JOB DESCRIPTION

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all plant engineering activities, ensuring alignment with production, quality, safety, and business objectives.

• Monitor and support new product introduction (NPI) activities, including plant product launches and engineering readiness.

• Manage and lead Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE) initiatives, coordinating plans and activities with appropriate ASG and cross-functional departments.

• Plan, direct, and coordinate designated engineering and manufacturing projects to ensure objectives are achieved within established timelines and budget parameters.

• Serve as Program Manager for product engineering–related activities from Phase V through Phase IX, in accordance with TQC procedures.

• Lead internal and external project review meetings, including customer-facing discussions.

• Develop, maintain, and manage program books, project documentation, open issues lists, and project timing plans.

• Facilitate clear and consistent customer communication, including presentations related to timing, product performance, and engineering changes (EWO, TECA, PCR, ER).

• Provide first-level resolution for inter-project conflicts, execution challenges, and communication gaps affecting project success.

• Monitor and ensure compliance with TQC, QS9000, and customer-specific requirements throughout all project phases.

• Review project proposals and plans to determine scope, timelines, staffing needs, resource allocation, and funding limitations.

• Track and maintain the SDT open issues list, communicating updates to appropriate stakeholders and driving closure of key program risks.

• Identify, track, and report key program issues, modifying schedules and plans as required to maintain execution targets.

• Prepare and present project status reports for plant leadership, corporate teams, and customers.

• Ensure all required production documentation is completed and maintained, including PCRs, ERs, EWOs, and adherence to TECA procedures.

• Manage product engineering activities related to new programs, AQD, CIP, QS9000, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Lead engineering efforts focused on equipment uptime improvement, root cause analysis, and corrective actions (8D).

• Provide technical guidance and problem resolution support to engineers, project teams, and supervisors.

• Maintain strong cross-functional communication with customers, equipment vendors, corporate teams, plant departments, and hourly workforce.

• Exercise the authority to stop production immediately if a quality or safety concern is identified.

• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Plant Manager to support overall plant performance and strategic objectives.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or equivalent required.

Experience

• Automotive manufacturing experience required.

• Strong background in controls systems and PLCs, with Allen-Bradley experience required.

• Experience with Siemens and Mitsubishi PLCs is a plus.

• Experience in JIT manufacturing environments preferred.

• Flexibility to be on call 24/7 as needed to support plant operations.

Technical & Industrial Engineering Skills

• Strong industrial engineering foundation, including:

  • AutoCAD

  • Line balancing

  • MODAPTS

  • PFMEA (required)

• Equipment and automation knowledge, including:

  • Allen-Bradley PLCs

  • Fanuc robots

  • Atlas Copco torque tools

• Expertise in:

  • 8D problem solving

  • Root cause analysis

  • Equipment uptime and reliability improvements

Leadership & Communication

• Strong priority and project management skills.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with:

  • Customers

  • Equipment vendors

  • Corporate engineering teams

  • All plant departments

  • Hourly production and maintenance teams

PRIMARY LOCATION

Bridgewater Interiors IV