Technical Program Manager

Join a fast-moving vehicle engineering team as a Technical Program Manager focused on interiors, exteriors, and restraint systems for a next-generation autonomous vehicle platform. In this role, you’ll help drive complex cross-functional programs forward by aligning engineering, suppliers, quality, and supply chain teams to deliver high-quality results on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead program execution across interiors, exteriors, and restraint-related workstreams, helping teams stay aligned on scope, timing, and deliverables.
• Identify program risks early and partner with engineering and cross-functional stakeholders to develop practical mitigation plans.
• Translate engineering goals and requirements into actionable program plans that support successful product development.
• Run recurring meetings with internal teams, suppliers, and manufacturing partners to resolve issues and maintain momentum.
• Support schedule development and tracking against key company milestones to keep programs progressing as planned.
• Help coordinate delivery of parts and tooling for builds and testing while maintaining quality expectations.
• Maintain clear, concise reporting on program status, key issues, accomplishments, and next steps for stakeholders and leadership.
• Support change management activities by coordinating updates and ensuring all stakeholders remain informed.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and supply chain teams to manage multiple build phases and support the existing fleet.
• Track program metrics, KPI trends, and JIRA ticket health to help surface priorities and support decision-making.
• Work with cross-functional partners to help ensure purchase orders are issued in a timely manner.

Skills

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in an engineering discipline, or equivalent experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in engineering or program management.
• Strong understanding of automotive product development and manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting interiors, exteriors, and/or restraint systems development, testing, or release activities.
• Demonstrated success managing complex cross-functional projects and meeting aggressive deadlines.
• Strong metrics and reporting skills, with the ability to turn program data into clear insights.
• Hands-on experience working with JIRA tickets and workflows.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapting to changing priorities.
• Proficiency with tools such as CAD, Gantt charts, ERP, PLM, and GD&T.
• Willingness to travel as needed for builds, supplier visits, and program support.

Preferred Skills

• Experience using AI tools, including Claude, to support analysis, reporting, or documentation tasks.
• Background in 3D release work in CATIA V6 or a comparable system.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, plastics, fabrics, stamping, or restraint qualification/testing.
• Experience supporting supplier coordination and contract manufacturing relationships.
• Strong process improvement mindset with a focus on simplifying workflows and removing barriers.

Horizontal is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming workplace where people of all backgrounds can contribute and thrive. We value diverse perspectives and encourage candidates who meet the qualifications to apply and bring their unique experience to the team.

By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that Horizontal Talent may contact you regarding your application using automated technology, including phone calls, SMS/text messages, or email, which may be delivered by our virtual AI recruiter, Alex.

Please apply through this online posting or by visiting our Job Board at Applications will be accepted for 4 weeks. For those that join the team, we offer competitive compensation and benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement. Check out all we have to offer and how you can become part of the Horizontal Talent Team. The pay range for this role is $57 - $92 per hour based on qualifications and experience.