Manufacturing Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION Key Responsibilities Manufacturing Process Development & Optimization • Coordinate project work and problem-solving activities related to current and new manufacturing processes. • Develop, implement, and validate processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls for the manufacture of products and components, ensuring optimal cost, quality, inventory levels, and capital investment. • Support all phases of prototype development and builds, from concept through full implementation. • Prepare manufacturing studies to determine optimal manufacturing cost, quality, and inventory levels and evaluate feasibility of new or existing products, processes, or materials. • Recommend the most practical and economical manufacturing solutions, including improvements to materials, labor, tooling, equipment, and related factors. Technology, Tooling & Equipment • Maintain strong familiarity with robotics, tooling and fabrication, finishing, assembly, machine design, and related manufacturing technologies. • Participate in the selection, approval, development, and validation of tooling and equipment to support manufacturing requirements and product design intent. • Research, evaluate, and implement state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to ensure products are manufactured in the most capable and cost-effective manner. • Ensure the plant continuously pursues the latest technological advancements to support business objectives. Product Design & Cross-Functional Collaboration • Actively participate in product design activities to ensure optimal productivity and cost. • Recommend alternative designs, materials, or processes as needed to improve manufacturability. • Serve as a technical liaison for product design and engineering matters, helping resolve issues while maintaining positive relationships with customers. • Serve as a technical resource for process changes and problem-solving committees, ensuring product design intent is maintained. • Work closely with production teams to ensure key performance metrics are achieved. Communication, Training & Implementation • Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders impacted by projects and operational changes. • Issue clear operating instructions as required and provide periodic status updates to keep teams informed. • Coordinate the implementation of new processes and lead or support training activities. • Ensure all tooling and processes can consistently produce required products within defined quality and timing expectations. Quality & Compliance • Actively pursue quality improvements within the manufacturing process. • Maintain familiarity with PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and IATF 16949 requirements. • Establish and verify Poka-Yoke (error-proofing) systems to prevent defects and process variation. Additional Responsibilities • Participate as a member of SDT and/or Pre-Launch Teams for new programs, as required. • Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. • Complete all required training as mandated by Adient and its customers. Qualifications & Experience Education & Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience. • 3–5 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering or a related manufacturing role (automotive experience is a plus). • Candidates without a degree must have 8–10 years of relevant manufacturing experience. Technical Skills & Knowledge • Strong working knowledge of product design and assembly as applied to manufacturing processes using PFMEA principles. • Proven ability to implement manufacturing processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls that support cost, quality, inventory, and facility investment goals. • Experience creating processes and procedures to support budgetary targets and performance metrics. Practical knowledge of: • GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) • PFMEA • Control Plans • Process Flow Diagrams • Operator Instruction Sheets • Experience troubleshooting with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000 and ControlLogix software is a plus. • Proficient with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications. Soft Skills • Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and time-management skills. • Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. PRIMARY LOCATION Lakewood Adient (NYSE: ADNT) is a global leader in automotive seating. With more than 65,000 employees in 29 countries, Adient operates ~200 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide. We produce and deliver automotive seating for all major OEMs. From complete seating systems to individual components, our expertise spans every step of the automotive seat-making process. We take our products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing — and into millions of vehicles every year. For more information, please visit www.adient.com.