Manufacturing Engineer

Adient US LLC; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive seating manufacturer in San Antonio, Texas, is seeking a process engineer to act as a technical liaison. The ideal candidate will design and optimize manufacturing processes, conduct feasibility analyses, and champion Lean Manufacturing initiatives. A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering and 1 year of experience are required. If you are passionate about improving manufacturing technologies, this role offers a chance to influence product development and drive operational success.

Qualifications

• 1 year of full-time experience in a related role.
• Familiarity with relevant software programs.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules and blueprints.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary technical liaison between customers and engineering teams.
• Design and optimize advanced metal forming and assembly processes.
• Conduct manufacturing studies to identify cost drivers and quality risks.
• Develop training programs for new process rollouts.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing initiatives by refining KPIs.

Skills

Stakeholder Collaboration

Process Innovation

Lean Manufacturing

Technical Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering

Job description

We are a global leader in automotive seating because of our people - a team of adventurous thinkers and passionate high performers who make it all possible. We pride ourselves on being at the vanguard of new industry trends and technologies. When you join Adient, you'll play an important role in helping us improve the experience of a world in motion.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Stakeholder Collaboration & Product Development

• Serve as primary technical liaison between customers, suppliers, and product engineering teams, specializing in seat assembly / overhead systems / door assembly / welding processes (MIG, TIG, resistance).
• Partner with design teams to influence product development, recommending design/material/process alternatives to optimize manufacturability, cost, and quality.

2. Process Innovation & Implementation

• Design and optimize advanced metal forming, welding, and assembly processes, including tooling, equipment, and controls, to ensure design integrity, cost efficiency, and scalability from prototype to full production.
• Pilot improvements of manufacturing technologies (e.g., automation, robotics) and conduct ROI analyses to align innovations with plant goals.

3. Cost & Feasibility Analysis

• Conduct manufacturing studies to identify cost drivers, quality risks, and inventory impacts. Recommend process/material changes to maximize cost-effectiveness, including labor, tooling, and equipment considerations.
• Lead pre-launch activities for new programs: manage AQP checklists, feasibility assessments, and program documentation; publish meeting minutes and progress reports.
• Spearhead tooling/equipment selection, approval, and validation to meet design intent and production timelines. Ensure compatibility with state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing initiatives by refining KPIs: quick tool changeover, weld cell utilization, OEE, line balancing, and jobs/hour metrics.
• Drive root-cause analysis for process deviations, ensuring solutions uphold product design integrity and quality standards.

6. Cross-Functional Leadership

• Develop training programs and documentation for new process rollouts. Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders through regular updates and operational instructions.
• Act as subject-matter expert for process troubleshooting, change management, and technology integration committees.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering or equivalent. 1 year of full time experience needed.

Other Skills and Abilities:

Must be familiar with appropriate software programs. Candidate has the ability to create visual aids for communication purposes. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, blueprints and procedure manuals.

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