Production Engineer (machining focused)

JTEKT Automotive; Piedmont (SC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

JTEKT North America is seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer to own the machining processes for CVJ lines, including CNC turning and grinding. You will troubleshoot downtime, design fixtures, and support continuous improvement to standardize and optimize lines under the Lead Engineer.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical or manufacturing engineering background, 3+ years in automotive machining, and hands-on experience with fixtures and tooling design.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• 3+ years in machining or process engineering within automotive or high-volume manufacturing.
• Design of fixtures/tooling for high-volume equipment and automated equipment troubleshooting experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage machining process performance for CNC turning and grinding lines.
• Lead root-cause analysis for downtime, scrap, and quality issues.
• Design, develop, and test tooling, fixtures, and gauging.
• Create and maintain SOPs for machining processes.
• Perform CPk/Ppk studies and support APQP/PPAP for changes.
• Support commissioning of new or rebuilt equipment.
• Maintain engineering documentation and process changes.
• Analyze data to drive quality, cost reduction, and cycle-time reduction.
• Support capital equipment purchases and spare parts strategy.
• Mentor area owners and technicians in machining processes.
• Support 5S and shop floor safety initiatives.

Skills

CNC programming

Root-cause analysis

Blueprints & GD&T

SPC / Cpk analysis

Excel / SolidWorks / AutoCAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/manufacturing engineering

3+ years in machining or process engineering

Fixture/tooling design for high-volume equipment

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Excel

Job description

JTEKT North America is a global leader in engineering and manufacturing automotive systems, bearing solutions, and high-performance machine tools. As a proud member of the Toyota Group, we are committed to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. Our Piedmont plant has undergone a major expansion that brought in over 120 new machines and automation systems, creating exciting opportunities for growth and advancement.

Summary/Purpose

Responsible for providing support and ownership of the machining process engineering for JTEKT’s Constant Velocity Joint (CVJ) machining lines. Responsible for CNC turning, grinding, and related machining process performance, troubleshooting, tooling, and continuous improvement, supporting the plant's standardization and line owner initiatives under the Lead Engineer for the machining processes.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities

• Responsible for the machining process performance for CNC turning, grinding, and related operations on the machining lines
• Lead root-cause analysis and troubleshooting for machining-related downtime, scrap, and quality issues
• Design, develop, and test tooling, fixtures, and gauging to support robust, repeatable machining processes
• Build and maintain SOPs for the machining processes, supporting the plant's standardization and line owner initiative
• Perform equipment capability studies (Cpk/Ppk), PFMEA, and support APQP/PPAP for process and product changes
• Support commissioning new or rebuilt machining equipment to meet production and quality requirements
• Administer engineering documentation and process changes as needed
• Analyze process data to drive quality improvement, cost reduction, and cycle-time reduction
• Support capital equipment purchases and spare parts strategy for assigned lines
• Mentor area owners and technicians on machining processes to build floor-level troubleshooting capability
• Support 5S and safety initiatives on the shop floor
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Proficient computer skills (especially Excel, SolidWorks, Auto CAD, etc.)
• Safety and ergonomic knowledge related to manufacturing
• Physical ability to access equipment and ability to work overtime and weekends when needed to support equipment issues.
• Other duties as assigned by management

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• CNC programming and troubleshooting experience (turning, grinding, or similar machining processes)
• Structured root-cause / problem-solving methodology (8D, 5-Why, PFMEA) in an IATF 16949 environment
• Ability to read blueprints, GD&T, and interpret part drawings
• Working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, and basic PLC/HMI systems
• Ability to analyze statistical process data (SPC, Cpk/Ppk)
• Physical ability to access equipment and ability to work overtime and weekends when needed to support equipment issues
• The following are preferred:
  • Automotive driveline or CVJ or precision-shaft machining background
  • Lean / TPS / Six Sigma exposure
  • Capital project or new equipment commissioning experience
  • Experience within a Toyota Group style operation

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience
• 3+ years in machining or process engineering within automotive or high-volume manufacturing
• Design of fixtures/tooling for high-volume equipment and automated equipment troubleshooting experience.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work shift as assigned and overtime is required, as needed.
• Will be required to do the following throughout the shift: standing, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching above and below shoulders, moving left to right repetitively, grasping, and fine finger dexterity.
• May be required to lift during shift up to 40 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required with this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as steel toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields.
• Forklift, walkee stacker, and or scissor lift experience a plus.