Junior Manufacturing Engineer: Hands-On Process & Launch

Adient; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Adient in Bridgewater Interiors IV, Michigan, is seeking a motivated Junior Manufacturing Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment. This hands-on role offers exposure to fast-paced production and opportunities to contribute to quality and continuous improvement initiatives.

You will work with senior engineers, participate in prototype builds and production launches, learn new technologies, and help ensure production

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• 0-2 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering or a related manufacturing role (internship or co-op acceptable; automotive experience preferred)
• Basic understanding of product design and assembly processes
• Familiarity with PFMEA principles, Control Plans, Process Flows, and manufacturing documentation
• Willingness to learn and apply hands‑on manufacturing processes, methods, tooling, and equipment implementation
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with cross‑functional teams, production personnel, and management
• Strong organizational, analytical, and time‑management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross‑functional teams
• Eagerness to develop technical skills and grow within the manufacturing engineering discipline
• Willingness for future relocation to other facilities as needed

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls under the guidance of senior engineers
• Support analysis and planning of labor utilization, equipment requirements, workflow, and manufacturing layouts to improve efficiency
• Participate in prototype development, builds, and production launch activities
• Learn and apply new manufacturing technologies that contribute to cost reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency
• Attend product design reviews to provide input on manufacturability and cost effectiveness
• Assist in preparing manufacturing studies related to cost, quality, inventory levels, and process capability
• Support implementation of process improvements involving materials, labor, tooling, equipment, and layouts
• Collaborate with senior engineers in selecting and developing tooling and equipment to meet manufacturing requirements
• Participate in training coordination for new processes to ensure production readiness
• Contribute to the establishment and verification of poka-yoke (error-proofing) systems
• Provide technical support for problem-solving teams and continuous improvement initiatives
• Assist in new program launches as part of cross-functional teams
• Work closely with production teams to support key performance measures and line balancing
• Maintain effective communication with stakeholders and provide status updates as needed
• Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, including production operators, supervisors, engineering teams, and management
• Complete all required training as mandated by the company and customers
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned
• Quality, Safety & Compliance Responsibilities: Support compliance with ISO and IATF 16949 standards
• Assist in developing and maintaining PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Operator Instruction Sheets
• Collaborate with Ergonomics and Health & Safety teams to ensure safe workstation and line design
• Adhere to all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards
• Report occupational injuries, illnesses, accidents, and unsafe conditions promptly
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives for safety, ergonomics, and environmental performance

Job description

Adient in Bridgewater Interiors IV, Michigan, is seeking a motivated Junior Manufacturing Engineer to support the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes, tooling, and equipment. This hands-on role offers exposure to fast-paced production and opportunities to contribute to quality and continuous improvement initiatives.

You will work with senior engineers, participate in prototype builds and production launches, learn new technologies, and help ensure production