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Automotive Program Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... program deliverables to meet customer milestones within an automotive phase gate process. Lead and ... Manage contract review and obtain management's approval. * Drive flawless launch of awarded ...

Overview The Program Manager serves as the primary customer point of contact and is accountable for planning, coordinating, and executing automotive testing programs from award through closeout. This ...

Bachelor's Degree and minimum of 8 years leading complex defense, aerospace, or automotive programs ... Program Management principles * Earned Value Management System (EVMS) * Integrated Master ...

Senior Program Manager (Automotive)

Troy, MI · On-site

$109K - $110K/yr

Minimum 5 years' Program Management experience working directly with a customer in automotive industry * Understanding of automotive component development process and manufacturing process * Good ...

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of program management experience in the automotive plastics and injection molding industry, with a demonstrated track record of managing tooling development ...

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of program management experience in the automotive plastics and injection molding industry , with a demonstrated track record of managing tooling development ...

The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of program management experience in the automotive plastics and injection molding industry , with a demonstrated track record of managing tooling development ...

Senior Program Manager (Automotive)

Troy, MI · On-site

$109K - $110K/yr

Minimum 5 years' Program Management experience working directly with a customer in automotive industry * Understanding of automotive component development process and manufacturing process * Good ...

Showing results 41-60

Automotive Program Manager information

See salary details

$38.5K

$107.5K

$157K

How much do automotive program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive program manager in the United States is $107,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $132,500.00 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.

More about Automotive Program Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Automotive Program Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Automotive Program Manager job openings:

What states have the most Automotive Program Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Automotive Program Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Automotive Program Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,460 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Automotive Program Director-STVT

Ancora Education

Arlington, TX • On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Establish and maintain a conducive learning environment for students and faculty

  • Identify, hire, and train qualified faculty

  • Advise students on academic performance and program progression


Job description

Job Summary

The Program Director is responsible for all aspects of management and administration of their assigned program related to teaching, advising students, program development and effectiveness, clinical/extern site management, internship management, student progression, review and analysis of program data and outcomes, scheduling (student and faculty), student learning outcomes, and retention in accordance with company policies and procedures. In support of the company's mission, the Program Director works with the faculty and support staff to promote continuous improvement in the quality of instruction through ongoing development, coaching, and training. The Program Director safeguards and upholds the highest standards of compliance with accrediting bodies, state regulators, institutional policies, procedures, and best practices.



Key Responsibilities

  • Establish and maintain a conducive learning environment for students and faculty

  • Identify, hire and train qualified faculty

  • Monitor and promote the integration of the Ancora Education Learning Philosophy and Core Classroom Principles in daily instruction and student interaction

  • Partner with the Director of Education to lead the faculty development efforts of the department, including orientation, on-going training, and professional development

  • Provide timely faculty mentoring, observations, coaching, and feedback

  • Maintain course schedules and assign faculty workloads in accordance with company and regulatory policies

  • Work in conjunction with the Campus President and Director of Education to ensure appropriate levels of equipment, training aides, and materials that support the program curriculum and learning objectives

  • Ensure on-going compliance of the program, maintaining national and programmatic accreditation standards

  • Identify, coordinate, and maintain working relationships with outside entities that provide clinical/extern experiences

  • Advise students on academic performance and program progression

  • Evaluate program specific outcomes and implement improvement strategies as needed 

  • Maintain curriculum in accordance with company, state, and accreditor standards

  • Other duties as assigned


Experience and Education Required
  • Certification or higher degree in the corresponding program from an academic institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as required by specific program standards. Educational background must be equal to or exceeding the maximum credential offered in the program area.

  • Each distinct occupational area that leads to an occupational or academic degree must have a program head on-site at the school (e.g., lead faculty, department chair, dean, etc.) who possesses an educational background equal to or exceeding the maximum credential offered in that program area, the requisite qualifications for technical faculty teaching in a degree program, and an ability to administer the occupational components of the program. For schools that only offer a program or group of programs in one distinct occupational area, a single individual may fulfill both the director of education and the program head requirements as long as the individual possesses the requisite qualifications for each position. 

  • Possess current, valid licensure where appropriate 
  • Meets all state and accreditor requirements to qualify as an instructor for the corresponding program

  • 1 year of management experience

  • Understanding of adult learning principles evidenced by shown ability to teach/train adult learners

  • Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills with demonstrated success in collaborating with diverse groups of employees and customers

  • Ability to drive/travel to various extern/clinical/job sites

  • Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and ability in administration within an education program


Experience and Education Preferred

  • Higher level degree than the minimum programmatic requirement in the corresponding program from an academic institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education

  • Experience with curriculum writing

  • 3 years of management experience 



Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.


Work Environment  

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually not exposed to weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 


Note

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, or requirements associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change. 


I have read and understand the above job description.  I further understand that this is not an all-inclusive list and does not constitute a contract.  My employment remains at will as with all employees of Ancora Education. 


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