Manufacturing Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities 

Manufacturing Process Development & Optimization

• Coordinate project work and problem-solving activities related to current and new manufacturing processes.
• Develop, implement, and validate processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls for the manufacture of products and components, ensuring optimal cost, quality, inventory levels, and capital investment.
• Support all phases of prototype development and builds, from concept through full implementation.
• Prepare manufacturing studies to determine optimal manufacturing cost, quality, and inventory levels and evaluate feasibility of new or existing products, processes, or materials.
• Recommend the most practical and economical manufacturing solutions, including improvements to materials, labor, tooling, equipment, and related factors.

Technology, Tooling & Equipment

 
• Maintain strong familiarity with robotics, tooling and fabrication, finishing, assembly, machine design, and related manufacturing technologies.
• Participate in the selection, approval, development, and validation of tooling and 
equipment to support manufacturing requirements and product design intent.
• Research, evaluate, and implement state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to ensure products are manufactured in the most capable and cost-effective manner.
• Ensure the plant continuously pursues the latest technological advancements to support business objectives.

Product Design & Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Actively participate in product design activities to ensure optimal productivity and cost.
• Recommend alternative designs, materials, or processes as needed to improve 
manufacturability.
• Serve as a technical liaison for product design and engineering matters, helping resolve issues while maintaining positive relationships with customers.
• Serve as a technical resource for process changes and problem-solving committees, ensuring product design intent is maintained.
• Work closely with production teams to ensure key performance metrics are achieved.

Communication, Training & Implementation 

• Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders impacted by projects and operational changes.
• Issue clear operating instructions as required and provide periodic status updates to keep teams informed.
• Coordinate the implementation of new processes and lead or support training activities.
• Ensure all tooling and processes can consistently produce required products within defined quality and timing expectations.

Quality & Compliance 

• Actively pursue quality improvements within the manufacturing process.
• Maintain familiarity with PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Establish and verify Poka-Yoke (error-proofing) systems to prevent defects and process variation.

Additional Responsibilities 

• Participate as a member of SDT and/or Pre-Launch Teams for new programs, as required.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Complete all required training as mandated by Adient and its customers.
 
Qualifications & Experience 

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering or a related manufacturing role (automotive experience is a plus).
• Candidates without a degree must have 8–10 years of relevant manufacturing 
experience.

Technical Skills & Knowledge 

• Strong working knowledge of product design and assembly as applied to manufacturing processes using PFMEA principles.
• Proven ability to implement manufacturing processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls that support cost, quality, inventory, and facility investment goals.
• Experience creating processes and procedures to support budgetary targets and 
performance metrics.

Practical knowledge of: 
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• Process Flow Diagrams
• Operator Instruction Sheets
• Experience troubleshooting with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000 and ControlLogix software is a plus.
• Proficient with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Soft Skills 

• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

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