Overview:
We’re seeking a highly skilled Automation Engineer to develop and implement cost-effective manufacturing processes that meet product specifications and quality standards while driving improvements in production methods and controls. If you have a passion for refining composite part manufacturing, leading design improvements, and collaborating across teams to achieve zero-defect production, we’d love to have you join our innovative team!
Position Summary:
Develop and implement optimal, cost-effective manufacturing processes and methods in accordance with product specifications and quality standards; recommend and implement improvements to production processes, methods, and controls; coordinate manufacturing launches for new or revised composite products.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Refine and troubleshoot our processes for molding, trimming, assembling, and finishing composite parts – working with our production staff.
- Prepare and maintain clear work instructions and accurate bills of materials.
- Implement the manufacturing launch of new/revised products.
- Recommends build and design changes to improve quality and reduce cost.
- Leads approved design and or manufacturing-approved changes driven by internal and customer needs.
- Works directly with customer engineering and quality to support design and improvement projects.
- Influence others based on engineering and data to revise methods and design for quality and cost initiatives.
- Design and manage the procurement of required fixtures and jigs to produce products safely and ensure repeatable quality.
- Proven experience driving root cause corrective actions to drive zero defect production.
- Collaborate and mentor other engineers and associates in the design and manufacturing process.
- Work with production associates to understand the process, identify opportunities to improve, and communicate proper methods and techniques.
- Ability to utilize Solid Works to interpret 3-D models and drawings, and design fixtures and jigs.
- Takes a leadership position in ensuring the QMS systems are being followed and adhered to all required quality standards including IATF16949, ISO9001, and customer-specific requirements.
- Program our Eastman CNC cutter to optimize our material patterns.
- Consult with our tooling engineers on the design of molds, jigs, and fixtures.
- Collaborate with our sourcing team and our composites lab to qualify new materials.
Education/ Skills/ Experience:
- B.S. degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering or Engineering Technology required.
- Minimum 5 years related experience required (composites experience preferred).
- Experience with Kaizen and Lean Manufacturing techniques preferred.
- Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar programs.
- Experience with ISO 9001 / IATF16949 quality standards and/or quality methods desired.
- Ability to organize and manage multiple projects with a focus on safety, quality, cost, and attention to detail.
- Effective interpersonal & communication skills for working with co-workers, vendors, and customers.
- Ability to adapt and apply problem-solving skills.
- A bias for action, and the drive to succeed as a team player in our fast-paced setting.
- Ability to be on the factory floor for long periods of time, potentially working across multiple shifts
Physical Demands:
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. Ability to be on the factory floor for long periods of time, potentially working across shifts at times.
Work Environment:
The work environment includes a balance of time in both an office setting and a manufacturing setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions required by this role. The following conditions may be present: The manufacturing floor requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including eye hearing, respirator, and skin protection. Accessing work environments may include the use of stairs, staging, and ladders. The composite manufacturing environment is subject to varying levels of temperature, humidity, dust, and smells.