Manufacturing Engineer

Piston Automotive; Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Piston Automotive is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer in Southfield, Michigan, responsible for creating and implementing assembly processes for automotive components. This role entails project planning, budget tracking, and interfacing with vendors. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of automotive assembly systems with at least 7 years of experience. Proficient skills in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD are required, along with strong communication abilities. Travel may be needed occasionally, and the company promotes inclusivity and equal opportunity employment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in automotive assembly processes.
• Strong understanding of assembly systems including Body, Trim, Chassis and Powertrain.
• Self-motivated individual capable of working independently with minimal direction.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and implement assigned projects.
• Develop and track capital investment budgets for projects.
• Communicate capital equipment timing plans and issues.

Skills

Assembly requirements for Automotive Component Systems

Cross functional implementation of robotic technologies

Manual and Automated Assembly Systems knowledge

Industrial Safety Standards

Analytical skills for business labor efficiencies

Written and oral communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD

Self-motivator

Education

At least 7 years of experience in automotive assembly

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Microsoft PowerPoint

AutoCAD LT

Job description

Overview

Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for creating, documenting, developing, and implementing the processes and procedures used to assemble the company’s product. Involvement will range from initial project sourcing through SOP +90 days, or as required for corporate employees or launch through EOP plant employees. Both may be required to support implementation of engineering changes for current production products.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of assigned projects.
• Develop and track capital investment budgets for assigned projects.
• Track, manage and communicate the capital equipment timing plan and open issues to the program team.
• Responsible for development of all RFQ’s and Equipment Specifications for Capital and Tooling Requirements, including all contract services, prior to SOP.
• Main interface with machining, automation and capital equipment vendors.
• Responsible for all production processes development / and final approvals including work cell layout, ergonomic workstation design, and line balancing.
• Responsible for development of Prototype and Production Process Documentation through SOP +90 days. This includes Process Flow, Cycle Time Analysis, PFMEA and Work Instructions.
• Responsible for programming torque control systems and joint development. Selection of error & mistake proofing devices.
• Responsible for initial plant floor layout & PFEP, including material flow and storage.
• Responsible for procurement and installation of all line side material presentation and handling devices.
• Responsible to transfer all equipment and process documentation to the Production Plant prior to SOP. This includes all OEM Equipment Documentation (electronic and hard copies of Manuals, BOM, Drawings, recommended spare parts and recommended PM’s).
• Responsible for initial training coordination for new equipment or process changes.
• Responsible for reviewing module assembly drawings & CAD Models for manufacturability (both internally and with the Customer) as required and/or requested.
• Responsible for all site preparation during the launch phase of projects.
• Determining cost and timing impacts for engineering changes that affect the assembly process, square footage requirements, capital investments (equipment, packaging and facilities) and direct labor.
• Gathers the base line program information with Program Management / Business Development to supply statement of work, bill of materials and initial program timing.
• Supports Engineering Cost Estimator to supply quoted assumptions for the assembly process, square footage requirements, capital / tooling investments and direct / indirect labor.
• Supports Purchasing in evaluation of new suppliers, products and technologies to help maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
• Provide guidance in equipment and capital selection to the Purchasing Dept.
• Provide mechanical engineering expertise to lead design and development of the assembly systems, production tooling and packaging.
• Supports all engineering related communication internally and with the Customer; including technical presentation, design reviews, capacity analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Works with the program team (internally and with the customers) to develop and launch products into production.
• Supports program meetings (both internally and with the Customer) as required and/or requested.
• Drive lean concepts (5S, Kanban, Visual Factory, TPM etc.) throughout the organization.
• Implement process improvements to improve overall efficiencies, including automation.
• Benchmarking processes and equipment throughout the industry and incorporating into Piston Standards.
• Responsible for problem solving and resolution of issues at all sites as directed / or required. Supports Team during crisis management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of assembly requirements for all Automotive Component Systems; Body, Trim, Chassis, Powertrain, Interior. At least 7 years of experience. (Ideally 10 years of experience).
• Supports cross functional implementation of advanced robotic technologies.
• Strong working knowledge of Manual and Automated Assembly Systems and Technologies, including both mechanical and control systems.
• Strong knowledge in JIT, SPD, ILVS and Batch manufacturing systems. Including broadcast analysis from customer trigger through customer installation.
• Strong Knowledge of Industrial Safety Standards and requirements.
• Ability to analyze current business labor efficiencies, capital investments and other historical data to calculate product cost.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency are required, must have advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, Power Point, AutoCAD LT and misc. CAD viewers.
• Self-motivator who works with minimal direction, makes decisions independently, and is able to motivate others to complete the task at hand.
• Corporate employees must be able to travel as required to support new launch, engineering change or production related activities (typically no more than 1-2 wks. at a time / estimated 6-12 wks. annually).

Piston Automotive, part of the Piston Group family of companies, is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique contributions of every employee. We encourage all candidates to apply for positions that match their skills and capabilities, ensuring equal consideration without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. For any questions regarding job opportunities or the application process, please reach out to us at [e-mail]. We are committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the job search and application process, reinforcing our commitment to inclusivity for all job seekers.