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Automotive Program Manager Jobs in Mundelein, IL

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Automotive Program Manager information

See Mundelein, IL salary details

$39.3K

$109.7K

$160.3K

How much do automotive program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive program manager in Mundelein, IL is $109,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $135,300.00 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 job categories do people searching Automotive Program Manager jobs in Mundelein, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Automotive Program Manager jobs in Mundelein, IL are:

What cities near Mundelein, IL are hiring for Automotive Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Mundelein, IL with the most Automotive Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Automotive Program Manager job openings in Mundelein, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,707 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Program Manager - Manufacturing

Lapmaster Wolters

Mount Prospect, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Company Description:
Lapmaster Wolters is a leading global supplier of precision machine tools and semiconductor wafer processing equipment headquartered in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs near O’Hare Airport. Our diverse team works with a broad variety of industries and technologies. Our technical expertise includes Precision Machining, Motion Control, Robotics, Automation, Machine Design, and Process Expertise on a wide range of materials. Our customers include small, mid-sized and Fortune 100 companies in a spectrum of industries including Semiconductor, Electronics, Automotive, Aerospace, Precision Bearings, Optics/Electro-optics, Industrial Equipment, and Medical Devices. Our business model is to utilize leading technologies and exceptional engineering talent coupled with outstanding customer service to solve manufacturing and precision machining problems. With over 60 years of experience, Lapmaster Wolters has a proven history of successfully developing cost effective solutions for virtually any application requiring precision machining, flatness, parallelism, roundness, or surface finish. 
Job Description:
Lapmaster is seeking an experienced Program Manager to oversee successful execution of various projects primarily high precision machine tools. These projects are generally fast-paced and challenging with significant impact on the future of the company.
The Program Manager will oversee successful execution of projects with emphasis on customer management, ensuring that engineering, supply chain, and production targets align. The Program Manger must bridge the gap between design and factory floors, managing timelines, budgets, and production scaling while tracking performance via metrics.
Responsibilities include:
 
  • Work with sales and marketing team to gather and compile inputs from internal experts, market studies, strategic customers, and external consultants when appropriate.
  • Work with management and engineering staff to clearly document the scope, features, design requirements, budget, and timeline for each major project utilizing Stage-Gate methodology to drive efficiency in new product development efforts.
  • Define resource requirements and skills needed for successful project execution with particular emphasis on identifying resource gaps at the beginning of each project and at periodic checkpoints during execution.
  • Compile project plans using Microsoft Project (or other preferred project management software) and define dependencies, milestones, specific tasks, deadlines, etc. then track execution and provide regular updates to management.
 
  • Communicate directly with key stakeholders and project participants from Management, Sales, Engineering, Procurement, and Manufacturing to identify and resolve issues quickly with the goal of adhering to the project timeline.
  • Coordinate cross functional teams including engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, procurement, and operations which may include external specialists or consultants and will likely be distributed across multiple locations and time zones
  • Resource Management: Manage budgets, balance resources across multiple projects, and ensure capacities meet demand spikes.
  • Risk & Issue Mitigation: Identify blockers—such as material shortages or equipment failures—and develop rapid-response solutions to keep projects on track
  • Drive documentation efforts through all phases of project execution to enable smooth transition from prototype build to production release, including assembly procedures, quality metrics, installation and maintenance manuals, etc.
  • Coordinate crating, rigging and shipment of machine to customer location
    Experience and Qualifications:
    The Program Manager will report to the General Manager and have at least the following qualifications.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a technical field with 5+ years of program management experience.
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and manage changing priorities.
  • Strong working knowledge of manufacturing methods, preferably in high precision automated machine tools.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills including effective use of Teams or similar web-based meeting software.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO)
 

Company Description:

Lapmaster International, LLC is a leading international precision machine tool builder headquartered in Chicago’s Northwest suburbs near O’Hare Airport. Our diverse team works with a broad variety of industries and technologies. Our technical expertise includes Motion Control, Robotics, Automation, Machine Design, and Application Engineering. Our customers include small, mid-sized and Fortune 100 companies in a variety of industries including Automotive, Aerospace, Semiconductor, Electronics, Bearings, Optics/Electro-optics, Pumps, Valves, Compressors, and Medical Devices. Our business model is to utilize leading technologies and exceptional engineering talent coupled with outstanding customer service to solve manufacturing and precision machining problems.

Since 1948, industry has relied on Lapmaster to solve the most challenging precision surfacing problems. With over 60 years of experience, Lapmaster has a proven history of successfully developing cost effective processing solutions for virtually any application requiring precision sizing, flatness, parallelism, roundness, straightness, or surface finish. Lapmaster serves the Fine Grinding, Advanced Materials, Precision Optics, Bore Honing and Finishing, Lapping/Polishing and Metallographic markets through an expanding network of sales and services offices located throughout the world. Sales and technical service is available either through local Lapmaster Sales Representative or through our main Sales and Technical Services Centers located in Mount Prospect, IL, Plymouth, UK, Chennai, India, Tokyo, Japan and Shenyang, China.

Competitive Benefits Package for Full Time employees:

  • 401(k) with Matching
  • Medical Insurance (Company contribution for Dependents)
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Company Paid Life & AD&D
  • Vacation, Sick, Holidays
  • EAP

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO)

It is the policy at Lapmaster International to provide equal employment opportunities and affirmative action to all qualified individuals. All personnel actions, including, but not limited to, compensation, benefits, recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion of persons in all job titles, are administered without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, protected veteran or disability status, and all employment decisions are based solely on valid job requirements. In addition, employees and applicants are protected from harassment, threats, coercion, intimidation, or discrimination

EEO is the Law (English)

Recruiter Policy:

Lapmaster International, LLC (aka Precision Surfacing Solutions) “the Company” has an internal recruiting function. The Company may supplement that internal capability from time to time with assistance from temporary staffing agencies, placement services, and professional recruiters (Agency).  Agencies are hereby specifically directed NOT to contact employees of the Company directly in an attempt to present candidates. The Company’s policy is for the internal recruiting team or other authorized personnel to present ALL candidates to hiring managers. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Lapmaster International, LLC from a third party, such as an Agency, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Company mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Company employees, or to the resume database will be considered Company property. Lapmaster International LLC, will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.  Lapmaster International LLC, will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees.

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