Manufacturing Engineer

JOB SUMMARY:

This role is responsible for applying engineering principles and analytical techniques to establish and continuously improve manufacturing processes and products.  Works on various manufacturing support projects that include cost saving initiatives, new product launches, maintenance, and team focused metrics and goals related to safety, quality, productivity, scrap, and MRO.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Play an active role in the leadership team with responsibility of supporting and maintaining safety, quality, productivity, and cost initiatives to meet team metrics.
• Direct cell layout changes and process changes to improve throughput, balance operator workload, reduce non-value-added activities and eliminate and/or improve ergonomic issues.
• Drive process improvement initiatives across the facility by focusing on reducing scrap and increasing efficiency while identifying room for future opportunity.
• Play an active role in all phases of new product launches from the initial design through the production and service life cycle.
• Manage projects within the time parameters, budget, and technical target to support the location's annual goals.
• Spend time coaching and developing the Engineering Technician team.
• Lead project teams through specific phases or aspects of projects such as technical studies, product design, preparation of specification and technical plans and product testing.
• Provide technical advice and expertise to solve manufacturing equipment and tooling problems in a timely manner to achieve plant production plans on time and within budget and ensure continuity of production.
• Identify and develop methods to improve the manufacturing processes to achieve increased productivity, minimal tool cost, increased flexibility and reduction in setup time and product scrap.
• Prepare project progress reports and be the champion for BOS metrics.
• Provide costs estimates, design and purchase of equipment to support new product introductions, engineering change notices and cost reduction ideas in an accurate and timely manner.
• Monitor and recommend the purchase of optimum cost perishable tooling to maintain minimum tooling inventory cost.
• Create capital expenditure funding requests paired with savings justifications.
• Collect information for vendors with written technical specifications to allow space for a fair pricing of tools and equipment.
• Advise and assist vendors with tool, gauge, and equipment design issues for use in manufacturing.
• Lead APQP activities including the creation, updating and maintaining of PFMEA's.
• Recommend the capital equipment, tooling and fixtures required to improve the manufacturing process.
• Provide cost estimates for new product equipment and tooling and provide design work to incorporate the product into existing equipment, when applicable.
• Conduct equipment specification evaluations at the vendor's plant prior to shipment of new equipment to verify that the equipment will conform to specified performance characteristics.
• Provide equipment and processes that are designed to maintain a safe and clean work area to improve safety and contribute to good employee morale.
• Assist teams with implementing lean principles such 5S.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

EXPERIENCE:

• 1-3 years of experience Years of experience in manufacturing setting
• Automotive industry experience preferred

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to communicate clearly, both through written and verbal means with employees at all levels of the company.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Needs to have strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong computer skills with experience using programs such as SAP, CAD, Solid Works and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Must have the capability to lead teams and train others on concepts such as Kaizen and the 8D model.
• Ability and willingness to support multiple shifts and adjust work schedule to plant needs.
• Ability to understand or learn and apply BOS and Lean principles
• Experience in welding, robotics, and control applications preferred
• Working knowledge and application of structured problem solving, Lean, Six Sigma and cost savings analysis.
• Interest in effectuating change and communicating across various levels of the organization to meet project needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Ability to sit frequently for extended periods of time.
• Ability to move about the plant in both the office and manufacturing areas.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• Manual dexterity for computer work.
• Ability to communicate in an effective manner.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Office environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, computers, telephones, desks, temperature controlled.
• Manufacturing environment – includes, but not limited to, artificial lighting, machine/equipment noise, some welding exhaust, non-controlled temperatures, and PPE required.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.