Sr Mgr Trim Engineering

Job Description Summary

The Senior Trim Engineering Manager manages the trim design and processes for a seating business unit, providing technical leadership and direction to trim engineers and technicians. The role resolves customer trim technical issues, ensures time, cost and product performance objectives are met, promotes best practices, manages the trim engineering budget, and supports global programs as required.

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.
• Provides/influences 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 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).
• Provides front line technical customer interface for trim, phases 1-6.
• Promotes and facilitates the use of best practices.
• Capable of communicating effectively with all management levels.
• Supports global programs (as required) by leveraging lessons learned and experience accumulated during development.

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.
• 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 prior to 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.

Travel

Some global and regional travel required.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to Director of Engineering.

Education and Experience

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

Primary Location: Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI