JOB DESCRIPTION
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Process & Technology Development
- Develops and implements processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls for manufacturing products and components—optimizing cost, quality, inventory, and facility investment.
- Supports all aspects of prototype development and builds.
- Actively applies new manufacturing technologies and evaluates opportunities that support plant goals.
- Participates in product design reviews to ensure optimum manufacturability and cost efficiency, proposing alternative designs, materials, or processes as needed.
- Serves as a technical resource for process changes and problem‑solving committees to ensure product design integrity is maintained.
Communication & Project Support
- Maintains effective communication with all stakeholders affected by projects.
- Issues clear operating instructions when required and provides periodic status reports to ensure alignment.
- Coordinates implementation of new processes and conducts training for relevant personnel.
- Ensures all tooling is capable of producing required components within timing and quality expectations.
- Works closely with production teams to ensure key performance measures are achieved.
Manufacturing Studies & Optimization
- Prepares manufacturing studies to determine optimum costs, quality, and inventory levels.
- Evaluates feasibility of new or existing products, processes, or materials.
- Recommends practical and economical changes to improve manufacturing processes—including materials, labor, tooling, equipment, and related factors.
- Participates in the selection, approval, and development of tooling and equipment that support product design intent.
- Actively pursues quality improvements within the manufacturing process.
- Ensures the plant is pursuing the latest technological advancements.
- Supports SDT and Pre‑Launch Teams for new programs as required.
Standards, Quality & Controls
- Familiar with PFMEA, Process Flow, Control Plans, and IATF 16949 requirements.
- Responsible for establishing and verifying Poka‑Yoke systems.
- Provides customer liaison support related to product design and engineering concerns.
Additional Responsibilities
- Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
- Completes all required training mandated by Adient and its customers.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or a related field preferred; equivalent experience also considered.
Experience
- 4–5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related manufacturing fields (automotive experience is a plus).
- Candidates without a degree must have 7–8 years of experience in the field.
- Experience in metal stamping, press room operations, metal forming, and stamping presses.
- Electrical background is a nice to have.
- Strong project‑management skills; must be able to coordinate large projects.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience with Continuous Improvement.
- Experience collaborating with Quality teams.
- Practical knowledge of GD&T, PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows, and Operator Instruction Sheets.
- Capable of implementing processes, methods, tools, equipment, and controls that support optimum cost, quality, inventory, and facility investment—covering all aspects of prototype builds.
- Able to create processes and procedures that support budgetary targets and performance metrics.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills with solid time‑management abilities.
- Proficient with Windows OS and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and advanced Excel skills).
- Experience leading projects and managing internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience troubleshooting with Allen‑Bradley RSLogix 5000 and ControlLogix software (required).
- Experience with stamping tools is a plus.
- Able to be on call as needed.
- Experience with Allen‑Bradley required; Siemens experience is a strong plus.
PRIMARY LOCATION
Battle Creek Seating Component