Engineering Project Manager

Position Summary :

As an engineering Project Manager at Cohu, you will lead a team of engineers to design, verify, validate and release documentation for new products, product enhancements, or new features in the Test Handler Group for Pick & Place products.

Implement effective project management processes that are aligned with the new product development (NPI) process. Responsible for completing project(s) within schedule and budget and meeting requirements and specifications.

During project execution, identify, analyze and support the resolution of issues or conflicts within project scope. Identify opportunities for improvements to project management, the NPI process and supply chain.

This is a hybrid position based in Poway, CA (San Diego area) and requires 3-4 days per week on site with 1-2 days per week work from home.

Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities :

• Lead cross functional team, including Design Engineers, Quality, Manufacturing, Technician, and Supply Chain, to achieve the deliverables.
• Implement the Product Development Plan process for approved project(s), including adherence to phase reviews (Gate Review).

Suggest improvements to the PDP process to achieve product management goals.

• Create and / or improve standard tools, templates, schedules, metrics and dashboards to manage and monitor projects.
• Ensure stakeholders are engaged and committed. Provide clear and regular line of communication with the stake holders for updates and feedback.

Establish, maintain and communicate program milestones and timelines, ensuring that development teams are aligned to meet interim and final deliverables.

• Participate in creating the right team (resource) for the project
• Manage project risk (schedule, technical) and expenses (LOH and Material), and control scope creep
• Manage the project team by providing guidance, training or coaching, and technical support. Need to ensure the team is equipped to be successful with their deliverables.
• Contribute to the technical direction for the project, including conceptual design and identifying technology trends.
• Interface effectively with advanced manufacturing engineers regarding supply chain to support New Product Introduction and Engineering Change Orders.
• Participate in the Supplier Selection Process to develop a supply base that provides competitive advantage in quality, value / cost, delivery and technology.
• At the end of a project, evaluate the project’s performance for efficiency and effectiveness; with the goal of preventing similar issues in the future and rewarding key contributors to the project’s success.

Supervisory Responsibility : N / A

Qualifications :

Education / Training : Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering. Master’s degree and / or PMP certificate / training a plus.

Experience : Five or more years of progressive experience in mechanical / systems design engineering and five or more years’ experience in a technical engineering project management role that includes product development for complex engineering products.

Experience in semiconductor equipment is a plus.

Skills / Technical Requirements :

• Project management skills that include product development process, NPI, manufacturing and supply chain.
• Knowledge of engineering NPI, ECOs, lean manufacturing techniques, and process improvement also required.
• Skill in developing and utilizing tools, templates, schedules, metrics and dashboards to effectively manage and monitor projects.
• Advanced skills and proficiency using MS Project, Excel, One Note and PowerPoint.
• Experience utilizing SolidWorks for mechanical engineering.
• Knowledge and proficiency with tools for statistical data analysis.
• Ability to read blueprints and technical drawings for complex electro-mechanical components.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of time, both domestically and internationally.

Job Conditions : Hybrid work environment, work on site in Poway, CA location 3 to 4 days a week.

Physical Demands : Walking, sitting, standing. Able to sit at computer terminal for prolonged period, use keyboard

Protective Devices Required : In designated areas.