Production Engineer

TITLE

Production Engineer

COMPANY

JTEKT Automotive North America

DEPARTMENT

Production Engineering

LOCATION

Piedmont, SC

CLASSIFICATION

Exempt

REPORTS TO

Production Engineering Manager

GRADE

105

REVISION DATE

11/21/2025

REVISION LEVEL

1

JTEKT North America is a global leader in engineering and manufacturing automotive systems , bearing solutions , and high-performance machine tools . As a proud member of the Toyota Group , we are committed to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. Our Piedmont plant is currently undergoing a major expansion in 2025 , bringing in over 120 new machines and automation systems , creating exciting opportunities for growth and advancement.

Summary/Purpose

Provides production engineering support to manufacturing, with strong emphasis on machining and technical knowledge.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities:

• Performs design and development for manufacturing processes including process flow, assembly/machining methods and equipment
• Provides process engineering skills for process improvement for existing processes
• Designs, develops and tests tooling, fixtures and gauging for manufacturing processes
• Assist and lead root cause analysis of technical issues
• Provides technical guidance and assistance to the manufacturing team for daily issues and long-term needs
• Performs process analysis for quality improvement, cost reduction, and cycle time reduction
• Administer process changes in engineering documents as needed
• Assesses spare part problems and makes appropriate changes as approved
• Grooms new equipment to meet production and quality requirements
• Performs equipment capability studies, APQP and PFMEA requirements
• Determines new equipment layout for approval
• Prepares detailed equipment specifications
• Manages new capital purchases as needed
• Makes engineering reports as required for process development or troubleshooting
• Performs 5S duties as required
• Project administration for process changes (new products, etc.)

• Ability to work in a team environment
• Other duties as assigned by management

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Special equipment knowledge (vision systems, heat treat, performance testers, HE leak testers, etc.)
• CNC Knowledge including program, troubleshooting
• Ability to analyze statistical data
• Technical skills in manufacturing processes
• IATF requirements
• Hydraulic, pneumatic and lubrication systems
• PLC systems and nomenclature
• Mechanical reasoning skills
• Close tolerance measurement
• High level math skills
• Part drawing interpretation
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Problem solving ability
• Computer skills, Excel, Word, Solidworks, Auto Cad LT
• Good interpersonal skills
• Work without close supervision
• Safety oriented
• Ergonomics knowledge
• Physical agility to access equipment
• Ability to work overtime and weekends when needed

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering and/or equivalent relevant experience
• Capital procurement experience and grooming for production
• Automated equipment troubleshooting experience
• Design of fixtures for high volume equipment

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work shift as assigned and overtime is required, as needed.
• Will be required to do the following throughout the shift: standing, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching above and below shoulders, moving left to right repetitively, grasping, and fine finger dexterity.
• May be required to lift during shift up to 40 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required with this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as steel toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields.
• Forklift, walkee stacker, and or scissor lift experience preferred.