Customer Program Manager Jobs in Aurora, IL (NOW HIRING)

Location(s): Irvine, CA, Milpitas, CA or Chicago, IL

Compensation: $85,000-110,000

Advantech is seeking a motivated Technical Program Manager (TPM) / Project Manager to support strategic Key Accounts focused on industrial computing, embedded systems, AI infrastructure, machine learning, semiconductor, and next‑generation edge computing platforms. This role will lead complex hardware and software development programs from concept through production launch while serving as a key interface between customers, engineering, operations, and global cross‑functional teams. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong ownership, communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities, changing deadlines, and multiple programs simultaneously in a dynamic environment.

This position requires frequent collaboration with engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams located in Taiwan. Mandarin Chinese proficiency is preferred because it may facilitate direct communication with overseas stakeholders. Candidates without Mandarin proficiency will also be considered if they demonstrate the ability to effectively manage communication across global teams using English and available translation resources.

• Drive complex technical programs from concept through mass production launch
• Lead cross‑functional coordination between customers, engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and manufacturing teams
• Define project scope, requirements, milestones, deliverables, and overall execution strategy
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules while ensuring alignment with customer expectations and internal resource planning
• Manage program risks, dependencies, action items, and escalation paths proactively
• Track project status, timelines, engineering changes, and deliverables while communicating effectively to all stakeholders
• Facilitate customer meetings, technical reviews, and internal program discussions
• Ensure project requirements and customer expectations are captured accurately and communicated clearly across global teams
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities including EVT, DVT, PVT, and production readiness phases
• Work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to resolve technical and operational challenges
• Document customer communications, decisions, and action items within project management tools and systems
• Participate in pre‑sales and business development discussions to understand customer requirements and support solution development
• Foster strong working relationships with both customers and internal global teams

• 3+ years of experience in Technical Program Management, Project Management, or related technical customer‑facing roles
• Experience managing full product development lifecycles from business award through production launch
• Experience managing technical product development programs
• Experience working in industrial computing, embedded systems, electronics, semiconductor, or related technical industries
• Understanding of hardware development and manufacturing processes including NPI workflows and engineering validation stages
• Familiarity with Joint Design Manufacturing (JDM), ODM, or OEM business models preferred
• Experience working with global teams across different cultures, time zones, and communication styles
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical audiences
• Demonstrates attention to detail
• Demonstrates ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage competing priorities
• Ability to quickly learn new technical concepts, terminology, and workflows

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Computer Science, Business, or related field preferred
• Experience supporting AI infrastructure, edge computing, industrial automation, or embedded computing customers
• Familiarity with hardware validation, reliability testing, manufacturing operations, and engineering change processes
• Mandarin Chinese language proficiency is preferred
• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long‑term disability, and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 401(k) with company match
• Generous vacation and paid holidays package
• Company events and lunches
• Work from home program – once eligible
• Referral Bonus

Founded in 1983, Advantech is a leader in providing trusted innovative embedded and automation products and solutions. Advantech offers comprehensive system integration, hardware, software, customer‑centric design services, and global logistics support; all backed by industry‑leading front and back‑office e‑business solutions. Advantech has always been an innovator in the development and manufacture of high‑quality, high‑performance computing platforms.

We cooperate closely with our partners to help provide complete solutions for a wide array of applications across a diverse range of industries. To realize our corporate vision of Enabling an Intelligent Planet, Advantech will continue collaborating and partnering for Smart city & IoT Solutions.

Advantech is an authorized alliance partner of both Intel® and Microsoft®. Our customers will find the technologies we use inside our products to be widely compatible with other products in the global marketplace. In 2018 and 2019, Interbrand, the world‑renowned brand consulting firm, once again recognized Advantech efforts to build a trusted, global brand; it also symbolizes a promise we gave to our business partners, which was to do our best to keep building a trustworthy brand that is recognized everywhere in the world. Advantech was selected as Interbrand’s #5 best Taiwan Global Brand in 2018.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8. U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More information can be found at https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar.html

Advantech is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We accept applications directly from candidates only and will not be responsible for any recruiting agency fees absent a formal agreement.