Looking for a job

Miguel Cadenas Castañón

@miguelcadenascastan

Message

I lead automotive and aerospace programs from development through successful launch.

Mexico

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead complex product-development and manufacturing programs, partnering with global teams to deliver strong financial performance, successful launches, and measurable engineering outcomes.

I've led automotive and aerospace programs at Textron, Kautex Textron, and Pipistrel Textron Systems, connecting engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, customers, and leadership through execution.

At Pipistrel Textron Systems, I delivered the company’s first UAV flight through the 922 Surveyor program while achieving a 21.2% manufacturing margin. I’m also leading planning and development for the 924 Surveyor program, targeting a 28.1% manufacturing margin.

At Kautex Textron, I owned program budgets across plant, tooling, and COGS while delivering OEM launches for Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Volvo, Volkswagen, Audi, and Ford. I managed customer negotiations, integrated schedules, cross-functional dashboards, supplier coordination, and full-lifecycle product execution.

My engineering foundation includes automation, manufacturing, CAD, GD&T, APQP/PPAP, PLM, robotics, and Lean Six Sigma. I hold an MSc in Intelligent Robotics and bring hands-on experience improving cycle time, scrap, quality, and manufacturing performance.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Sr. Program Manager

Textron Inc.

Jan 2025 - Dec 2026 (1 year 11 months)

Led cross-functional program reviews and alignment meetings, ensuring stakeholder coordination and on-track execution. Delivered the company's first UAV flight through the 922 Surveyor program, achieving a 21.2% manufacturing margin.

Program Management Cross functional Leadership Gate Reviews Continuing Professional Development (CPD)UAV Manufacturing Margin Stakeholder Management

Program Manager

Kautex Textron

Jan 2024 - Dec 2025 (1 year 11 months)

Managed the main interface between internal teams and OEM customers, leading program reviews and negotiations. Drove financial performance across multiple automotive programs by owning end-to-end program budgets, enabling achievement of target KPIs including ROS and margins.

Program Management Customer Relationship Management Negotiation Budget Management KPIs ROS Cross functional Coordination Scheduling Dashboarding

Product Development Engineer

Kautex Textron

Jan 2022 - Dec 2024 (2 years 11 months)

Contributed to the successful launch of the VW Tayron program by leading design reviews and managing material cost analysis. Collaborated with 20+ suppliers through engineering reviews to ensure design feasibility.

Product Development Design Reviews Cost Analysis Budget Tracking RFQ Supplier Management Engineering Changes R&D

Automation Project Engineering Coordinator

Forvia Hella

Jan 2021 - Dec 2022 (1 year 11 months)

Led automation projects reducing cycle time by 20% and scrap by 18%. Designed assembly cells including sensors, security scanners, conveyors, vision systems, robots, and tools.

Automation Project Engineering cycle time reduction Scrap Reduction Assembly Cell Design Sensors Vision Systems Robotics KUKA ABB Universal Robots Injection Molding Krauss Maffei Wittmann Budget Analysis CAPEX

New Projects Planning Engineer

Volkswagen de México

Jan 2017 - Dec 2019 (2 years 11 months)

Managed prototype engine programs (Audi Q5, VW Atlas), including project scheduling, supplier coordination, and testing. Led benchmarking initiatives with Audi AG, driving adoption of best practices.

Project Planning Prototype Management Scheduling Supplier Coordination Testing Benchmarking Process Efficiency

Process Engineer

Gestamp Mason North America Division

Jan 2015 - Dec 2017 (2 years 11 months)

Improved manufacturing efficiency, reducing cycle time by 40% and eliminating defects in stamping processes. Designed and laid out work cell configurations within company standards.