Rapid Prototyping Program Manager (Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials)

Company:

Job Description:

Are you a technical leader with a passion for speed, precision, and customer collaboration? We are seeking a Rapid Prototyping Program Manager to lead high-impact prototype programs, accelerating product development while ensuring quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.

This role sits at the intersection of engineering, production, and customer engagement—owning the full lifecycle of prototype execution and serving as the primary interface between internal teams and customers.

What You Will Do

Program Leadership & Execution

• Lead scheduling, prioritization, and execution of prototype programs to meet aggressive timelines
• Optimize workflows to reduce lead time while maintaining quality and cost targets
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks across engineering, production, and supply chain
• Ensure seamless transition from prototype to production readiness

Customer Engagement

• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers across all prototype programs
• Provide design-for-manufacturability (DFM) feedback and influence design decisions
• Communicate program status, risks, and mitigation plans proactively
• Support quoting and feasibility discussions, aligning technical scope with cost and delivery expectations
• Lead customer meetings, design reviews, and program updates

Technical & Operational Oversight

• Partner with production teams to optimize CNC machining processes, setup times, and throughput
• Collaborate with programmers to improve tooling strategies and machining efficiency
• Evaluate and implement new technologies, automation, and process improvements
• Stay current on industry trends and innovations

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Act as the central liaison between Sales, Engineering, Production, Quality, and Supply Chain
• Coordinate external suppliers for outsourced components when needed
• Ensure alignment on design changes, manufacturability, and execution plans

Quality & Compliance

• Partner with Quality to ensure rapid and effective inspection processes
• Drive resolution of defects, non-conformances, and tolerance issues
• Ensure compliance with industry standards such as ISO 9001, AS9100, and ISO 13485

Team & Resource Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop machinists, programmers, and technical staff
• Allocate resources effectively to meet changing program demands
• Build team capability through training and continuous improvement

Cost & Performance Management

• Monitor and control costs related to materials, labor, tooling, and outsourcing
• Improve quoting accuracy by analyzing cost drivers and trends
• Track and report on key performance metrics including lead time, cost, and quality

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience
• 7+ years of leadership experience with a strong track record of team development
• Strong background in CNC machining and plastics manufacturing
• Experience in regulated environments (ISO 9001, AS9100, ISO 13485)
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems for planning and execution
• Strong customer-facing experience with the ability to communicate both technical and commercial concepts
• Proven ability to operate in fast-paced, high-priority environments
• Strong problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset

Why Join Us

• Lead cutting-edge prototype programs with direct customer impact
• Work at the forefront of innovation, bridging design and full-scale production
• High-visibility role with cross-functional and customer-facing exposure
• Opportunity to drive speed, efficiency, and technical excellence in manufacturing

The salary range for this position is $103,400 - 129,300. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email MCA-MBX_accomodations@m-chem.com. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

The law requires Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following link: Know Your Rights

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information

As a Federal Contractor, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify.