Manufacturing Engineer

JTEKT Column Systems North America is a dynamic and innovative Tier 1/Tier 2 automotive supplier specializing in steering columns and related systems for the automotive, heavy truck, off-road, and utility markets. We foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment that encourages creativity and professional growth.

About the role

This position reports to the Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor. The Manufacturing Engineer manages or assists in engineering projects, including building layout, tool and capital acquisition, machine modification or design, and resolving manufacturing or quality problems. The role also supports product development or design changes.

• Purchase tools and capital equipment at the direction of the Manufacturing Engineering Manager
• Coordinate machine and tooling modifications
• Change plant layout for continuous improvement
• Recommend changes to product design for cost reduction or quality improvement projects
• Support and direct manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams from an engineering perspective

Responsibilities

• Support and develop countermeasures for safety-related issues through the safety team
• Develop specifications and purchase new tooling and manufacturing equipment
• Make changes to plant layout and coordinate movement of machines
• Assist in day-to-day resolution of production floor problems (machine or quality issues)
• Coordinate with outside tool shops/vendors for tooling and equipment purchase or modification
• Expedite late tooling and equipment, maintain timelines
• Prepare daily, weekly, or monthly reports as required
• Document and communicate activities across the organization
• Request and self-assign work orders to document machine activities
• Lead problem-solving and cost-reduction groups with technical and hourly associates
• Maintain Bill of Materials, routings (labor times), and cost updates
• Establish and maintain Operator, Poka-yoke, PM, and other instructions
• Develop material handling systems and maintain ergonomic practices
• Perform process validation and tool tryout
• Participate in APQP activities (PFMEA, Control Plans, Flow Charts, QFD, etc.)
• Complete and/or lead Engineering Change Order (ECO) activities
• Complete Corrective Action Reports as required
• Maintain 5S standards in office, workspace, and storage areas
• Support scrap reduction activities
• Actively participate in Morning and Evening market activities, leading and reporting downtime
• Support the company’s perspective and direction with customer issues
• Lead cost avoidance projects in support of engineering rationalization
• Support lean ergonomic activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Specialized Responsibilities

• Molding Engineer: Lead the molding department with strategic planning, insourcing, tool maintenance, PMs, and dryer knowledge. Own all molding activities in the plant.
• Tooling Facilitator / CNC: Support tool room activities, coordinate tooling personnel, and provide primary support for CNC activities. Requires supervision experience, cost estimating, materials/processes selection, and tooling management.
• Welding Engineer: Provide direction to weld technicians, including training, equipment selection, and cost justification. Own all welding activities in the plant, including PMs and maintenance of welding equipment.

Performance Metrics

• Rationalization targets
• Performance of assigned production lines
• Capability of new tooling or equipment
• Plant efficiency and utilization
• Ability to solve day-to-day problems
• Project management skills
• Timeliness of reporting
• Customer satisfaction
• Other defined measurements

Work Environment

This role operates in both professional office and manufacturing environments. Routine use of standard office equipment is required. The position may occasionally be exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration, with moderate noise levels.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• BS in engineering or equivalent work experience; MS degree preferred
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in metal removal, CNC programming, welding, metal forming, or assembly
• Results-oriented with leadership abilities
• Working knowledge of GD&T, work cells, single-piece flow, and J.I.T.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Strong communication skills
• DraftSight/SolidWorks CAD experience a plus
• Ability to manage projects from design through tooling into repetitive manufacturing, including specifying/ordering tooling/equipment, machine installation, prototype handling, container planning, WIP management, operator training, process control plans, and budgeting

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, talk, and use hands to handle or feel
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• May occasionally lift up to 25 pounds unassisted
• Extended computer use and phone communication
• Specific vision abilities required: close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Schedule

This is a full-time position, typically Monday through Friday. Extended hours and possible weekend work may be required. Local travel to various worksites is necessary.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Virtual medical services
• Bonuses and company-paid medical insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability (STD)
• Vacation time plus 12 company-paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefits available