Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer is a high-visibility, hands-on role responsible for establishing stable, capable, and efficient manufacturing processes across assigned product value streams in a new program production start-up environment. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, this role will take ownership of stabilizing end-to-end manufacturing processes for multiple products during plant ramp-up. The engineer will drive process capability, reduce variation, and implement structured root cause solutions while serving as the primary technical owner for customer quality issue resolution. This is a highly empowered role with direct impact on product quality, cost, and delivery performance, requiring strong technical ownership and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving production environment. What You’ll Do Establish and own end-to-end manufacturing process performance for assigned product value streams including following operations: Automated fabric cutting Adhesive application (roll coating and spray) Lamination and edge folding of interior trim components Establish stable, repeatable, and capable processes across all steps of the value stream Lead process development, setup, startup, and troubleshooting activities Maintain and evolve Control Plans and PFMEA tied to actual process risks Maintain and evolve process related quality documentation Optimize process parameters to reach stable levels of scrap, yield, cycle time, and throughput Identify and eliminate sources of variation across interconnected processes Drive process standardization and define “golden parameters” for each operation Collaborate with tooling, design, and production teams to improve manufacturability Integrated Customer Quality Responsibilities Serve as primary technical owner for customer quality issues Lead structured root cause analysis using 8D or equivalent methodologies Define and implement containment, corrective, and preventive actions Validate effectiveness of corrective actions using process and product data Communicate technical findings and resolution status to internal teams and customers Ensure timely and professional response to customer concerns Plan and execute process validations (IQ/OQ/PQ) across multiple manufacturing steps Design and execute DOE studies to establish robust process windows Perform process capability analysis (Cp/Cpk) for critical characteristics Ensure alignment between process parameters and product performance requirements Quality System Development Support Support implementation of quality systems aligned with ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 Implement SPC on critical process and product characteristics Lead measurement system analysis (MSA) activities where required Contribute to internal audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence (After Stabilization) Control and streamline mass production (man, machine, material, method, environment) variables and own consequent in-house as well as customer concerns Drive scrap reduction, cost reduction, and efficiency improvement initiatives Improve process flow and integration across value stream operations Support development of visual controls, standard work, and process documentation Train and guide technicians and operators on process control and problem-solving Identify opportunities for automation and process enhancement What You’ll Bring Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Plastics, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience) 3-5+ years of hands‑on manufacturing process engineering experience Demonstrated experience in structured problem‑solving in technical manufacturing processes Experience in one or more of the following strongly preferred: Adhesive processes / coating / lamination Textile or trim component manufacturing Experience with process validation, troubleshooting, and production ramp environments Working knowledge of automotive quality methodologies (PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC, MSA, Control Plans) Strong process engineering mindset across multi‑step manufacturing systems Ability to understand and control variation across interconnected processes Strong communication skills for cross‑functional and customer interaction Strong problem‑prevention mindset Strong root cause analysis and data‑driven decision‑making skills Working knowledge of SPC and process capability concepts Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, evolving production environment Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); ERP/SAP experience a plus Working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD tools highly desirable High ownership mindset with ability to independently drive results, prior results in start‑up environment a plus Combination of production floor and office work; significant time on manufacturing floor required Requires standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 lbs as needed PPE compliance required in production areas Flexible schedule to support production ramp, trials, and issue resolution Fast‑paced startup environment with competing priorities Physical requirements for this role include being able to lift 25 – 40 lbs, walking, standing, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping parts, operating a keyboard (not an all‑inclusive list). #J-18808-Ljbffr