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Automotive Program Manager Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Bergstrom Automotive

Automotive Technician

Middleton, WI · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

Wellness Program * Free Team Member Clinic * Access to a Free Health Coach * Employee Assistance ... Service Manager >> Platform Manager At Bergstrom Automotive, we are committed to fostering a ...

BERGSTROM AUTO

Automotive Technician

Middleton, WI · On-site

$28 - $40/hr

Wellness Program * Free Team Member Clinic * Access to a Free Health Coach * Employee Assistance ... Service Manager >> Platform Manager At Bergstrom Automotive, we are committed to fostering a ...

Kayser Automotive

Service Advisor

Janesville, WI · On-site

$55 - $95/hr

Manage appointment scheduling and work with parts department to order necessary supplies. * Promote ... High school diploma or equivalent; technical or automotive training preferred. * Previous ...

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All JobsAutomotive Program JobsAutomotive Program Manager JobsAutomotive Program Manager Jobs in Madison, WI

Automotive Program Manager information

See Madison, WI salary details

$38.8K

$108.3K

$158.2K

How much do automotive program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive program manager in Madison, WI is $108,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,100.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Madison, WI?

For Automotive Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Automotive Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Program Manager jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Automotive Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Automotive Program Manager job openings:

Automotive Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Program Manager job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,296 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

Program Manager

Madison-Kipp Corporation

Madison, WI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate and disseminate account and program-related activities to ensure project goals are achieved.

  • Provide on-site engineering and quality support to customers, including program design, communication, and process knowledge.

  • Manage project timelines, change requests, and documentation to ensure compliance and successful project completion.

Job description

Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

Provide MKC engineering/quality support to our customers on-site and assist Sales with potential new customers in these areas. Act as an interface for specific customers/programs. Responsible for the coordination and dissemination of account/program related activities. Participate as part of a cross-functional team to effectively manage assigned accounts/programs in such a manner as to accomplish the goals and objectives of MKC.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

· Provide leadership for a customer, project, or multiple projects to achieve corporate vision. Ensure communication between management and stakeholders.

· Perform role within the NPL(New Product Launch) process for an assigned project, or multiple projects to achieve corporate vision. 

· Provide accurate estimate summaries in a timely manner to assure compliance to customer requirements and formats.

· Develop, implement, and continuously improve plans to orchestrate projects, resources, time lines, including monitoring and control.

· Manage the timely completion of Change Requests (CRs) executed by the Process and Quality Engineers. 

· Support IATF certification process as required within the department and company, assisting with compliance to an accepted auditable state. 

· Assure that all required steps, documents and details are accurately kept in storage locations as defined by the RFQ process, or other appropriate electronic copy in specified locations.

· Manage customer drawing (print) control to ensure a match between internal revision levels and alignment with corporate document control requirements.

· On-Site Engineering support to include program design, communication, modeling, quality and process knowledge at customer for MKC.

· Advocate for customers at MKC in terms of Engineering and Operations.

· Aid customers with CAD and program designers

· Communicate to engineer staff impact of design changes on part integrity. 

· Offer new technology alternatives to customers for potential cost reductions and design advice.

· Coordinates activity at Customers and MKC to aid in completion of Tech Specs for new product

· Perform other duties as assigned within the expected timeframe.


WORKING CONDITIONS 

General office environment with regular visits into the production facilities with exposure to hazardous machine operations. Travel to customers or vendors is required.


PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and listen; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls.  The employee is regularly required to stand, stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders.  Must be able to regularly walk throughout all the  

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

· Demonstrated high level of process and mechanical aptitude. As well as demonstrated problem solving and project management skills.

· Desired CNC Machining experience and/or die cast experience.

· Supervisory and leadership skills desired.

· Highly developed written and oral communication skills a must.

· Strong proficiency in Office 365 with specific high degree of proficiency with spreadsheets, documents, presentations, Gantt charts. Proficient at blueprint reading and CAD viewing software.

· Ability to work effectively to meet stringent deadlines.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Appropriate education and/or experience may be substituted on an equivalent basis.

· Minimum four-year degree or equivalent experience required.

· Proven experience in engineering and/or program management activities.


LANGUAGE SKILLS

  • Ability to read, write, and understand English.
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills. 

JOB SKILLS

· Above average written and oral communication skills.

· Highly computer literate.

· Automotive background highly desirable.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT

· Up to 5% travel