve the vision 
• Able to combine patience, persistence, and organizational agility to operate in a multicultural, global corporate structure 
• In depth knowledge of manufacturing, mechanical and system aspects 
• Expertise in JTEKT processes including AQG and QG. 
• Understanding of development processes and best practices in testing, analysis, and production support associated standards: IATF, ISO26262, and ASPICE/CMMI. 

Education and Experience:  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. Masters degree is preferred. 
• Minimum 10 years of experience in automotive safety product development.
• 5 years of experience in a Managerial role of a technical team is required.
• Demonstrated direct leadership, planning, monitoring and communication skills. 
• Experience in safety chassis mechatronics (Electric Power Steering, Brakes…) is highly preferred. 

Physical Demands:  

• Sit with intermittent walking 
• Communicate (hearing and speech) with individuals in person and by phone
• Visually read reports, computer screen, etc. Maintain a minimum of 8 hours worked/day, 5 days/week  

Work Environment:  

• Work is performed in a normal office setting with minimal exposure to health or safety hazards 
• Substantial time is spent working on a computer.  
• The performance of this position may occasional require exposure to the manufacturing areas where under certain areas require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields and mandatory hearing protection 
• Travel by automobile and plane required as needed 

Will be required to perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned. The above may be waived by the department Director/Manager and the Human Resources Director if the candidate is otherwise qualified.