Assembly Engineer III

SL TENNESSEE; Clinton (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SL TENNESSEE is seeking a senior Assembly Engineer Level 3 to oversee automotive assembly processes at our Clinton, TN facility. You will optimize line layouts, improve OEE, and lead APQP for new product launches from development to SOP while mentoring junior staff.

The role requires hands-on troubleshooting of automated lines, pneumatic systems, and vision verification equipment, with a focus on quality and process control in a Tier‑1 automotive environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
• Proven track record of launching new automotive programs and equipment commissioning.
• Extensive hands‑on experience troubleshooting automated production lines, pneumatic systems, and vision verification equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and continuously improve assembly line layouts, cycle times, and process flows to maximize OEE and eliminate waste.
• Lead APQP and production launch readiness, ensuring lines are validated, capable, and safely commissioned on schedule.
• Provide advanced technical support for plant automation, including PLCs, vision systems, sensors, and robotics.
• Author and maintain engineering documentation (PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, SWIs) per IATF 16949.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with Quality, Production, and Maintenance to resolve chronic issues.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Root-cause analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

APQP/PPAP

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLC

Siemens PLC

Vision inspection systems

Robotics

Job description

General Description:

The Assembly Engineer Level 3 is a senior-level technical role responsible for overseeing, optimizing, and advancing the automotive assembly processes at the SL Tennessee manufacturing facility. This position focuses on maximizing production efficiency, minimizing downtime, and ensuring the highest quality standards for automotive components (such as exterior lighting or chassis systems). As a Level 3 engineer, the individual acts as a subject matter expert, leading continuous improvement initiatives, managing complex equipment troubleshooting, and spearheading the technical readiness for new product launches from development through start of production (SOP).

Responsibilities:

• Process Design & Optimization: Design, implement, and continuously improve assembly line layouts, cycle times, and process flows to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and eliminate waste.
• New Product Launch Support: Lead the manufacturing engineering efforts for Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) and production launch readiness, ensuring assembly lines fully validated, capable, and safely commissioned on schedule.
• Automation & Troubleshooting: Provide advanced technical support for plant automation, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), vision inspection systems, sensors, robotics, and complex assembly jigs.
• Documentation & Compliance: Author and maintain comprehensive engineering documentation, including Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Standard Work Instructions (SWI) in compliance with IATF 16949 standards.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Mentor junior engineers and technicians, and collaborate closely with Quality, Production, and Maintenance teams to systematically resolve chronic manufacturing and scrap issues.

Job Requirements

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, with a strict preference for a Tier-1 automotive manufacturing facility.
• Proven track record of successfully launching new automotive programs, equipment commissioning, and assembly cell integration.
• Extensive hands‑on experience troubleshooting automated production lines, pneumatic systems, and vision verification equipment.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles (Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping) and core automotive quality tools (APQP, PPAP, FMEA, SPC).
• Automation Skills: Strong ability to diagnose and debug PLC logic (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens) and integrate automated inspection or robotic systems into manual or semi-automated lines.
• Problem‑Solving: Expert command of root-cause analysis methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams to resolve complex technical assembly challenges.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively translate complex technical data to shop floor operators, plant leadership, and external automotive clients.