Process / Tooling Engineer - Headliner & Soft Trim

Kasai North America, Inc; Manchester (TN); On-site; USD 83,250 - 126,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunity to work on innovative automotive interior solutions

Hands-on involvement from design through mass production

Collaborative environment

Job summary

A leading automotive component manufacturer is seeking a Process / Tooling Engineer in Manchester, TN. This role involves designing and manufacturing headliner and soft trim components, optimizing processes, and supporting production. Candidates should have experience in tooling design and assembly processes along with qualifications in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering. This full-time position offers opportunities for hands-on involvement from design through production, competitive salary, and benefits.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with design teams to review headliner concepts for manufacturability.
• Develop RFQs for forming tools and assembly equipment.
• Investigate process failures and implement corrective actions.
• Operate forming presses and provide troubleshooting support.

Skills

Experience with headliner and soft trim tooling and assembly processes

Strong understanding of tooling design and process engineering

Understanding of PLC ladder logic

Ability to use Auto-CAD, SolidWorks, and/or CATIA

Fanuc and/or Yaskawa robot programming

Proficiency in reading technical drawings

Hands-on experience with forming presses and assembly equipment

Ability to travel domestically and internationally

Education

High school diploma + 10 years maintenance experience

BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering

AAS in Mechatronics or Tooling

Tools

Auto-CAD

SolidWorks

CATIA

Windows Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Job description

Process / Tooling Engineer - Headliner & Soft Trim

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Process / Tooling Engineer to support the design and manufacturing of headliner and soft trim components. This role spans from early design input through tooling development, process optimization, and equipment integration to ensure product quality and manufacturability.

Location: Manchester, TN Salary: $83,250.00 - $126,600.00

Key Responsibilities

Design & Development

• Collaborate with design teams to review headliner and soft trim concepts for manufacturability.
• Recommend product improvements to align with engineering, performance standards, and equipment specifications.
• Assess process feasibility, operating conditions, and quality requirements during design reviews.

Tooling & Equipment

• Develop RFQs for forming tools, piercing dies, assembly equipment, poka-yokes, and vision systems.
• Evaluate tooling and equipment drawings for compliance with specifications.
• Design and assemble new or modified mechanical components for industrial machinery and equipment.

Process Optimization & Validation

• Investigate process failures and operational issues; diagnose root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Analyze product test results against design/quality specifications and adjust equipment as needed.
• Use a multimeter to interpret electrical readings for basic troubleshooting of equipment.
• Modify form tools and assembly equipment to meet design, quality, and performance requirements.

Production Support & Training

• Operate or learn to operate forming presses, water jets, and assembly equipment for trials and operator training.
• Provide hands‑on troubleshooting and resolution of tooling/equipment manufacturing issues.

Qualifications

• Experience with headliner and soft trim tooling and assembly processes.
• Strong understanding of tooling design, process engineering, and equipment integration.
• Understanding of PLC ladder logic.
• Ability to use Auto‑CAD, SolidWorks, and/or CATIA.
• Ability to use Basic Windows, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Fanuc and/or Yaskawa robot programming required.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
• Reading and understanding electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic schematics.
• Hands‑on experience with forming presses, water jets, and assembly equipment.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for extended periods with limited prior notice.
• Must be able to work any shift and extended hours as required.

Education / Experience Minimums

• High school diploma + 10 years maintenance experience; or
• BS Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Engineering Technology; or
• AAS in Mechatronics, Maintenance, or Tooling.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work on innovative automotive interior solutions.
• Hands‑on involvement from design through mass production.
• Collaborative environment.

Additional Job Details

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full‑time
• Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
• Industry: Motor Vehicle Manufacturing