Project Leader

ThyssenKrupp Presta AG; Fishers (IN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Comprehensive benefit package

Generous 401k matching program

Job summary

ThyssenKrupp Presta AG is seeking a Project Leader for tk Steering Column projects based in Fishers, Indiana. This role requires leading diverse teams across multiple regions, managing customer nominations to product life cycle, and ensuring adherence to quality and performance targets.

The successful candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, substantial experience in the automotive sector, and be adept in project scheduling, CAD design, and various engineering methodologies. A strong travel commitment of up to 25% may be necessary.

Qualifications

• Over three years of experience in the automotive or similar industry.
• Familiarity with engineering statistics and Design of Experiments (DOE).
• Experience with customer systems such as WERS, Teamcenter, Cement, GPIRS, and VPP is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead & manage the tk Steering Mechanical Product Life Cycle.
• Manage project and product master data in Agile PLM.
• Lead Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (D-FMEA) process.

Skills

Project scheduling

CAD design and development

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Lean Six Sigma methodologies

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Advanced engineering degree or MBA

Tools

Agile PLM

APQP processes

PPAP processes

Job description

Our Automotive Technology business is passionate about the automotive industry and produces as well as markets high‑tech automotive components worldwide. With over 20,000 employees, we are responsible for the success of this business. Our product and service range includes chassis technologies such as steering and damper systems and the assembly of axle systems as well as powertrain components for conventional and alternative engines. We also develop assembly systems for body‑in‑white construction and produce lightweight car body components in series.

thyssenkrupp Presta North America is a global leader in automotive components technology and the leading steering systems supplier for the automotive industry. thyssenkrupp Presta North America provides the industry with high‑quality manual and electric steering columns, rack and pinion steering gears, and electric power assisted steering gears. thyssenkrupp Presta North America is part of the thyssenkrupp Presta AG group, headquartered in Eschen, Liechtenstein. In 2003, our manufacturing facility was established in the South Industrial Park of Terre Haute, Indiana. Beginning with just one assembly line, a handful of employees and 58,000 square feet, the company has grown to over 450 employees and 224,000 square feet. In addition, we have an office on the northeast side of Indianapolis where the Procurement and Supplier Development Department, Business Development and Product Engineering are now located. We have a third location in Troy, Michigan which houses our Sales Engineering, Logistics Distribution Center for USA, and Customer Resident Engineering.

The project leader manages a portfolio of tk Steering Column and I‑shaft projects with highly diverse project teams located in Mexico, Europe, and the USA. The Project Leader will be reporting to the Platform Leader. The expectation from the Project Leader is to continuously act as the CEO of the project. It requires a high level of leadership, technical knowledge, and interpersonal skills to launch and manage projects successfully by meeting performance, quality, cost, and timing targets for assigned projects and customers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead & manage tk Steering Mechanical Product Life Cycle (MPLC) process starting from customer nomination throughout the end of life for products in the assigned project portfolio.
• Manage project and product master data in Agile PLM and project management systems.
• Manage the release of products, documents, and components in Agile PLM according to MPLC.
• Responsible for managing all design‑related activities with PD and Core engineering groups to ensure the following are accurately defined:
  • Print dimensions/specification
  • Bill Of Material (BOM)
  • Product testing/validation
  • Define new testing equipment needs.
• Lead change management for the project portfolio. Ensure the change control process is always followed.
• Review & approve validation/test plan to ensure products meet design performance targets.
• Review & approve tests/FEA/Stack‑up/etc. results & reports.
• Lead Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (D‑FMEA) process and ensure it’s completed on time and to customer’s satisfaction.
• Support new design development and packaging study with the Product Development Engineer and conduct design feasibility/manufacturability investigation with the suppliers.
• Identify risks associated with the projects (design, quality, timing, cost), report findings, and employ risk mitigation and risk management methods.
• Verify and maintain BOM for prototype builds. Manage prototype RFQ process and manage prototype builds to ensure on‑time delivery to customers.
• Create and manage project timing plans according to MPLC.
• Cascade project timing down to Purchasing, STA, Suppliers, Plants, Process Engineering, and other teams to ensure project teams work in synchronization and activities are completed on time.
• Support Account and Sales Managers to ensure correct and on‑time RFQ responses to customers.
• Identify technical issues and resolve them utilizing 5D, 8D, DMAIC, DFSS, and Lean 6‑sigma problem‑solving methodologies.
• Act as the interface for customers and suppliers when it’s necessary.
• Travel to customer engineering locations, customer plants, tkS plants, and suppliers in the U.S., Mexico, and Europe to support project activities when needed.
• The position may require up to 25% domestic and international travel at project peak times in a year.

A bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably Mechanical Engineering or a related field, is required; an advanced engineering degree or MBA is a plus. Candidates should have over three years of experience in the automotive or a similar industry. Required expertise includes project scheduling, CAD design and development, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), and engineering problem‑solving methodologies such as 5D, 8D, DMAIC, DFSS, and Lean Six Sigma. Familiarity with APQP and PPAP processes is also essential. Additional experience in engineering statistics, Design of Experiments (DOE), design for manufacturability, AIAG automotive standards, and customer systems such as WERS, Teamcenter, Cement, GPIRS, and VPP is considered a plus.

The [above] is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Company Holidays
• Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, prescription coverage, employee assistance program, as well as optional accident & hospital coverage
• Company paid:
  • Basic vision insurance
  • Short‑term disability
  • Basic Life Insurance
• Generous 401k matching program
• Ample opportunities for advancement within the company