Manufacturing Engineer

Job Title

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Process & Technology Development

Develops and implements processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls for manufacturing products and components while optimizing cost, quality, inventory, and facility investment.

Supports all aspects of prototype development and builds.

Actively applies new manufacturing technologies and evaluates opportunities that support plant goals.

Participates in product design reviews to ensure optimum manufacturability and cost efficiency, proposing alternative designs, materials, or processes as needed.

Serves as a technical resource for process changes and problem-solving committees to ensure product design integrity is maintained.

Communication & Project Support

Maintains effective communication with all stakeholders affected by projects.

Issues clear operating instructions when required and provides periodic status reports to ensure alignment.

Coordinates implementation of new processes and conducts training for relevant personnel.

Ensures all tooling is capable of producing required components within timing and quality expectations.

Works closely with production teams to ensure key performance measures are achieved.

Acts as the main point of contact for vendors, coordinating activities, timelines, and technical requirements.

Manufacturing Studies & Optimization

Prepares manufacturing studies to determine optimum costs, quality, and inventory levels.

Evaluates feasibility of new or existing products, processes, or materials.

Recommends practical and economical changes to improve manufacturing processes, including materials, labor, tooling, equipment, and related factors.

Participates in the selection, approval, and development of tooling and equipment that support product design intent.

Actively pursues quality improvements within the manufacturing process.

Ensures the plant is pursuing the latest technological advancements.

Supports SDT and Pre-Launch Teams for new programs as required.

Standards, Quality & Controls

Familiar with PFMEA, Process Flow, Control Plans, and IATF 16949 requirements.

Responsible for establishing and verifying Poka-Yoke systems.

Provides customer liaison support related to product design and engineering concerns.

Press Room & Equipment Support

Supports press room operations, including understanding press functionality and performance.

Owns or supports press preventive maintenance (PM) activities in coordination with maintenance and vendors.

Provides technical support related to press performance, tooling, and machine functionality.

Interfaces with vendors for equipment installation, troubleshooting, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities

Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.

Completes all required training mandated by Adient and its customers.

Able to be on call as needed.

Qualifications:

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering (or related field) preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Experience

4–5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related manufacturing fields (automotive experience preferred).

Candidates without a degree must have 7–8 years of relevant experience.

Experience in metal stamping, press room operations, metal forming, and stamping presses.

Strong project management experience is required, including coordination of large, cross-functional initiatives.

Proven experience serving as the primary contact for vendors, including managing timelines, technical requirements, and deliverables.

Mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience in Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Experience collaborating closely with Quality teams.

Practical knowledge of GD&T, PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows, and Operator Instruction Sheets.

Capable of implementing processes, methods, tools, equipment, and controls that support optimum cost, quality, inventory, and facility investment—including prototype builds.

Able to create processes and procedures that support budgetary targets and performance metrics.

Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills with solid time-management abilities.

Proficient with Windows OS and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, and advanced Excel).

Experience leading projects and managing internal and external stakeholders.

Experience troubleshooting Mitsubishi and Siemens systems (required).

Experience with stamping tools is a plus.

PLC experience required, including:

Siemens

Mitsubishi

Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) Nice to have

Experience with machine tools or metal forming equipment strongly preferred.

Electrical background is a plus

Primary Location

Battle Creek Seating Component