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Apqp Program Manager Jobs in Waterman, IL (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

... Vendor Management Programs. Collabera recognizes true potential of human capital and provides ... APQP QDF (Quality Function Deployment) DFMEA DVP&R Soft Skills: People Skills Ability to work in a ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Geneva, IL

$71K - $91K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO • Support the APQP team in the development of new part opportunities and Plant ... Employee Assistance Program that includes counseling and support services for mental health, family ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Geneva, IL

$71K - $91K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO • Support the APQP team in the development of new part opportunities and Plant ... Employee Assistance Program that includes counseling and support services for mental health, family ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Geneva, IL · On-site

$84K - $114K/hr

WHAT YOU'LL DO • Support the APQP team in the development of new part opportunities and Plant ... Employee Assistance Program that includes counseling and support services for mental health, family ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Geneva, IL · On-site

$71K - $91K/yr

WHAT YOU'LL DO • Support the APQP team in the development of new part opportunities and Plant ... Employee Assistance Program that includes counseling and support services for mental health, family ...

Apqp Program Manager information

See Waterman, IL salary details

$39.1K

$109.1K

$159.3K

How much do apqp program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for apqp program manager in Waterman, IL is $109,055.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,700.00 and $134,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an APQP Program Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an APQP Program Manager, you need a strong background in quality management, manufacturing processes, and project management, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with APQP methodologies, PPAP documentation, and quality management systems such as ISO/TS 16949 is essential. Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set successful candidates apart. These skills ensure successful product launches, continuous process improvement, and compliance with customer and industry standards.

What is an APQP Program Manager?

An APQP Program Manager is responsible for overseeing the Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) process within a manufacturing or engineering organization. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to ensure that quality requirements are met throughout the product development lifecycle. The APQP Program Manager manages project timelines, risk assessments, and communication between stakeholders to ensure that products meet customer specifications and regulatory standards. They play a crucial role in launching new products successfully by implementing quality planning tools and methodologies.

How does an APQP Program Manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

As an APQP Program Manager, you will work closely with engineering, quality, manufacturing, and supply chain teams throughout the product development lifecycle. Your main responsibility is to ensure all Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) milestones are met, which requires facilitating regular meetings, aligning project timelines, and resolving issues that may impact quality or delivery. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential, as you’ll be the central point for coordinating efforts, gathering input, and ensuring all departments adhere to APQP requirements and customer expectations.

What is the difference between Apqp Program Manager vs Quality Engineer?

AspectApqp Program ManagerQuality Engineer
CertificationsAPQP, PPAP, Six SigmaASQ CQE, Six Sigma
Work EnvironmentProject management, cross-functional teamsQuality testing, process improvement
Industry UsageAutomotive, manufacturingManufacturing, product development

The Apqp Program Manager oversees the APQP process, coordinating quality planning and ensuring compliance across projects. In contrast, the Quality Engineer focuses on testing, analyzing, and improving product quality. While both roles require similar certifications and work within manufacturing industries, the Program Manager has a broader project oversight role, whereas the Quality Engineer concentrates on technical quality assurance tasks.

What job categories do people searching Apqp Program Manager jobs in Waterman, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Apqp Program Manager jobs in Waterman, IL are:
What cities near Waterman, IL are hiring for Apqp Program Manager jobs? Cities near Waterman, IL with the most Apqp Program Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Apqp Program Manager job openings in Waterman, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,055 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Director of Piston Pin Engineering

Amsted Automotive Group

Geneva, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
Amsted Automotive Group, Piston Pin Business Unit, is looking for a Director of Engineering to provide hands-on leadership driving manufacturing process design, standardization, and continuous improvement. Owns product application engineering, program management, and APQP execution while developing talent, building high-performing teams, and delivering measurable gains in quality and efficiency. Shapes engineering strategy and fosters accountability and operational excellence.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team; drive accountability and continuous technical excellence.
  • Standardize manufacturing processes across all piston pin facilities to eliminate defects and maximize efficiency.
  • Foster a culture of data-driven problem solving and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure full compliance with internal standards and external requirements (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).
  • Partner with Quality to resolve process nonconformances and implement robust corrective/preventive actions.
  • Own business unit APQP, PPAP, and FMEA processes to ensure product and manufacturing process integrity.
  • Drive process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, global capacity, reduce cost, and eliminate waste.
  • Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies to increase throughput and reduce variation.
  • Leverage key operating metrics to identify trends, diagnose issues, and drive performance.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and assess applicability to future operations.
  • Communicate clearly with senior leadership on progress, risks, and strategic opportunities.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED
  • Leadership and team development: Demonstrated ability to build, lead, mentor, and reorganize teams to improve performance
  • Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required; advanced engineering degree and/or MBA preferred.
  • Automotive engineering experience: 10-15 years of automotive engineering management experience, preferably in cold forming, heat treating, CNC machining, centerless grinding, metals forming, machining, fabrication, or related manufacturing processes.
  • Quality systems and core tools: Experience with AIAG and IATF tools, including implementation in an automotive manufacturing environment.
  • Problem solving and analytics: Strong disciplined critical-thinking skills with an analytical DMAIC approach; experience using statistical process capability methods and tools such as Minitab or other SPC analysis programs.
  • Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Results orientation: Proven history of driving continuous improvement and financial improvement projects that deliver measurable business impact
  • Leadership and integrity: Highest ethical standards, with strong communication skills and the ability to motivate, lead, and develop individuals to perform at their best.
  • Engineering career progression: Demonstrated career growth in engineering, including experience in manufacturing operations, manufacturing or product design engineering, and/or quality engineering.
  • Continuous improvement and business impact: Proven history of executing continuous improvement projects related to manufacturing cost control, cost of quality, and product/process standardization, with clear ownership of projects that delivered measurable fiscal impact.
  • Team building and performance: Demonstrated ability to build teams that achieve stretch results.
  • Manufacturing process expertise: Familiarity with high-precision metal manufacturing processes such as cold forming, heat treating, CNC machining, centerless grinding, metals forming, machining, or fabrication in a manufacturing environment, not assembly-only operations.
  • Automotive quality systems: Thorough understanding of the automotive business environment and related quality systems, including ISO/TS standards, APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and formal corrective action processes.
  • Customer and technical communication: Strong customer communication skills, including the ability to deliver technical presentations in support of process execution and business development.
  • Leadership and travel: Experience managing in a multi-plant business environment and leading teams where English is not the primary language; willingness and ability to travel to all business unit locations, with expected travel of approximately 50% in the first year and 30% in following years.
  • Language capability: Multilingual fluency preferred, specifically Spanish or Italian.

WHAT ELSE YOU'LL NEED TO KNOW
  • This role will require periods of international travel
  • Candidates must be comfortable getting dirty and working in loud environments

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
We create a supportive environment where employees thrive! With a range of benefits designed to enhance your health, well-being, and financial security, we're here to support you every step of the way. Join us and experience the exceptional perks that make Amsted Automotive a great place to work!
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Prescription Drug Benefits
  • Wellness Reimbursement
  • Telehealth
  • Onsite health screenings
  • Mental health resources
  • Employee Assistance Program that includes counseling and support services for mental health, family support, financial advice, legal guidance, and more

FINANCIAL BENEFITS
  • Competitive Salaries
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Annual Bonus Opportunity
  • 401k with Company Match
  • Health Savings Account with Company Contribution
  • Life and Disability Insurance

WORK-LIFE BALANCE
  • Parental Leave
  • 14 Annual Company Paid Holidays

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
  • Training Programs
  • Education Expense Reimbursement
  • Career Advancement Opportunities

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
  • Pet Insurance and Discount Program
  • Legal Insurance
  • Employee Discounts
  • Recognition and Rewards
  • Community Involvement
  • Workplace Giving Matching Gift Program

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.