Assembly Equipment Manager

🚗 We’re Hiring: Assembly Equipment Manager

📍 Sodecia Aapico | Orangeburg, South Carolina

We are looking for an experienced Assembly Equipment Manager to lead equipment readiness, launch, and continuous improvement for a high-volume automotive ladder-frame assembly and robotic MIG welding operation .

This is a hands-on leadership role requiring approximately 50–70% shop-floor involvement during the launch phase .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the installation, commissioning, validation, and production readiness of assembly equipment and robotic welding cells.

• Oversee equipment and process performance, including cycle time, uptime, OEE, weld quality, and production capacity.

• Coordinate troubleshooting of robotic welding systems, fixtures, clamping systems, and automated equipment with Engineering, Maintenance, Tooling, Quality, and Controls teams.

• Establish process standards, work instructions, and KPIs to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets.

• Lead and develop the assembly equipment team, ensuring effective training and technical support.

• Drive root cause analysis, corrective actions, preventive-maintenance improvements, and recurring-failure reduction.

• Support production ramp-up and continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing and structured problem solving.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in automotive Tier 1 manufacturing, preferably with ladder frames, chassis, subframes, cradles, or similar structural welded assemblies .

• Strong technical knowledge of robotic MIG/GMAW welding, assembly equipment, weld fixtures, and automated manufacturing systems .

• Working knowledge of PLC/HMI-controlled equipment and experience collaborating with Controls and Automation teams.

• Proven leadership experience and a practical approach to troubleshooting on the manufacturing floor.

• Experience with equipment commissioning, new-program launches, and production ramp-up.

• Commitment to equipment safety, quality, and reliable production performance.

Candidates must be available to work on-site in Orangeburg, South Carolina . Candidates based elsewhere in the United States who are open to relocation are welcome.

Join us and play a key leadership role in launching a new automotive manufacturing operation.

📩 Interested? Send me a direct message with your résumé to learn more.

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