Manufacturing Engineer

adient; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Adient is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design, develop, and validate manufacturing processes, tooling, and controls for production. The role focuses on optimizing labor use, equipment needs, and workflow while supporting prototypes, launches, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in Manufacturing Engineering, PFMEA/Control Plans experience, and strong communication skills. Automotive background is strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or related field; engineer with manufacturing experience.
• 3+ years in Manufacturing Engineering or related role, automotive experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience implementing manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and controls.
• Knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows, and Operator Instructions.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate manufacturing processes, tooling, equipment, and controls to support production of products and components.
• Analyze labor utilization, equipment requirements, workflow, layout to maximize efficiency.
• Support prototype development, builds, and production launches.
• Apply new manufacturing technologies to improve cost, quality, and productivity.
• Participate in design reviews to ensure manufacturability and cost effectiveness.
• Develop PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Operator Instructions.
• Coordinate implementation of new processes and provide training to meet timelines.
• Establish and verify poka-yoke systems and be a technical resource for CI initiatives.

Skills

PFMEA principles

Control Plans

Process Flows

Operator Instruction Sheets

Windows & MS Office

Analytical & communication

Manufacturing process improvement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Industrial/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

Tooling design software

ERP systems

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Engineer — Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, implement, and validate manufacturing processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls to support the production of products and components.
• Analyze and plan labor utilization, equipment requirements, workflow, manufacturing space, and layout to maximize efficiency and productivity.
• Support all phases of prototype development, builds, and production launches.
• Actively apply new manufacturing technologies and evaluate opportunities that contribute to plant objectives, cost reduction, quality improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in product design reviews to ensure manufacturability, optimal productivity, and cost effectiveness; recommend alternative designs, materials, or processes as needed.
• Prepare and evaluate manufacturing studies related to cost, quality, inventory levels, feasibility, and process capability for new and existing products.
• Recommend and implement improvements to manufacturing processes involving materials, labor, tooling, equipment, layouts, and ancillary systems.
• Select, approve, and develop tooling and equipment to meet manufacturing requirements and product design intent.
• Coordinate implementation of new processes and provide training to ensure readiness and timing objectives are met.
• Establish and verify poka-yoke (error-proofing) systems.
• Serve as a technical resource for process changes, problem-solving teams, and continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring product design intent is maintained.
• Actively pursue quality improvements across manufacturing processes.
• Support new program launches as part of the SDT or Pre-Launch Team, as assigned.
• Research and implement state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to ensure products are manufactured in the most capable and cost-effective manner.
• Work closely with production teams to ensure key performance measures are met and lines are properly balanced.
• Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders and provide periodic status updates.
• Act as a customer liaison for product design and engineering-related matters.
• Complete all required training as mandated by the company and customers.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Quality, Safety & Compliance Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with ISO and IATF 16949 standards.
• Develop and maintain PFMEAs, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and Operator Instruction Sheets.
• Collaborate closely with Ergonomics and Health & Safety teams to ensure safe and efficient workstation and line design.
• Adhere to all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards.
• Report occupational injuries, illnesses, accidents, and unsafe conditions promptly.
• Support continuous improvement in safety, ergonomics, and environmental performance.

Manufacturing Engineer Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering or a related manufacturing role (automotive experience and background strongly preferred).
• Strong working knowledge of product design and assembly processes using PFMEA principles.
• Hands-on experience implementing manufacturing processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls.
• Practical knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows, and Operator Instruction Sheets.
• Experience creating processes and procedures to meet budgetary goals and performance metrics.
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and time-management skills.

This position is 1st shift (6am-3:30pm) - Must be able to flex time, work OT, and oversee major changes to off shift.

PRIMARY LOCATION

Bridgewater Interiors IV