What are the responsibilities and job description for the Automotive Process Optimization Engineer position at GKN Automotive and Careers?
Automotive Process Optimization Engineer
A day in this role
You start at the line, walking the process to see how parts flow, where quality checks occur, and where cycle times slip. You pull production data, run quick analyses, and identify the top two constraints to tackle. By mid-morning, you lead a brief stand-up with production, quality, and maintenance to align on corrective actions. After lunch, you model a fixture change in CAD, validate options with a process simulation, and meet with product design to refine a feature for manufacturability. You close the day by updating work instructions, locking in process controls, and noting cost and scrap reductions for the weekly review.
About us
We design and build advanced automotive components for global markets, advancing performance, safety, and sustainability. Our culture values excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We invest in cutting-edge technology and empower engineers to shape the future of mobility through rigor and innovation.
What you will do
- Develop, implement, and refine manufacturing processes to achieve safety, quality, and throughput targets.
- Use root cause methods to troubleshoot process issues and deploy robust corrective and preventive actions.
- Support new product introductions, ensuring manufacturability from prototype to full-scale launch.
- Apply CAD and process simulation to design tooling, fixtures, and layouts that improve flow and ergonomics.
- Maintain process documentation, control plans, and standard work; ensure audit readiness.
- Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives that reduce cost, scrap, and variability.
- Partner with design, production, and quality teams to align on requirements and acceptance criteria.
Who should apply
Open to recent graduates in engineering and professionals with up to 3 years of experience in manufacturing. If you are energized by automotive innovation and a fast-moving environment where precision matters, we would like to hear from you.
Required qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Proven capability to analyze production data and improve processes.
- Strong communication skills and a problem-solving mindset.
Preferred qualifications
- Background in automotive manufacturing processes and applicable standards.
- Proficiency with CAD and process simulation tools.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma practices.
- Project leadership experience driving cross-functional initiatives.
- Up to 3 years in a manufacturing engineering role.
What sets you up for success
Hands-on, detail-oriented, and proactive. You are adaptable and collaborative, with a drive to deliver operational excellence in a high-performance manufacturing setting.