Adient

Manufacturing Engineer

Battle Creek, MI Full time

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