Engineering Manager

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint. 

In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily in the region, and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of Finance, Sales, Engineering, Testing, Program Management, Human Resources, Purchasing and IT.
Website:  HI-LEX.com

POSITION SUMMARY:

Develops New and Innovative Products consistent with Business Objectives. Develops and validates products to meet or exceed customer requirements and expectations. Leads cross functional teams to enable quality improvements, warranty reduction, problem solving and VA/VE initiatives

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages Product Engineering team of Engineers, Designers and others as appropriate.
• Leads new concepts and current product design development, establishing appropriate controls and approval processes.
• Works with Sales in pursuit of new business both domestic and globally.
• Develops and maintains strong relationships with key customer personnel.
• Manage customer application engineering projects, establishing appropriate controls.
• Review and confirm accuracy of quotations for new products and changes to existing.
• Maintain on time engineering releases; Lab work orders.
• Ensure compliance with all policies, procedures and work instructions to ensure error free designs.
• Verifies all prototypes and products meet or exceed customer requirements and expectations.
• Interact with customers, vendors and Hi-Lex personnel to assist in VA/VE cost reduction activities. Reduce warranty claims and expenses.  
• Ensure product engineering meets new program launch timing.
• Assist quality and purchasing on supplier issues.
• Promotes an associate relations environment that is consistent with long-term management objectives.
• Secondary Functions:
  • Pursues patents when appropriate.
  • Performs other duties as necessary.
  • 5S Leadership
     

Education 

• 4-year degree in mechanical engineering or engineering technology or equivalent field.

Functional Experience

• Knowledge of applicable Hi-Lex products and procedures.

Industry Experience

• 4-5 years degree in engineering or equivalent preferred.
• 5 years Hi-Lex product experience in product design, preferably mechanisms.
• 10 years of industrial experience, program launch experience

Core Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of engineering practices (GD & T, DOE, FMEA, DFM, CAD applications, statistical analysis, etc.)

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
• Office environment with noise from computer peripherals such as printers.
• Periodic factory visits with noise from manufacturing equipment
• Office environment with noise from cellphones, group conversations or virtual meetings

Other Requirements

• Periodic travel by air, car or train to other company operations, customers and/or suppliers.
• Open seating work environment with ability to change work location daily (if needed)