Project Manager, Prototyping

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Project Manager, Prototyping

Company: Dana Incorporated

Location: Boucherville, Quebec, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Operations Management / Project Management

Date Posted: August 14, 2026

Experience Level: 5-7 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearheads the delivery of new product prototypes, ensuring adherence to stringent delivery and quality objectives within a manufacturing operations environment.

• Serves as the central point of communication and coordination between engineering, program management, and production operations teams for new product launches and prototype order follow-up.

• Manages project timelines, resources, and risks to ensure successful execution of prototyping initiatives from concept to delivery.

• Drives process optimization and continuous improvement within the prototyping lifecycle, leveraging data and performance indicators to enhance efficiency and output.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Project Manager, Prototyping," the description strongly aligns with operational project management within a manufacturing and product development context. The role requires a blend of project management discipline with hands-on operational understanding, particularly concerning manufacturing processes, quality, and supply chain coordination for prototype builds. This is not a typical IT or pure software project management role, but rather one deeply embedded in the physical product development lifecycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee the end-to-end delivery of new product prototypes, ensuring all project milestones and phase checklists are met according to internal procedures.

• Coordinate and lead cross-functional teams, including prototyping, industrialization, procurement, quality, and production testing technicians, to achieve project goals.

• Implement and monitor necessary actions to ensure strict adherence to project deadlines for prototype development and delivery.

• Proactively identify, assess, and manage project risks, developing and executing mitigation strategies to resolve issues that could impact timelines or quality.

• Collaborate closely with Quality Engineers and buyers to clearly communicate quality expectations, delivery dates, and specific requirements for purchased materials and outsourced processes to suppliers.

• Define project priorities within the schedule, providing regular and accurate feedback on prototype order status, including delivery dates, process documentation, product returns, and resolution of quality issues.

• Maintain and optimize project management tools and Key Performance Indicator (KPI) dashboards relevant to various prototyping projects, ensuring data-driven decision-making.

• Actively contribute to the management of project deliverables, meticulously tracking each stage of product industrialization, including design for manufacturability (DECI), quality requirements, tooling, purchasing, assembly, production testing, Production Part Approval Process (PAPP), and resolution of manufacturing or shipping stops.

• Utilize the SAP ERP system for essential purchasing functions (requisitions) and manufacturing support (creation of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and work orders).

• Interpret complex engineering drawings and technical specifications for components, assemblies, and tooling to guide prototyping efforts.

• Contribute to the Design for Production (DFP) process, providing operational insights to optimize designs for efficient manufacturing and assembly.

• Participate actively in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance company efficiency and professionalize the prototyping function.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on operational role focused on the physical product development cycle. Emphasis on "DECI," "PAPP," "tooling," "assembly," and "SAP ERP" for BOM and work order creation highlights the manufacturing and industrialization aspects. The role requires a strong understanding of the entire product lifecycle from initial design through to production readiness for prototypes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, or Logistics. Experience:

• 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in manufacturing, production planning, or logistics, with a strong focus on new product introduction or prototyping. Required Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to interpret component and assembly drawings, as well as technical specifications, with a keen eye for detail.

• Good understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles and their application in manufacturing.

• Proficiency in computer systems, including advanced skills in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting.

• Experience navigating and utilizing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, with specific emphasis on SAP.

• Proven ability to guide and coordinate the progress of projects with members of multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration and accountability.

• Strong autonomy and proactivity, with the ability to take initiative and drive tasks to completion without constant supervision.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, essential for effective liaison and stakeholder management.

• Proven team player, capable of working effectively within a collaborative environment.

• Bilingual proficiency in French and English (spoken and written) is required for effective communication within the Quebec-based team and potentially with global stakeholders. Preferred Skills:

• Mastery of computer systems, including Microsoft Office Suite, with SharePoint experience being a significant asset for document management and collaboration.

• Experience in VBA programming, JavaScript, or C# is considered an asset, suggesting potential for automation or tool development within the role.

• Familiarity with project management software beyond basic tools, especially those used for complex manufacturing or R&D projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on GD&T, technical drawing interpretation, and specific engineering degrees points to a technically grounded role. The preferred programming skills (VBA, JavaScript, C#) suggest opportunities for process automation or custom tool development within the prototyping workflow, indicating a forward-thinking operations environment.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrable experience managing projects from initiation to completion, showcasing successful prototype delivery timelines and quality outcomes.

• Case studies detailing how you've managed cross-functional teams (engineering, quality, procurement, production) to achieve specific project objectives.

• Examples of risk identification, assessment, and mitigation strategies implemented in previous projects, with documented outcomes.

• Documentation illustrating your approach to interpreting technical drawings, specifications, and GD&T, and how these guided your work.

• Evidence of using ERP systems (specifically SAP, if possible) for procurement requisitions, BOM creation, and work order management in a manufacturing context. Process Documentation:

• Examples of process documentation for prototyping workflows, including phase checklists and milestone tracking.

• Evidence of maintaining and optimizing project management tools and KPI indicators, with sample dashboards or reports.

• Documentation showcasing contributions to the Design for Production (DFP) process and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Records of communication with suppliers regarding quality expectations and delivery requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, a portfolio should highlight tangible project management successes in a manufacturing or product development setting. Focus on demonstrating an understanding of the entire product lifecycle from design through to prototype testing and industrialization, emphasizing process adherence, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Given the location (Boucherville, Quebec, Canada), the experience level (5-7 years), and the technical/engineering nature of the role, an estimated salary range for a Project Manager, Prototyping would be between CAD $75,000 and CAD $105,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar project management roles in the Canadian manufacturing and automotive sectors, considering the cost of living in the Greater Montreal area.

Benefits:

• Flexible working hours: Allows for better work-life balance and adaptation to project demands.

• Summer schedule: Offers an enhanced work-life balance during warmer months, a common perk in Quebec.

• Shuttle service: Convenient transportation option provided from Longueuil metro station, reducing commute stress and costs.

• Global reach, resources, and expertise of Dana: Access to a large, established corporation's network and support.

• Multidisciplinary and multicultural team environment: Opportunity to work with diverse perspectives and foster innovation.

• Potential for involvement in cutting-edge electrification solutions. Working Hours:

• Standard work week is assumed to be 40 hours, with flexibility offered. The mention of "Available to work overtime if required" indicates that project demands may necessitate extended hours occasionally. The "summer schedule" benefit suggests a possible compressed work week or adjusted daily hours during specific periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on regional job market data for Project Managers with 5-7 years of experience in engineering/manufacturing in Quebec, Canada. The benefits listed are specific to the company and provide a good indication of their employee-centric approach.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Dana Incorporated operates within the global automotive and commercial vehicle industry, specializing in driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies. Their focus extends to both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains, highlighting a commitment to innovation in electrification. This positions the company at the forefront of evolving automotive technology.

Company Size: Dana Incorporated is a large, global enterprise with approximately 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities worldwide. This scale offers significant resources, stability, and opportunities for career advancement, while the Boucherville location likely operates with the agility of a specialized technology center.

Founded: Dana was founded in 1904, bringing over a century of experience and expertise to the automotive supply chain. This long history signifies stability, deep industry knowledge, and a proven track record of adaptation and growth.

Team Structure:

• The Project Manager, Prototyping will be an active member of a project team at the operations level, likely within a dedicated R&D, engineering, or advanced manufacturing group at the Boucherville facility.

• The role requires close collaboration with various departments including engineering, industrialization, procurement, quality, and production testing, indicating a matrixed reporting or strong cross-functional team dynamic.

• The position reports to a higher-level operations or engineering management function within the Boucherville site, responsible for overall project portfolio success. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role necessitates the use of project management tools and KPI indicators to track progress, identify trends, and provide data-driven insights on prototype development status.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: A core responsibility involves ensuring projects adhere to internal procedures, coordinating teams, and implementing actions to meet deadlines, all of which require meticulous workflow planning and optimization.

• Automation & Efficiency: The preferred skills in VBA, JavaScript, or C# suggest a company culture that values and encourages the automation of processes and the pursuit of increased efficiency within the prototyping and industrialization phases.

Company Website: https://www.dana.com/ (Note: The provided URL was null, using the general company URL for reference.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history and global presence provide a strong foundation, while the specific mention of "Dana TM4" (implied by the benefits) suggests a focus on advanced propulsion and electrification, making this a dynamic area to work in. The operations team likely values structured project execution combined with a proactive, problem-solving approach.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level position within operations and project management. It requires a solid foundation of engineering principles, practical manufacturing experience, and proven project leadership capabilities. The scope involves managing complex, cross-functional projects critical to new product introduction.

Reporting Structure: The Project Manager will report to a management role within the operations or engineering department at the Boucherville facility. They will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of technicians and specialists across various departments, acting as a key liaison and influencer without direct line management over all team members.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and significant impact on Dana's ability to bring new, innovative products to market efficiently and effectively. Successful prototype delivery is crucial for validating designs, ensuring manufacturability, and ultimately influencing the speed and success of full-scale production launches, directly contributing to revenue generation and market competitiveness in areas like electrification.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in manufacturing processes, industrialization techniques, and quality control specific to advanced powertrains and electrification technologies.

• Project Leadership: Progress to managing larger, more complex, or multi-site projects, potentially moving into program management or senior project management roles.

• Technical Specialization: Develop specialized knowledge in areas like GD&T, advanced prototyping techniques, or specific ERP functionalities, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Gain broad exposure to different facets of the product development lifecycle, opening doors to roles in engineering management, supply chain leadership, or manufacturing operations management.

• Leadership Development: Opportunities to mentor junior team members and contribute to strategic operational planning within the R&D or manufacturing divisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is a critical gateway for product innovation. Growth opportunities are likely tied to successfully delivering on complex projects and demonstrating leadership in process optimization and cross-functional team management within the manufacturing and R&D context.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Boucherville, Quebec, Canada, and is explicitly an on-site position. The work environment will likely involve a combination of office-based work for planning, coordination, and reporting, and significant time spent on the manufacturing floor or in prototyping labs to oversee activities and interact with technical teams.

Office Location(s): Boucherville, Quebec, Canada. The company offers a shuttle service from the Longueuil metro station, indicating accessibility and a focus on commuter convenience for employees in the Greater Montreal area.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires constant interaction with multidisciplinary teams, suggesting an open and collaborative workspace designed to facilitate communication and problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to essential operations tools and technology will be provided, including SAP ERP, advanced computer systems (Excel, potentially SharePoint), and the necessary technical equipment for interpreting drawings and specifications.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with prototyping technicians, engineers, quality specialists, and procurement personnel will be integral to daily work.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 40 hours, with flexible working hours and a summer schedule available. Overtime may be required to meet project deadlines, typical for project management roles in fast-paced manufacturing environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is paramount, emphasizing the need for physical presence to manage prototyping activities and collaborate directly with shop-floor personnel and engineering teams. The shuttle service is a notable perk for commuting employees in the region.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of the resume and application to assess qualifications against the stated requirements, focusing on engineering background, project management experience, and specific skills (SAP, GD&T).

• Technical Interview(s): Likely involves discussions with engineering managers or senior project managers to delve into technical understanding, problem-solving abilities, and experience with manufacturing processes, GD&T, and technical drawing interpretation.

• Project Management/Operations Focus: Interviews will assess your approach to project planning, risk management, team coordination, and your understanding of the product development lifecycle from prototype to industrialization. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing project delays or quality issues.

• Cultural Fit Assessment: Evaluation of interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, ensuring alignment with Dana's collaborative and continuous improvement-oriented culture. Bilingualism (French/English) will be assessed.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with higher-level management to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Tangible Results: For each project presented, clearly articulate the objective, your specific role, the actions taken, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., on-time delivery, cost savings, quality improvements, successful prototype validation).

• Process Optimization Examples: Highlight instances where you identified inefficiencies in prototyping or industrialization processes and implemented solutions that led to improved cycle times, reduced waste, or enhanced quality.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Provide examples of how you effectively managed communication and collaboration between diverse teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement), resolving conflicts and aligning efforts towards common goals.

• Technical Acumen: Be prepared to discuss your interpretation of technical drawings, GD&T, and how you translated these into actionable plans for prototyping.

• Tool Proficiency: If possible, include examples of reports, dashboards, or process maps created using project management tools, Excel, or SAP.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Problem Solving: Prepare for questions that present hypothetical project challenges (e.g., a critical supplier delay, a design flaw discovered during testing, scope creep). Outline your step-by-step approach to assess, communicate, and resolve such issues.

• Process Improvement Proposal: You might be asked to outline how you would approach improving a specific aspect of the prototyping process (e.g., faster design iteration, better supplier integration, more robust testing protocols).

• Stakeholder Communication: Practice articulating project status, risks, and proposed solutions clearly and concisely, tailoring your message to different audiences (e.g., technical teams, management).

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess both technical project management skills and operational understanding within a manufacturing context. A strong portfolio demonstrating successful project execution in similar environments will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SAP ERP: Essential for managing purchasing requisitions, creating Bills of Materials (BOMs), and generating work orders for manufacturing and prototyping activities. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• Microsoft Excel: Advanced skills are required for data analysis, KPI tracking, reporting, and potentially basic VBA for automation.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, expect to use standard project management tools for scheduling, task tracking, and resource allocation (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Jira, or proprietary systems).

• Technical Drawing/CAD Software: While not required to operate, the ability to interpret drawings from CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) is crucial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• KPI Dashboards: Experience in creating and maintaining dashboards for tracking project milestones, delivery timelines, quality metrics, and resource utilization.

• Data Analysis Tools: Excel will be the primary tool, but familiarity with broader analytics concepts for understanding project performance is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Internal Systems: While not a direct CRM role, understanding how prototype orders and supplier interactions are managed within internal systems is important.

• Potential Automation Tools: Preferred skills in VBA, JavaScript, or C# suggest opportunities to automate repetitive tasks or develop custom tools to enhance prototyping workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in SAP ERP and advanced Excel skills are non-negotiable. The preferred programming skills indicate a potential for growth in process automation within the operations function.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Efficiency & Optimization: A strong emphasis on continuous improvement, process optimization, and efficient execution of prototyping and industrialization tasks.

• Quality & Precision: Commitment to high-quality standards in prototypes, ensuring they accurately reflect design intent and meet stringent technical specifications.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where cross-functional teams work together seamlessly to achieve common project goals.

• Proactivity & Problem-Solving: Encouraging individuals to take initiative, identify potential issues early, and proactively develop solutions.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing KPIs and project metrics to inform decisions and track progress, ensuring accountability and continuous learning.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role is inherently collaborative, requiring seamless integration with engineering, quality, procurement, and production teams. Effective communication and the ability to bridge gaps between these departments are vital.

• Process Review & Feedback: A culture that encourages regular review of processes, provides constructive feedback, and embraces iterative improvements to workflows.

• Knowledge Sharing: Openness to sharing best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights across teams to foster collective growth and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Dana's culture likely values a blend of structured, process-driven execution (typical of a large manufacturing firm) with an innovative, problem-solving mindset (essential for R&D and prototyping). Bilingualism is a key aspect of the team's operational dynamics in Quebec.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Quality: The inherent challenge of delivering prototypes quickly for market competitiveness while maintaining rigorous quality standards and accuracy.

• Managing Cross-Functional Dependencies: Coordinating diverse teams with potentially competing priorities and ensuring seamless integration of their contributions to the project.

• Navigating Technical Complexities: Interpreting and implementing intricate engineering designs, GD&T, and technical specifications for novel products.

• Supplier Management: Ensuring suppliers meet stringent quality and delivery requirements for specialized prototype components and processes.

• Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying abreast of advancements in prototyping techniques and alternative-energy powertrain technologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining deep expertise in advanced manufacturing, industrialization, and quality assurance for cutting-edge automotive technologies.

• Industry Conference & Certification: Opportunities to attend industry events and pursue certifications in project management (e.g., PMP) or specific technical areas.

• Operations Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to be mentored by experienced leaders in engineering and operations, and to develop leadership capabilities by guiding project teams.

• Exposure to Electrification Technologies: Working with next-generation powertrain solutions offers unique learning experiences in a rapidly growing sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a prototyping project manager in a high-tech manufacturing environment. The growth opportunities are strong, particularly in the evolving field of electrification.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Operations Strategy: "Describe how you would approach balancing the need for rapid prototype delivery with ensuring the highest quality standards. What metrics would you track?" (Focus on process, KPIs, risk mitigation).

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: "Imagine a situation where the engineering team proposes a design change late in the prototyping cycle. How would you assess its impact and communicate your findings to all stakeholders?" (Focus on communication, impact analysis, decision-making process).

• Problem-Solving: "You've identified a critical risk of a supplier missing a key delivery date for a prototype component. Walk me through your immediate steps to mitigate this risk." (Focus on proactive measures, alternative sourcing, communication).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Operations Culture: "Based on what you know about Dana and this role, how do you see yourself contributing to our culture of continuous improvement and innovation?" (Research company values, connect your experience).

• Operations Team Dynamics: "Describe your experience working with multidisciplinary teams. How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration across different departments like engineering, quality, and procurement?" (Provide specific examples).

• Operations Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of a prototyping project beyond just on-time delivery? What other factors are critical for demonstrating value?" (Focus on quality, manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, validation).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Process Improvement Case Study: Structure a case study around a project where you successfully improved a prototyping or manufacturing process. Clearly state the problem, your solution, the implementation steps, and the quantifiable results.

• Metrics Presentation: Be ready to present key metrics from your past projects using visuals (charts, graphs) to demonstrate project progress, risks, and successful outcomes. Emphasize ROI where applicable.

• Interactive Demonstration: If possible, have examples of technical drawings you've interpreted or process flowcharts you've developed. Be prepared to walk through your thought process for a specific technical challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a solid understanding of manufacturing operations, project management fundamentals, technical drawing interpretation, and cross-functional collaboration, all within the context of product development and prototyping.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Dana Incorporated careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in project management within manufacturing, production planning, or logistics. Emphasize your 5-7 years of relevant experience, specific engineering degree, and any experience with SAP ERP, GD&T, and technical drawing interpretation.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly details your responsibilities and achievements in managing projects, coordinating teams, identifying and mitigating risks, and contributing to process improvements. Use keywords from the job description naturally.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience with scenario-based questions related to project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. Prepare specific examples for your portfolio presentation, focusing on process improvements and quantifiable results.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Dana Incorporated's products, markets, and recent innovations, particularly in the areas of electrification and alternative-energy powertrains. Understand their commitment to engineering excellence and continuous improvement.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.