Materials Processing SME Manager

CSP; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Teijin Automotive Technologies seeks a capable engineer to serve as the technical authority on composite molding, supporting new programs and material launches globally. This role includes audits, training development, and evaluating molding performance, with collaboration across R&D, operations, and commercial teams.

The position emphasizes hands-on problem-solving, independent work, and willingness to travel up to 80% to support plants and customers in automotive manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience in polymers, plastics, or organic chemistry.
• Experience with compression molding, bonding equipment, paint systems, and vacuum systems.
• Experience working in manufacturing or automotive environments.
• Strong hands-on technical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Adaptability to changing priorities and work environments.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical authority on composite molding processes, with focus on standard development and compliance.
• Support and lead new programs and material launches across tool shops, manufacturing plants, and customer locations.
• Conduct Best Practice surveillance audits with countermeasure oversight at manufacturing plants.
• Develop a competency-based training program for manufacturing locations.
• Evaluate molding performance of trial materials and document results.
• Collaborate with senior engineering resources to ensure manufacturability (DFM/DFA).
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, perform root cause analysis, and drive improvements.
• Utilize monitoring equipment to evaluate and optimize molding processes.
• Interpret drawings and material specs to support development activities.

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Minitab

DOE

Job description

Teijin Automotive Technologies is an innovative and full-service Tier One supplier with a global presence and emphasis in development for lightweight technologies. Teijin Automotive offers employees the opportunity to join a leading edge company within the composite material industry and enjoy the benefits offered by a growing company in North America and internationally.Essential Job Functions:Serve as the primary technical authority on composite molding processes, with a focus on standard development and compliance.Support and lead new programs and material launches across tool shops, manufacturing plants, and customer locationsConduct "Best Practice" surveillance audits with countermeasure oversight at the manufacturing plants.Develop a competency-based training program to address proficiency level gaps at manufacturing locations.Evaluate molding performance of trial materials from R&D suppliers, and raw material manufacturersDocument trial results, observations, and findings using reports and presentationsCollaborate with senior engineering resources to ensure manufacturability of composite components (DFM/DFA)Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, perform root cause analysis, and drive productivity improvementsUtilize specialized monitoring equipment to evaluate and optimize molding processesConduct laboratory and plant trials, including Design of Experiments (DOE)Interpret engineering drawings and material specifications to support development activitiesCollect, analyze, and present technical data to stakeholdersSupport advanced testing methods for Class A surface evaluationCollaborate cross-functionally with R&D, operations, and commercial teamsEnsure adherence to company safety and travel policiesQualifications:Minimum of 2 years of engineering experienceFocus or experience in polymers, plastics, or organic chemistryExperience with compression molding, bonding equipment, paint systems, and vacuum systems.Experience working in manufacturing or automotive environmentsStrong hands-on technical and problem-solving skillsAbility to work independently with minimal supervisionAdaptability to changing priorities and work environmentsStrong communication and interpersonal skillsProficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab)Education:Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related fieldPhysical Requirements:Ability and willingness to travel extensively (up to 80%)Ability to work in both laboratory and manufacturing environments