2027 Kautex / CWC Development Program: Operations Pathway (Muskegon, MI)

CWC Textron; Muskegon (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

CWC Textron in Muskegon, MI seeks high-potential engineering graduates for a 12-month Operations Development Program. You’ll rotate through AME, Materials Management, Automation/IIoT, and Quality, gaining hands-on experience across the plant and interfaces.

You will receive coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback while completing meaningful projects. Strong English, teamwork, and a willingness to relocate are valued as you map a path to higher ops responsibilities.

Qualifications

• University degree in Engineering or related field.
• Internships or volunteering internationally is a plus.
• Fluent English required; additional language is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 12-month development program across Operations pathways.
• Complete assignments aligned to developmental goals with mentorship.
• Engage in coaching, mentoring, and skill-building activities.
• Work on projects and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and sites globally.

Skills

Fluent English

Team collaboration

Strong communication

Problem solving

Intercultural awareness

Geographic mobility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Kautex is a global company with over 30 plants in 13 countries. As a leading Tier One automotive supplier, we are a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of plastic fuel systems and beyond. From battery enclosures for use in hybrid and full battery electric vehicle applications to autonomous cleaning systems, we are advancing solutions for the era of new mobility. Our portfolio also covers high-quality industrial packaging and cast camshafts. Embracing the transformative venture, Kautex is part of a network of global businesses, offering some of the most advanced technologies and services the world has ever seen.

We foster career growth, drive groundbreaking talent programs, and champion equal opportunities and sustainability in our business practices and products. By working together as one team and supporting one another, amazing things happen.

We push the boundaries of what’s possible, soar to new heights and reach for the extraordinary, being recognized by prestigious awards such as Fair Company, Great place to work (Silao), MINT minded company, or Ecovadis Platinum. We can’t wait getting to know you and share more about our values and local benefits.

What awaits you

General

• 12-month minimum program duration with the purpose of preparing you for progression in the Operations function(s)
• Operations Pathway for program includes areas of skill building in: Automation / IIoT, Materials Management, Quality

AME / ME

• Complete 3 distinct and meaningful operational sub-functional assignments aligned to your developmental goals and strengths assessment
• Program completion will include assessment for readiness to the next level of Operational responsibility, including your application to roles which meet your career aspirations
• Gain expert knowledge of the operational environment and all interfaces and organization structure of the company, processes, and methods
• Performance coaching and rewards model applies annually through Performance Management Process
• Coaching on functional/technical, as well as professional development offers through Mentoring, Program Sponsor, and Functional Leader(s)
• Technical skill development, and specialized training will be offered through annual training plans, and development assessments.
• Create and maintain a community with all Kautex Development Program across the globe, with the purpose to share knowledge and experiences and build on future relationships in the company
• Provide continuous feedback to program Sponsors to continually improve program experience
• Complete projects defined by Management and documented in performance management system during the program
• Career owner: Is responsible for own development and having a meaningful career file. Asking for feedback, seeking for Learning and career opportunities
• Support common tasks within the Team (location / global) e.g., best-practice sharing, organize social Team or Networking Events, and Trainee Newsletter
• Communication of Career Aspirations - follow the repatriation process and discuss with managers & HR - Work in line with all EHS Standards and Textron Ethics and Values and comply with all ITAF 16949/ISO and ISHA standards.

Operations

• Have a complete understanding of daily operational tasks and processes of the functions / areas within the Operations pathway.
• Understanding of Operational Key Performance Indicators driving towards 0-0-0.
• Provide operations expertise in a professional manner during customer visits and audits, with the team as well as in collaboration with other departments (e.g., Quality/Engineering, etc.)
• Gain knowledge of, and compliance to, the customer specific requirements
• Understand and apply customer OEM standards
• Application of VAVE (Value Analysis, Value Engineering) process during development of Kautex products
• Support EHS activities within the department to ensure both a safe work place and adoption of safe working practices
• A requirement to follow IATF 16949 standards together with following the Kautex and Customer guidelines
• Understand the technical link between Kautex development teams and the customer
• Application of Continuous Improvement / Lean tools and techniques to drive Operational Performance Improvement (6S, Practical Problem Solving and Reoccurrence Prevention, Value Stream Mapping, Elimination of Waste, TPM)

Material Management

• Support Logistics concepts (internal, supplier, customer) for new programs coming to the plant.
• Gain knowledge of Customer Demand plan, Production plan, Supplier Scheduling, and Inventory Management (accuracy, right safety stock, risk management, etc.)
• Special freight organization, root cause analyses, preventive actions to avoid recurrence

Automation/ IIoT

• Gain knowledge within the organization and relevant technology trends, e. g. Industry 4.0, IIoT, Digital Factory
• Collaborate with stakeholders to assist data-driven process improvements, and application of software and simulation tools
• Gain the knowledge of pneumatic, hydraulic, electric systems

Industrialization

• Lead projects related to defining design, process layout and process investment for new projects in co-operation with the plants and ensure the product design is representative of the processes available and promote design for manufacture.
• Specify and realise the manufacturing processes using the most appropriate technology and ensuring process capability with respect to the total manufacturing system
• Support the management of external suppliers of tooling and machines whilst liaising with internal customers
• Support the design and standardize poke-yoke systems into the manufacturing process, whilst providing cost effective engineering solutions (Value Analysis, Value Engineering)

Manufacturing Engineer

• Lead projects relating to analysis and implementation of the manufacturing process using the most appropriate technology and ensuring process capability with respect to the total manufacturing system.
• Motivated to continuous improvement in the process to maintain optimum operation conditions and plant productivity (including scrap management.)
• Respond to requests for repairs and troubleshooting support of production equipment and processes and analyze all new processes for improvement opportunities.

Quality

• Lead, and support, projects relating to process and product quality during the sampling, development, trials, and series production phases.
• Support the Quality team with the quality performance and maintaining customer quality targets, whilst gaining knowledge of customer specific quality requirements and portals.
• Support all audits activities within the location.
• Gain knowledge of GD&T, CAD, RPS, MSA, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and SPC.
• Support as required any claim management (including warranty) using 8D or A3 t

What you’ll need to succeed

• University degree in Engineering, with focus on a preferred area of study: Mechatronics / Electronics / Electrical Engineering / Thermal Engineering / Composite Material / Systems Engineering / Circular Economy / Modelling and Simulation, Machine Learning, Big Data / Data Analytics, Computer Programming or comparable education
• Internships or extra-curricular volunteering would be an advantage - International experience by studying or working in foreign countries is desired
• Fluent English language skills are required, and an additional language would be an advantage
• Plastics design and process knowledge is an advantage
• Blow molding, injection molding and compression molding product design knowledge including welding and assembly is an advantage
• Geographic mobility a plus
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team

Professional competencies we look for

• Compassion / Interpersonal Savvy
• Self-Development / Learning on the Fly
• Integrity and Trust
• Priority Setting
• Drive for Results
• Decision Quality/Timeliness
• Problem Solving capabilities
• Customer Focus / Business Acumen
• Communication and Presentation skills
• Dealing with Ambiguity
• Intercultural Awareness

Recruiting Timeline

Applications for this position will be accepted through October 31, 2026. The application window may be shortened or extended based on candidate flow and business needs. and review the location for this role to ensure it aligns to your location preferences as all roles are on site at a Textron business unit. Textron is committed to providing Equal Opportunity in Employment, to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, disability, sex (including pregnancy and sexual orientation), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Recruiting Company

CWC Textron, a division of Textron

Primary Location

US-Michigan-Muskegon

Schedule

Full-time

Job Level

Individual Contributor

Job Type

Entry Job

Shift

First Shift

Job Posting

09/01/2026, 10:10:31 AM