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Variant Configuration Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Product Line Director

Troy, MI · On-site

$218K - $228K/yr

... variant structures, and configuration baselines used by sales and execution teams. • Establish clear configuration baselines for sales and execution teams. • Identify and reduce unnecessary ...

Maintain product documentation including feature sets, interfaces, variant structures, and configuration baselines used by sales and execution teams. * Establish clear configuration baselines for ...

Product Line Director

Troy, MI · On-site

$165K - $185K/yr

Maintain product documentation including feature sets, interfaces, variant structures, and configuration baselines used by sales and execution teams. * Establish clear configuration baselines for ...

Coatings Process Operator

Bay City, MI

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

... configuration. - Work with improvement projects - Process, Quality, Safety. - Housekeeping ... The job titles do not mean the male variant but stand for the gender-neutral designation of the ...

Coatings Process Operator

Bay City, MI · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Work with Team to define and develop operating parameters based on product type and configuration ... The job titles do not mean the male variant but stand for the gender-neutral designation of the ...

Showing results 21-40

Variant Configuration information

What is variant configuration?

Variant configuration is a process used in industries like manufacturing to manage products that have multiple variations or customizable features. It allows companies to efficiently create, sell, and produce products tailored to individual customer requirements by configuring options and combinations in real-time. This is commonly implemented in ERP systems like SAP, where variant configuration enables flexible product design without the need to create a unique product code for every possible variation. It helps streamline production, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction by offering tailored solutions.

How does a variant configuration specialist typically collaborate with engineering and sales teams to ensure accurate product customization?

A Variant Configuration specialist works closely with engineering teams to understand product features and technical constraints, ensuring that configuration models accurately represent real-world options. They also collaborate with sales teams to translate customer requirements into feasible product variants, helping prevent configuration errors and streamline the order process. Regular communication and joint problem-solving are essential, as specialists often lead workshops or training sessions to keep both teams updated on changes and best practices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a variant configuration specialist?

To thrive as a Variant Configuration Specialist, you need a solid understanding of product configuration management, business process analysis, and experience with ERP systems like SAP, often supported by a degree in engineering, computer science, or related fields. Expertise in SAP Variant Configuration (SAP VC), knowledge of BOM (Bill of Materials) structures, and familiarity with product lifecycle management tools are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help specialists collaborate with cross-functional teams and address complex configuration scenarios. These skills ensure accurate customization of products, efficient operations, and alignment with customer requirements in dynamic manufacturing environments.

What is the difference between Variant Configuration vs Product Data Management Specialist?

AspectVariant ConfigurationProduct Data Management Specialist
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, engineering or manufacturing backgroundData management certifications, IT or engineering background
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, engineering, or product developmentIT departments, engineering teams, product lifecycle management
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, automotive, aerospace, electronicsManufacturers, tech companies, engineering firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding configuration options, engineering processesManaging product data, documentation, and workflows

Variant Configuration focuses on defining and managing product options and configurations within engineering and manufacturing processes. In contrast, Product Data Management Specialists handle organizing, maintaining, and controlling product data across systems. While both roles support product development, Variant Configuration is more technical and engineering-oriented, whereas Product Data Management is centered on data organization and workflow management.

What are popular job titles related to Variant Configuration jobs in Michigan? For Variant Configuration jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Variant Configuration jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Variant Configuration jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Variant Configuration jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Variant Configuration job openings:
Infographic showing various Variant Configuration job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Product Line Director

Detroit Defense

Troy, MI • On-site

$218K - $228K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Detroit Defense is a company that delivers mission-critical solutions to enhance national security. They are seeking a Product Line Director for Vehicle Modernization to own the product portfolio's definition, configuration discipline, and roadmap execution, ensuring execution predictability and expanding into next-generation modernization kits.
Responsibilities:
• Define standard configurations for ABS/ESC, drive-by-wire, capability-enhancement kits, and related modernization offerings.
• Maintain product documentation including feature sets, interfaces, variant structures, and configuration baselines used by sales and execution teams.
• Establish clear configuration baselines for sales and execution teams.
• Identify and reduce unnecessary product variants to improve design reuse and execution predictability.
• Develop and maintain a multi-year Vehicle Modernization product roadmap that sequences feature releases based on ROI and execution capacity.
• Align roadmap timing with Engineering feasibility and program demand, partnering with the Director of Engineering on capacity and the Director of Programs on delivery schedules.
• Sunset legacy configurations when appropriate and guide transitions to next-generation kits.
• Evaluate non-standard customer requests for modernization kits, approve or escalate configuration deviations based on impact, and quantify the margin, schedule, and complexity trade-offs of each exception.
• Track and report exception trends to the VP, PLM.
• Maintain exception governance records and communicate trends to inform product strategy.
• Understand cost drivers and margin performance by product configuration.
• Partner with Finance to maintain product-level P&L visibility across configurations.
• Identify cost reduction and design reuse opportunities across the modernization portfolio.
• Support pricing guidance through clear configuration definition.
• Provide Business Development with clearly defined sellable product packages.
• Provide Programs Execution with stable scope and baseline definitions to support on-schedule delivery.
• Partner with Engineering on design standardization and reuse, and represent the modernization portfolio in product forums, gate reviews, and roadmap decisions.
• Align with VP, PLM and Director, Engineering on roadmap priorities.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related technical discipline from an accredited college or university.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret Security Clearance.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in product management, program management, or a related role within the defense or technology industry, with at least three years managing a P&L or a defined product line.
• Demonstrated success managing the full product lifecycle of ground vehicle systems or subsystems, from definition through fielding.
• Strong technical fluency across vehicle modernization subsystems, including braking and stability control (ABS/ESC), drive-by-wire, powertrain, suspension, and armor integration.
• Proven ability to enforce configuration discipline, manage variant complexity, and drive design reuse across a product portfolio.
• Experience with product economics and P&L management, including cost reduction and margin improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of U.S. military acquisition and procurement processes.
Preferred:
• A Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) is preferred.
Company:
Detroit Defense is a defense company specializing in engineering, systems integration, and digital logistic services for the U.S. military. Founded in 2015, the company is headquartered in Troy, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.