Senior Production Engineer

Description

This position will provide leadership, technical expertise, and critical engineering role in optimizing manufacturing processes, supporting world-class quality with high-volume production, leading process innovation in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. This position supports both current production and new program launches, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, automation, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma Initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, VSM).
• Lead improved line performance by driving OEE, throughput, equipment uptime/reliability, and cycle time improvements with Cross-Functional team.
• Analyze and interpret production data to identify and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Troubleshoot complex process &d equipment issues, implementing robust corrective actions.
• Support Digital Manufacturing initiatives (MES, Smart Factory Technologies)

New Product Introduction (NPI), Automation, & Advanced Engineering

• Lead collaboration with the Corporate PE team to support program launches through APQP, PPAP, and Run-at-Rate activities.
• Support Corporate PE team with development and optimization of manufacturing processes including automation, robotics, visions systems, and AI technology.
• Support PFMEA, Control Plans, and Standard Work Instruction development for new products.
• Support Corporate PE team with equipment validation, process capability studies, and pilot builds.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness for Start of Production (SOP).

Safety, Quality, & Compliance

• Promote Safety First culture & maintain industry leading safety performance
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, & customer-specific requirements.
• Support root cause investigations using 8D, 5-Why, FTA, and Fishbone analysis.
• Implement error-proofing (poka-yoke) to reduce scrap, rework, & warranty risks.

PE Department & Cross-Functional Team (CFT) Leadership

• Provide supervisory support & technical leadership for other Site Production Engineers, as assigned by PE Department Management.
• Provide technical leadership for the Cross-Functional Team on the shop floor.
• Interface directly with OEM customers and key suppliers when required.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Other Engineering field required.

Experience (preferred)

• 7+ years in automotive manufacturing, preferably Tier 1 supplier environment.
• Direct experience with automated (EV/HEV systems) production environments.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (preferred)

• Strong leadership and project management capabilities
• Effective communication with cross-functional and global teams
• Ability to proactively identify safety risks/near misses & drive effective improvements
• Strong knowledge of AIAG standards for Automotive Manufacturing (ex. APQP, PPAP, Control Plans, PFMEA, Standard Work)
• Analytical and leadership skills to drive CFT problem solving activities through root cause determination & countermeasure implementation
• SPC and Process Capability analysis
• Ability to identify opportunities and implement Automation, Robotics, Vision Systems, AI technologies, MES Systems, Lean Manufacturing techniques, etc. to optimize processes
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, launch-intensive environment

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety Performance (OSHA Incident Rate-OIR) & Compliance
• Customer Concerns (Parts Per Million – PPM)
• Scrap and Defect Reduction (% of Sales $)
• Productivity (Efficiency, OEE – FTQ, Availability, & Performance %)
• Throughput improvement (Plan Attainment %, Jobs Per Hour – JPH)
• Successful product launches (on-time, in-budget, 0 PPM)