Sr Mgr Trim Engineering

Specific Functions

• 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 and foam engineering input/direction to jointly achieve flawless seat appearance and craftsmanship.
  • 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 is meeting 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.
  • Covers 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.

Education and Experience

• Required: B.S. in Engineering
• Required: 10-15 years of trim product development experience
• Preferred: 5 years in a supervisory position in trim product development

Reporting Relationship

Director of Engineering

Primary Location

Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI