Auto Seating Manufacturing Engineer: Launch & Optimize

Performance Seats, Inc.; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Performance Seats, Inc. is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to develop, plan, and launch manufacturing processes for automotive seating products.

You will design efficient systems, optimize production, and ensure safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives are met through cross-functional teamwork. You will lead process development from concept to production, document PFMEA, control plans, and work with suppliers to meet schedules.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably seating or interior systems.
• Experience supporting new product launches from concept through production.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and SPC.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong understanding of assembly processes, ergonomics, and industrial engineering principles.
• Experience with automated assembly equipment, robotics, and poka-yoke systems.
• Proficiency with CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing process development for new seating programs from concept through production launch.
• Develop manufacturing process flows, work instructions, PFMEA, control plans, and standardized work documentation.
• Design and implement assembly processes for seat structures, foam, trim, mechanisms, and final seat assembly.
• Specify, source, and validate manufacturing equipment, tooling, fixtures, and automation systems.
• Coordinate equipment installation, commissioning, runoff, and production readiness activities.
• Conduct process capability studies and ensure manufacturing processes meet customer quality requirements.
• Support APQP activities, including Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEA, Control Plans, Run-at-Rate, and PPAP submissions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Analyze manufacturing data to identify opportunities for process optimization and waste elimination.
• Support ergonomic assessments and implement improvements to reduce operator fatigue and improve workplace safety.
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure tooling and equipment meet technical specifications and project timelines.
• Participate in Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews during product development.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues during prototype, pilot, and production phases.
• Manage manufacturing engineering project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, and company standards.

Skills

Manufacturing process development

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Project management

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Ergonomics

Process improvement

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, AutoCAD)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Performance Seats, Inc. is seeking an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer to develop, plan, and launch manufacturing processes for automotive seating products.

You will design efficient systems, optimize production, and ensure safety, quality, cost, and delivery objectives are met through cross-functional teamwork. You will lead process development from concept to production, document PFMEA, control plans, and work with suppliers to meet schedules.