Manufacturing Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION Essential Duties and Responsibilities Process & Technology Development Develops and implements processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls for manufacturing products and components—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. 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. Additional Responsibilities Performs other duties and special projects as assigned. Completes all required training mandated by Adient and its customers. Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or a related field preferred; equivalent experience also considered. Experience 4–5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related manufacturing fields (automotive experience is a plus). Candidates without a degree must have 7–8 years of experience in the field. Experience in metal stamping, press room operations, metal forming, and stamping presses. Electrical background is a nice to have. Strong project‑management skills; must be able to coordinate large projects. Mechanical aptitude and experience with Continuous Improvement. Experience collaborating 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—covering all aspects of 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 skills). Experience leading projects and managing internal and external stakeholders. Experience troubleshooting with Allen‑Bradley RSLogix 5000 and ControlLogix software (required). Experience with stamping tools is a plus. Able to be on call as needed. Experience with Allen‑Bradley required; Siemens experience is a strong plus. PRIMARY LOCATION Battle Creek Seating Component #J-18808-Ljbffr