
Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Essential
Duties and Responsibilities
Process & Technology Development
Develops and implements processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls for manufacturing products and components while
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.
Acts as the
main point of contact for vendors
, coordinating activities, timelines, and technical requirements.
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
asrequired
.
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.
Press Room & Equipment Support
Supports
press room operations
, including understanding press functionality and performance.
Owns or supports
press preventive maintenance (PM) activities
in coordination with maintenance and vendors.
Provides technical support related to press performance, tooling, and machine functionality.
Interfaces with vendors for equipment installation, troubleshooting, upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Additional Responsibilities
Performs other duties and special
projects as
assigned.
Completes all required training mandated by Adient and its customers.
Able to be on call as needed.
Qualifications
:
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
(or related field) preferred; equivalent experience considered.
Experience
4–5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or related manufacturing fields (automotive experience preferred).
Candidates without a degree must have 7–8 years of relevant experience.
Experience in
metal stamping, press room operations, metal forming, and stamping presses
.
Strong project management experience is
required
, including coordination of large, cross‑functional initiatives.
Proven experience serving as the
primary contact for vendors
, including managing timelines, technical requirements, and deliverables.
Mechanical aptitude with hands‑on experience in Continuous Improvement initiatives.
Experience collaborating closely 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—including 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).
Experience leading projects and managing internal and external stakeholders.
Experience troubleshooting
Mitsubishi
andSiemens
systems (required).
Experience with stamping tools is a plus.
PLC experience
required
, including:
Siemens
Mitsubishi
Allen‑Bradley (Rockwell) Nice to have
Experience with
machine tools or metal forming equipment
strongly preferred.
Electrical background is a plus
PRIMARY LOCATION
Battle Creek Seating Component
