Programs Manager Jobs in Kiel, WI (NOW HIRING)

The Engineering Program Manager leads complex, cross-functional engineering programs from initial concept through production launch. This role oversees program schedules, engineering deliverables, technical issue resolution, and launch readiness while coordinating closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales, suppliers, and customers.

• Manage new product development programs through all phases, including design, validation, industrialization, PPAP, launch, and ongoing production.
• Develop, maintain, and track detailed project schedules, milestones, and engineering deliverables to ensure on-time program execution.
• Coordinate engineering resources and cross-functional teams to align activities, resolve conflicts, and meet program objectives.
• Lead design reviews and technical reviews, ensuring that engineering decisions are well-documented and aligned with program requirements.
• Own and drive engineering change activities (ECR/ECN), ensuring changes are evaluated, approved, and implemented effectively.
• Identify, track, and mitigate program risks while driving issue resolution to maintain launch readiness and product quality.
• Support prototype builds, validation testing, pilot runs, and production launches, ensuring smooth transitions between development phases.
• Communicate program status, key risks, and recovery plans clearly and regularly to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Maintain comprehensive program documentation and contribute to continuous process improvement in program management and engineering practices.

• Strong program management skills with the ability to lead complex engineering programs from concept through launch.
• Technical project management experience, including planning, scheduling, and coordinating cross-functional engineering activities.
• Hands-on experience with DFMEA and other structured engineering quality and risk analysis tools.
• Knowledge of the automotive industry, including typical development processes and quality expectations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project for schedule creation, tracking, and reporting.
• Experience using Jama or similar requirements management tools to manage specifications and traceability.
• Familiarity with ASPICE or comparable automotive software and systems process standards.
• 10+ years of program management experience, preferably in an engineering or technical environment.
• Experience leading and managing multiple concurrent programs while balancing priorities and resources.

• B.S. degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or a related engineering field.
• Experience supporting the automotive industry, with exposure to OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Sales.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present program status, risks, and recovery plans to internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven track record of driving continuous process improvement in engineering and program management environments.

This role is based on-site in Sheboygan, WI, working closely with engineering and cross-functional teams in a collaborative, production-oriented environment. The position involves regular interaction with internal departments as well as suppliers and customers to support design, validation, industrialization, and launch activities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sheboygan, WI.

The pay range for this position is $110000.00 - $150000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Sheboygan,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.