Adient

Manufacturing Engineer

San Antonio, TX Full time

JOB DESCRIPTION

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Serve as the primary interface between customers, suppliers, and product engineering teams, with a strong focus on Plastics Injection Molding processes.

  • Develop, implement, and optimize injection molding processes, methods, tools, equipment, and controls to ensure design integrity, cost efficiency, product quality, and operational excellence.

  • Oversee all aspects of prototype development and builds, ensuring successful project execution from concept to production.

  • Actively identify and apply new manufacturing technologies; evaluate and report on opportunities to improve cost, quality, and productivity.

  • Participate in product design activities to ensure manufacturability, optimal productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

  • Maintain effective cross-functional communication and issue regular project status reports to management.

  • Prepare manufacturing feasibility and cost studies for new or existing products, materials, and processes; recommend process improvements for efficiency and quality.

  • Support tooling and equipment selection, approval, and development to meet manufacturing requirements and design intent.

  • Ensure all tooling meets timing, cosmetic, and functional goals; oversee in-house tooling repairs, laser welding, and hot runner maintenance.

  • Supervise tool technicians to ensure preventive maintenance, adherence to 5S standards, and compliance with safety regulations.

  • Coordinate contractor repair services, defining project scope and timelines.

  • Act as a custodian of manufacturing processes and problem-solving strategies to preserve product design intent.

  • Serve as Pre-Launch Team champion for new programs; document meetings, track checklists, and maintain issue lists and feasibility assessments.

  • Create and maintain program review documentation and lead continuous improvement activities to maintain part quality.

  • Review and approve process parameter changes to resolve quality issues.

  • Supervise Process Technicians, including scheduling, task assignments, rotation, vacation approval, and performance evaluations.

  • Review and design daily production schedules to support molding operations.

  • Administer molding processes using RJG eDart (preferred), and coordinate troubleshooting to minimize scrap and downtime.

  • Audit process lockdown parameters to ensure part integrity and compliance.

  • Design and program robotic pick-and-place operations and configure EOAT (End of Arm Tooling) to minimize cycle times while meeting safety and quality standards.

  • Identify and manage critical spare parts inventory for molding tools through periodic audits.

  • Enhance plant layout to optimize space and equipment utilization; assist with plant expansion planning and design for upcoming programs.

  • Prepare and submit Capital Appropriation Requests (CAR) for new equipment and manage associated budgets.

  • Track and maintain project timelines using Microsoft Project, coordinating across multiple departments to meet capital project milestones.

  • Lead problem-solving initiatives using structured tools such as Toyota Production System (TPS), 8D, and A3 methodologies.

  • Collaborate with corporate teams to share and implement best practices in manufacturing and business operations.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field with 4–5 years of relevant experience

  • Strong injection molding background — experience in any molding sector is acceptable

  • Hands-on experience with multi-valve gate operations

  • Proficiency in robot programming (CIPRO, SEPRO, or similar systems)

  • Master Molder I or Master Molder II certification preferred

  • Experience working with robotics and automation systems in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with RJG eDart systems and process parameter optimization

  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Toyota Production System (TPS), or similar continuous improvement methodologies

  • Proven ability to manage capital projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using tools such as 8D or A3

  • Excellent communication and leadership skills to support process technicians and production teams

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Project or similar tools for project planning and scheduling

PRIMARY LOCATION

Avanzar San Antonio Facility