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Automotive Program Manager Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Program Manager

Muscle Shoals, AL · On-site

$80.40K - $120.50K/yr

As the market share leader in exterior automotive lighting, NAL provides advanced lighting ... Our Opportunity North American Lighting (NAL) is looking for a Program Manager to join our team.

Program Manager

Muscle Shoals, AL · On-site

$80.40K - $120.50K/yr

As the market share leader in exterior automotive lighting, NAL provides advanced lighting ... Our Opportunity North American Lighting (NAL) is looking for a Program Manager to join our team.

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Automotive Program Manager information

See Alabama salary details

$34.9K

$97.4K

$142.3K

How much do automotive program manager jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive program manager in Alabama is $97,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,100.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Automotive Program Manager, you need expertise in project management, automotive engineering principles, and a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project), automotive design tools (such as CAD), and relevant certifications (such as PMP) is often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential for managing cross-functional teams and meeting project deadlines. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards in a highly competitive industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by Automotive Program Managers when coordinating cross-functional teams?

Automotive Program Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning the goals and timelines of diverse teams, including engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality assurance. Coordinating these groups requires strong communication and negotiation skills to resolve conflicts and keep projects on schedule. Additionally, managing changes in project scope—often due to evolving customer requirements or regulatory updates—demands adaptability and effective risk management. Building strong relationships and maintaining transparency with all stakeholders is key to overcoming these hurdles.

What does an Automotive Program Manager do?

An Automotive Program Manager oversees the planning, execution, and delivery of automotive projects, such as vehicle development or component integration. They coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines and budgets, and ensure that project goals align with company objectives and customer requirements. Their role involves communicating with stakeholders, mitigating risks, and ensuring that quality standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.

What is the difference between Automotive Program Manager vs Automotive Engineer?

AspectAutomotive Program ManagerAutomotive Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Business or related field; PMP or project management certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentProject teams, cross-functional departments, management meetingsDesign labs, testing facilities, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, and OEMsAutomotive manufacturers, R&D centers, engineering firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding project management roles in automotive industryUnderstanding engineering roles in automotive development

Automotive Program Managers focus on overseeing vehicle development projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring timely delivery. Automotive Engineers are involved in designing, testing, and improving vehicle components. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Automotive Program Manager jobs in Alabama? For Automotive Program Manager jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automotive Program Manager jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Automotive Program Manager jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Automotive Program Manager jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Automotive Program Manager job openings:
Program Manager

Program Manager

North American Lighting

Muscle Shoals, AL • On-site

$80.40K - $120.50K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


North American Lighting rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Summary
Who We Are
North American Lighting Inc., member of the Koito Group of Companies, is the largest tier one automotive exterior lighting manufacturer in North America. As the market share leader in exterior automotive lighting, NAL provides advanced lighting technology, engineering design expertise, and state-of-the-art production capabilities to auto makers based in North America and around the world.
Our Opportunity
North American Lighting (NAL) is looking for a Program Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will provide leadership and direction to the launch teams and the staff of all support groups in setting and achieving program objectives for timing, cost, manufacturability, quality, localization, and customer satisfaction for the development and launch of new automotive lighting products.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Your Priorities
  • Performs in the lead role - the focal point - for product development and launch for both the customer and NAL on new automotive lighting programs.
  • Leads Core Team activities, including: planning new program launch; creating project schedules with key milestones; defining each functional area's deliverables; communicating plans, schedules, and changes; and generating consensus from the team.
  • Understands all customer requirements for the project, communicates them to the team, and ensures that the team meets or exceeds them.
  • Ensures adherence to project plan and schedule by conducting core team meetings, generating follow-up documents, managing open issues, facilitating team member's jobs, and soliciting management support in overcoming problems.
  • Budgets, tracks, and, controls all project costs in real time, ensuring that all chargeable costs are assigned to the customer, and obtaining management approval for all cost overruns.
  • For projects developed by Koito, ensures smooth transition to NAL by tracking and controlling pre-SOP localization progress, and serving as the main contact for communication with Koito.

The salary range for this position is $80,400 - $120,500 per year. Final compensation will be determined by location, skills, experience, qualifications, and the career level at which the position is filled.
Requirements
Your Background
Bachelor Degree in Engineering or related technical discipline, plus 6 to 8 years of experience in program management, design, product development, sales, quality, engineering, and/or manufacturing within the automotive industry.
Master's Degree in Engineering or MBA, and experience in exterior automotive lighting is preferred.
At North American Lighting
Team Member Benefits
World class health insurance plans
Award winning 401k plan
Relocation assistance
Paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays, etc)
Supplier discounts (wireless, computer, vehicle, etc.)
Company sponsored wellness program including gym reimbursement
Diversity at NAL:
The mission of NAL's Diversity Committee is to facilitate NAL's ongoing and continuing efforts to foster a culture and atmosphere of mutual respect, for the benefit of all Team Members from different backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities that represent our communities.
You can learn more about NAL and our opportunities at jobs.nal.com.
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, genetic information, and veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Requisition ID: 21011
Location: Muscle Shoals Plant

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