Technical Project Manager

Durr Systems - Southfield, MI

Full-time

Southfield, MI

Machinery Manufacturing

About the position

The Technical Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of projects in the automotive manufacturing sector, specifically focusing on paint and final assembly systems. This role requires close collaboration with the Senior Project Manager and various specialist departments to ensure that all technical decisions align with project goals. The Technical Project Manager will lead all technical personnel involved in the project, both internal and external, and will coordinate with project management to maintain the project schedule. A key responsibility will be to control project parameters to achieve minimal manufacturing costs while meeting schedule targets. As the main engineering interface, the Technical Project Manager will address technical issues related to technique, quality, and target dates throughout the project lifecycle. This position also involves supporting the Senior Project Manager during their absence and ensuring effective technical communication with customers. The Technical Project Manager will be tasked with the overall technical clarification of the project, working closely with engineering teams to ensure that all aspects of the project are executed to the highest standards. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering, with significant experience in automotive paint facility project execution. A deep understanding of Paint & Final assembly Systems (PFS) is essential, including knowledge of Pre-Treatment & E-Coat systems, spray booths, and other related technologies. The role demands strong leadership and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to manage project layouts and implement industry 4.0 solutions in paint facilities. Knowledge of safety management in explosive atmospheres and experience with Failure Mode Analysis (FMEA) are also critical for success in this position.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for technical coordination and decisions regarding technical issues in collaboration with the Senior Project Manager and the specialist departments.
• Lead all technical personnel for a project (internal & external).
• Coordinate with project management for project schedule.
• Control projects to achieve minimal manufacturing costs and schedule targets.
• Act as the main engineering interface regarding technique, quality, and target dates of a project.
• Support/substitute the Senior Project Manager in their absence.
• Responsible for technical communication with the customer.
• Overall responsible for the technical clarification of the project with the customer, in collaboration with the engineering areas.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in paint shop engineering and Project Management.
• Profound knowledge & experience of Paint & Final assembly Systems (PFS) such as Pre-Treatment & E-Coat systems, work decks, application systems, building utility systems, spray booths, and paint application systems.
• Direct Durr product knowledge preferred.
• Strong leadership, negotiation, and decision-making ability.
• Experience in layout design management throughout the project life cycle.
• Knowledge of fully automated paint facilities and experience in implementing industry 4.0 solutions.
• Knowledge of explosive atmospheres & management methods in a paint shop environment.
• Knowledge of Failure Mode Analysis (FMEA) in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge & experience of using SAP preferred.
• Ability to understand and maintain project schedules.
• Good time management & organizational skills.
• Good verbal communication & technical writing skills.
• Able to effectively communicate with engineering and estimating departments, contractors, suppliers, and customers.
• Able to work well independently and in a team environment.
• Able to technically define problems and propose solutions.
• Adaptable to change in a learning environment.