Program Engineer

About the role

The Program Engineer serves as the liaison between the Customer and Cooper Standard, ensuring vehicle component designs meet functional, timing, and cost targets. They are the technical representative accountable for all engineering activities tied to their program, including design reviews, 3D math data, drawings, prototypes, DV and PV testing, and participation in program team meetings, supplier technical reviews, and manufacturing plant events when required.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering disciplines per the skills matrix while continuing to expand knowledge and capabilities
• Manage standard vehicle programs involving a single region and/or product line
• Understand internal and customer manufacturing and design processes
• Interpret customer requirements to meet strategic objectives
• Support product lines beyond the engineer’s primary discipline
• Release engineering change requests and administer program development and design reviews
• Develop and support the auto-quote process
• Conduct product validation and ensure designs satisfy all functional statement of work requirements
• Interface technically with customers, design, manufacturing plants, testing, sales, program management, purchasing, and suppliers
• Maintain program design status and timelines
• Assist in product value engineering/value analysis reviews
• Participate in structured corrective actions (e.g., KT, 8D) to resolve manufacturing issues
• Lead and support vehicle builds and validation activities
• Represent the business unit in customer management meetings
• Mentor associate program engineers
• Release and maintain program data, drawings, and engineering documents in the Cooper Standard Product Life Cycle Management system

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in an engineering discipline
• Typically two or more years of relevant experience
• Solves routine problems using technical judgment and experience
• Explains moderately complex information clearly and concisely
• Demonstrated technical aptitude in engineering disciplines
• In-depth knowledge of customer and internal APQP processes
• Ability to identify customer vehicle build and validation issues
• Strong written and presentation skills
• Proficiency in CAD software for 3D data manipulation
• Technical and mechanical aptitude
• Thorough understanding of Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
• Working user of drawing layouts, part detailing, and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Ability to assess design alternatives, evaluate risk, and prioritize tasks
• Willingness and ability to travel as necessary

Work Environment

• Professional office environment
• Must wear appropriate personal protective equipment on the manufacturing floor
• Travel to manufacturing facilities or customer locations when required
• Equipment use requires proper training to avoid injury