Program Manager - Automotive Industry

Overview

Join to apply for the Program Manager - Automotive Industry role at Johnson Electric. Be the driving force behind innovative automotive systems—lead projects, collaborate globally, and grow your career with us. We are shaping the future of mobility and thriving in European and global markets. As a global leader in motion systems, we serve major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers with an extensive product portfolio including actuators, pumps, electric motors and more.

We are now looking for a Program Manager to join our team in Aachen, Germany, taking the lead on fluid power product projects—such as electric and mechanical oil pumps—from early development through SOP and beyond. You will play a key role in cross-functional coordination, customer interface, and program execution.

Responsibilities

• Drive program and project management for fluid power products from development through SOP, ensuring on-time delivery and meeting quality expectations
• Lead and complete APQP activities using Johnson Electric’s development process automotive standards, project timelines, and ASPICE-related requirements
• Act as the main point of contact for customer communication—both written and verbal, including presentations
• Balance customer expectations with internal goals, working closely with cross-functional teams across locations
• Play a leadership role in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams throughout product design, development, and testing
• Set up and achieve project timing and commercial objectives in close collaboration with sales, engineering (design/test), operations, and purchasing
• Ensure ongoing and transparent communication with Johnson Electric’s global manufacturing sites
• Coordinate and initiate services required to support the project scope and timelines
• Launch and drive project-specific activities such as DFMEA in accordance with company standards
• Feed and maintain customer platforms with accurate and timely project-related data
• Act quickly and effectively to address customer issues, ensuring resolution and satisfaction

Requirements

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent technical background
• Several years of experience in automotive project/program management
• Strong communication skills in German and English (both written and spoken) are mandatory
• Chinese language skills are advantageous
• Self-driven, confident and proactive personality
• Understanding of project financials
• Experience with ASPICE is a plus—but willingness to learn is key

What we offer

• Dynamic environment, focusing on innovative projects
• A stable, global company with a strong innovation pipeline and a solid market position
• Work-life balance: flexible working hours and 6 weeks of vacation
• Top-industry compensation and benefits package
• Modern workspaces, good transport connections, free parking, health promotion, company pension scheme, regular company events, company sports and more
• International team in Aachen with an open, collaborative atmosphere

Inclusion and Values

Come join our global, inclusive and diverse team. Our purpose is to improve the quality of life of everyone we touch through our innovative motion systems. We are a truly global team bound together by our shared values. Our culture is built on diversity, knowledge, skills, creativity and talents that each employee brings to the company. Our people are our company’s most valuable asset. We are committed to providing an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where employees of different backgrounds feel valued and respected, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity or religious background. We are committed to inspiring our employees to grow, act with ownership and find fulfilment and meaning in the work they do.

Job details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Project Management and Information Technology
• Industries: Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing

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