Apqp Program Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly resilient, strategically-minded Program Manager (China Market Focus) to lead product qualification, milestone execution, and day-to-day customer alignment with major battery cell manufacturers and OEMs in China.
While our Business Development Managers lead commercial negotiations and contract execution, the Program Manager serves as the operational anchor-ensuring that signed programs are executed flawlessly on time, on budget, and to technical specification. You will serve as the primary bridging point between demanding Chinese accounts and Group14's cross-functional teams (R&D, Global Operations, Quality, Finance), navigating complex customer dynamics and maintaining clear communication continuity.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

• Program Execution & Milestone Delivery: End-to-end management of qualification programs targeting major Chinese battery manufacturers and OEMs, driving cross-functional accountability from sampling gates (A/B/C samples) to scale-up.
  
• Customer Continuity & Relationship Management: Act as the primary technical and operational interface for Chinese accounts, ensuring continuous, proactive communication to build long-term trust across technical and program management teams.
  
• Technical & Commercial Schedule Alignment: Facilitate complex discussions regarding technical specifications, testing protocols, sample delivery timelines, and program milestones, ensuring customer expectations align with internal operational capacities.
  
• Resilient Issue Resolution & Escalation: Swiftly assess technical bottlenecks, quality deviations, or program delays; exercise sound situational judgment to make critical decisions and communicate risk mitigations clearly to internal leadership and customer stakeholders.
  
• Cross-Functional Mobilization: Partner closely with internal R&D, Quality, Operations in HQ/Korea, and Finance teams to mobilize resources, troubleshoot program risks, and fulfill APQP/PPAP requirements.
  
• Onsite Audits & Visits: Plan, coordinate, and host onsite customer technical reviews, factory audits, and executive visits both in China and at global manufacturing facilities.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Education: Bachelor's degree (B.S. / B.A.) in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Business, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience).
  
• Mandarin & English Fluency: Native or business-fluent written and verbal proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and English is strictly required to lead technical exchanges and daily program alignment with Chinese partners.
  
• Resilience & Professional Courage: Proven ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, maintain composure when managing high-stakes customer relationships, and assertively drive cross-functional accountability with demanding enterprise accounts.
  
• Exceptional Customer Communication: Superior interpersonal, presentation, and stakeholder management skills. Demonstrated success in maintaining seamless communication continuity across multi-layered customer organizations.
  
• Sharp Situational Judgment: Exceptional problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguous, complex situations, balance competing priorities, and execute swift resolution.
  
• Relevant Experience: 5+ years of total professional experience in customer communication, technical, engineering, or project/program management environments, with at least 3+ years of direct experience in Program Management, Project Management, or Technical Account Management.
  
• Global Flexibility: Ability to accommodate time zone differences between global HQ, Korea Operations, China-based partners, with willingness to travel internationally (~20-30%).

OTHER QUALITIES WE'D LOVE FOR YOU TO HAVE:

• Industry Background: Prior experience in the Battery Materials, Battery Cell, Automotive (OEM/Tier 1), or Advanced Materials/Chemical industries.
  
• Process Knowledge: Understanding of industrial (battery, automotive, CE) qualification cycles, PPAP deliverables, and sample gate management.
  
• Cultural Acumen: Deep understanding of Asia/Chinese enterprise organizational dynamics, decision-making hierarchies, and communication protocols.
  
• Systems & Tools: Proficiency in PM tools(Asana), ERP systems (SAP), and modern project management software.