Mgr Trim Engineering

Technical Responsibilities

• Leads trim product development for a seating business unit.
• Leads trim design reviews and open issues meetings.
• Ensures trim best practices and processes are applied appropriately.
• Reviews and ensures that DFMEAs are completed/updated prior to release of tooling.
• Ensures that all high RPNs have been designed out or have a corrective action plan.
• Designs trim patterns aligned with the trim, foam interface template and follows Design for Assembly guidelines.
• Maintains strong working knowledge of trim cover construction process.
• Coaches principles of 2D pattern design using manual patterns, Optitex 2D CAD tools and Lectra as appropriate.
• Provides engineering solutions based on data driven problem solving and application of the Basic Engineering Process (BEP).
• Develops and implements trim design solutions that meet quality, cost and craftsmanship objectives.
• Supports complete seat build events.
• Recommends solutions to process issues within the sew and JIT facilities.
• Supports creation of manufacturing ODS documentation.
• Maintains strong working knowledge of equipment used in trim cover creation (NC cutter, sewing machines etc.).
• Approves release of trim data in TPDM and PLM, including all required documentation, drawings, etc.
• Approves trim changes and deviations in TPDM and PLM.
• Reviews cost, performance, timing and investment versus customer targets with their core team members (PM, AFM).
• Ensures that the product meets internal and external targets and specifications.
• Ensures that a complete corrective action plan is in place (and agreed to with the core SDT) when the product is not conforming to expectations (including timing).

Administrative Responsibilities

• Plans and executes all PLUS trim engineering deliverables for on time gate exits (cost, ED&D, requirements, manufacturability, EBOM, drawings, etc.).
• Negotiates directly with the customer to resolve trim issues.
• Provides clear direction from the voice of the customer to internal engineering groups.
• Manages issue resolution, aligned to the Adient PLUS & customer timelines.
• Integrates design development with all CS groups (foam, materials, metals, mechanisms, plastics, comfort and SMTEs).
• Supports the Director of Engineering and Platform Director in resolving customer and business unit trim issues and helps drive the integration of the SDT into the product development process.
• Captures and coordinates activities with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, etc. to support successful program execution and launch readiness.
• Uses and applies all Adient standards and systems (PLUS, Lean, CPP, PLM, BEP).
• Possesses working knowledge of trim design tools (Optitex, Lectra, etc.).
• Develops and meets the approved trim budget.
• Ensures proper PDx documents are developed and approved prior to the commencement of development and spending.
• Ensures customer trim scope changes are documented, budgeted and approved before commencement of activity.
• Plans resources appropriately to meet deliverables.
• Manages and implements all Adient strategic direction/initiatives and systems including: PDfSS, Six Sigma, Kepner Tregoe, PLUS, offshore design, trim SMTE, etc.
• Manages and implements the required training of trim engineers, technicians and support personnel for all trim technical skill requirements.
• Teaches and coaches others in the use of BEP and creation/review of A3s, A4s, tactical plans and issues lists.
• Drives improvements through lessons learned analysis and communicates across the trim organization.
• Manages and implements career planning and personal development of staff.
• Ensures annual performance reviews are completed on time.