Tire and Wheel Engineer

Piston Group & Piston Automotive LLC; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Piston Automotive Canada in Mississauga is seeking a Tire and Wheel Engineer responsible for end-to-end readiness, execution, and stabilization of the Tire and Wheel process. This role requires strong system thinking and close coordination across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Materials, and IT to design and hold a robust system that protects the customer and the plant.

We value a bias toward proactive risk management and a disciplined launch mindset, with a focus on automation,

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of assembly requirements for automated, equipment-intensive processes.
• Experience in high-mix, broadcast-driven operations.
• Ability to design processes that enforce correct decisions through systems and controls.
• Structured problem-solving mindset including APQP, PFMEA, and root-cause analysis.
• Ability to anticipate risk and act proactively.
• Clear, disciplined decision-making under launch pressure.

Responsibilities

• Own Tire and Wheel launch readiness across layout, work content, flow and recovery.
• Ensure APQP, Process Book, PFMEA, and Control Plans are fully aligned and executable.
• Translate learnings from build, simulations, and benchmarking into concrete process decisions.
• Manage Tire and Wheel product mix and complexity, including storage and picking accuracy.
• Ensure scrap, rework, and exceptions do not disrupt broadcast flow to Ford.
• Establish and enforce clear rework strategy, limits, and disposition processes.
• Serve as the technical owner for Tire & Wheel equipment and automation.
• Ensure critical quality decisions are system-driven, not judgment-based.
• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to improve diagnostics and recovery time.
• Lead response to Tire & Wheel quality issues, hotshots, and urgent customer requests.
• Support MPA alignment related to containment, sorting, scrap and rework cost ownership.

Skills

System thinking

Automated systems

Cross-functional leadership

Structured problem solving

APQP PFMEA root cause analysis

Risk anticipation

Launch-focused decision making

Job description

Overview

The Tire and Wheel Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end readiness, execution, and stabilization of the Tire and Wheel process at Piston Automotive Canada in Mississauga. This position requires strong system thinking, the ability to manage high automation and product complexity, and close coordination across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Materials, and IT. The role is not about firefighting—it is about designing and holding a robust system that protects the customer and the plant.

Piston Automotivewasn’t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.

Responsibilities

• Own Tire and Wheel launch readiness across layout, work content, flow and recovery.
• Ensure APQP, Process Book, PFMEA, and Control Plans are fullyaligned and executable.
• Translate learnings from build, simulations, and benchmarking (e.g., KTP) into concrete process decisions.
• Manage Tire and Wheel product mix and complexity, including point‑of‑use storage and picking accuracy.
• Ensure scrap, rework, and exceptions do not disrupt broadcast flow to Ford.
• Establish and enforce clear rework strategy, limits, and disposition processes.
• Serve as the technical owner for Tire & Wheel equipment and automation.
• Ensure critical quality decisions (e.g., conicity, TPMS) are system-driven, not judgment‑based.
• Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to:
  • Improve diagnostics and recovery time
  • Define preventive maintenance and reliability strategies
  • Identify and validate critical spare parts for launch and SOP
• Lead response to Tire & Wheel quality issues, hotshots, and urgent customer requests.
• Ensure clear ownership, response timing, and escalation paths.
• Support MPA alignment related to:
  • Containment and sorting responsibility
  • Scrap and rework cost ownership
  • Response time expectations and data sharing
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of assembly requirements for all Automated manufacturing Systems and equipment-intensive processes.
• Experience managing high‑mix, broadcast‑driven operations.
• Ability to design processes that force the right decisions through systems and controls.
• Structured problem‑solving mindset (APQP, PFMEA, root cause analysis).
• Ability to anticipate risk and act proactively.
• Comfortable leading cross‑functional discussions and driving alignment.
• Clear, disciplined decision‑making under launch pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive manufacturing experience, ideally with Tire & Wheel, chassis, or highly automated assembly.
• Experience in (FPV, CPV, SOP).
• Experience working with OEM customers in a broadcast environment.

Piston Automotive, part of the Piston Group family of companies, isan equal opportunity employer,dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique contributions of every employee. We encourage all candidates to apply for positions that match their skills and capabilities, ensuring equal consideration without discrimination based onrace, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For any questions regarding job opportunities or the application process, please reach out to us at [e-mail]. We are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the job search and application process, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity for all job seekers.