Gear Engineering Team Lead

Ft. Wayne, IN, US, 46808-1998

About the role

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets – passenger vehicle and commercial truck – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

With minimal supervision, direct and lead a team of gear process engineers tasked with process maintenance and process development for hypoid ring and pinion gears. Processes include blanking, cutting (including cutter build), heat treat, shot peening, thread anneal, straightening, hard turn, lapping, and testing for a 3-shift operating schedule.

Responsibilities

• Develop, direct, and lead gear processing team.
• Coordinate with other plant departments (maintenance, automation, operations, scheduling) and the Corporate Manufacturing Group to achieve plant goals.
• Identify and implement best practices to improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Sustain improvements through training and documentation, including visual work instructions, process sheets, PFMEAs, and Control Plans.
• Create training plans for the gear process team.
• Develop Supervisors, Team Leaders, and key Operators in production departments.
• Sustain a sense of process ownership with the gear process team.
• Coordinate all sales inquiries and program launches through APQP, including the manufacture and movement of pre-production material through the production departments.
• Manage capital budget through ICM and similar computer-based systems.
• Participate in Engineering Intern recruitments/hiring process and supervise engineering Interns.
• Develop and maintain CNC programs for pinion and ring blanking, including overseeing and directing cutting tool and work holding selection and design.
• Request quotations from vendors, compose RFAs (Request For Appropriation), cost justifications, and specify and/or approve 3rd shifts as required.
• Responsible for timely completion of all estimates.
• Obtain quotations for new capital and tooling as needed.
• Provide blackboard or directional estimates as required.
• Conduct capacity analysis for the Business Unit.
• Involved in Business Unit manufacturing strategy.
• Plan equipment moves within Ft Wayne and the Business Unit.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering or technology field with CNC programming capability and a minimum of 7 years of experience.
• Must be able to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) standards.
• Must have proven mechanical aptitude and knowledge of the proper usage and application of measuring equipment.
• Demonstrate proficient written/verbal communication skills in the English language.
• Use various computer operating systems and software as necessary, including but not limited to PC applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and machine-specific operating systems and software applications.
• Strong problem-solving techniques.
• Must be able to work inside and outside the plant unsupervised for extended periods of time.
• Must be available to flex shifts and work on weekends to support the engineering and/or production system.
• Must be able to travel to machine manufacturers, customers, suppliers, and other locations on short notice. Travel may span several days, may be out of the country, and at times are on short notice.
• May be required to attend a variety of gear manufacturing courses, tool shows, gear shows, and seminars which may require weeks to complete and may require foreign travel.
• Must have or be eligible for a passport for foreign travel and have a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of face milling, face-hobbing, grinding, turning, heat treatment, and other processes used in the manufacture of gears.
• Prior experience with an organized labor force.

Work Environment

• Protective clothing required.
• Loud noise in certain areas of the plant may require the use of approved ear protection.
• PPE per facility safety requirements.