Production Engineer

Astemo, Ltd.; Berea (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Astemo, Ltd. seeks a Manufacturing Process Optimization Engineer to drive lean and Six Sigma improvements in high-volume automotive manufacturing.

You will lead process innovations, optimize OEE, throughput, uptime, and cycle times with cross-functional teams, and support both current production and new program launches. The role emphasizes automation, robotics, AI technologies, MES systems, and digital manufacturing initiatives, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance throughout the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or other Engineering field.
• 3+ years in automotive manufacturing, preferably Tier 1 supplier.
• Direct experience with automated EV/HEV production environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead process optimization initiatives to improve OEE, throughput and line performance with cross-functional teams.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, VSM) across production lines.
• Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks and implement corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot complex process and equipment issues and ensure robust countermeasures.
• Support Digital Manufacturing initiatives (MES, smart factory technologies).
• Support NPI, automation, and advanced engineering activities for new programs.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

OEE

Cross-Functional Leadership

APQP / PPAP

Data Analysis

AI & Automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or other Engineering field

Tools

MES Systems

Automation software

Job description

Job Description Summary

This position will provide leadership, technical expertise, and critical engineering role in optimizing manufacturing processes, supporting world-class quality with high-volume production, leading process innovation in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. This position supports both current production and new program launches, with a strong focus on continuous improvement, automation, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

• Support Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma Initiatives (Kaizen, 5S, VSM).
• Lead improved line performance by driving OEE, throughput, equipment uptime/reliability, and cycle time improvements with Cross-Functional team.
• Analyze and interpret production data to identify and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Troubleshoot complex process and equipment issues, implementing robust corrective actions.
• Support Digital Manufacturing initiatives (MES, Smart Factory Technologies)

New Product Introduction (NPI), Automation, & Advanced Engineering

• Support collaboration with the Corporate PE team to support program launches through APQP, PPAP, and Run-at-Rate activities.
• Support development and optimization of manufacturing processes including automation, robotics, visions systems, and AI technology.
• Support Control Plans, PFMEA, and Standard Work Instruction developmentfor new products.
• Support Corporate PE team with equipment validation (FAT/SAT), process capability studies, and pilot builds.
• Ensure manufacturing readiness for Start of Production (SOP).

Safety, Quality, & Compliance

• Promote Safety First culture & maintain industry leading safety performance
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 14001, & customer-specific requirements.
• Support root cause investigations using 8D, 5-Why, FTA, and Fishbone analysis.
• Implement error-proofing (poka-yoke) to reduce scrap, rework, & warranty risks.

PE Department & Cross-Functional Team (CFT) Leadership

• Provide supervisory support & technical leadership for other Site Production Engineers, as assigned by PE Department Management.
• Provide technical leadership for the Cross-Functional Team on the shop floor.
• Interface directly with OEM customers and key suppliers when required.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Other Engineering field required.

Experience (preferred)

• 3+ years in automotive manufacturing, preferably Tier 1 supplier environment.
• Direct experience with automated (EV/HEV systems) production environments.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (preferred)

• Strong leadership and project management capabilities
• Effective communication with cross-functional and global teams
• Ability to proactively identify safety risks/near misses & drive effective improvements
• Strong knowledge of AIAG standards for Automotive Manufacturing (ex. APQP, PPAP, Control Plans, PFMEA, Standard Work)
• Analytical and leadership skills to drive CFT problem solving activities through root cause determination & countermeasure implementation
• SPC and Process Capability analysis
• Ability to identify opportunities and implement Automation, Robotics, Vision Systems, AI technologies, MES Systems, Lean Manufacturing techniques, etc. to optimize processes
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, launch-intensive environment

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Safety Performance (OSHA Incident Rate-OIR) & Compliance
• Customer Concerns (Parts Per Million – PPM)
• Scrap and Defect Reduction (% of Sales $)
• Productivity (Efficiency, OEE – FTQ, Availability, & Performance %)
• Throughput improvement (Plan Attainment %, Jobs Per Hour – JPH)
• Successful product launches (on-time, in-budget, 0 PPM)