Senior Production Engineer

Role Overview

The Senior Production Engineer leads manufacturing process optimization, production improvement initiatives, and advanced problem-solving activities within a highly automated automotive production environment. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence through process development, equipment optimization, capacity planning, and continuous improvement while supporting production goals for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. The Senior Production Engineer serves as a technical resource and mentor to engineering and production teams and plays a key role in supporting new model launches and automation initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (To perform within this position successfully, the incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.)

• Lead production engineering activities to support safety, quality, productivity, and operational performance targets.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize production flow.
• Lead root cause investigations for complex production, quality, and equipment-related issues and implement corrective actions.
• Develop, implement, and sustain process improvements to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and lower manufacturing costs.
• Support and lead new equipment installations, process validation activities, and production line launches.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing standards, process documentation, work instructions, and engineering specifications.
• Monitor and analyze key production metrics, including OEE, cycle time, downtime, scrap, and productivity performance.
• Evaluate manufacturing equipment and automation systems to improve reliability and operational efficiency.
• Lead capital improvement and automation projects from planning through implementation.
• Coordinate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams to resolve manufacturing challenges.
• Support production capacity planning, line balancing, staffing analysis, and workflow optimization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, and 5S methodologies.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Production Engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
• Participate in Gemba walks, production audits, and risk assessments to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure compliance with company safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

AUTHORITY & SCOPE This role operates within defined corporate policies and procedures and exercises judgment appropriate to its level of responsibility. The position may influence decisions related to functional operations, processes, or recommendations and escalate matters as required

Qualifications (The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required and preferred for this position.)

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field
• 5 years of experience in manufacturing, production engineering, or process engineering.
• Experience leading manufacturing improvement and troubleshooting initiatives in a production environment

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and production systems.
• Advanced problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
• Ability to analyze production data and develop strategic improvement plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience developing and implementing process improvements.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of production KPIs, OEE, capacity planning, and manufacturing performance metrics.

Preferred Education & Experience:

• Experience within an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting highly automated production lines, robotics, and PLC-controlled equipment.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or related continuous improvement certification.
• Experience with process validation, equipment commissioning, and new model launches.
• Knowledge of manufacturing quality systems and automotive industry standards.
• Experience leading capital projects and automation initiatives

Working Conditions:

• Office and manufacturing plant environment with frequent walking throughout the production floor.
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment, forklifts, and automated systems.
• Ability to wear required PPE while working in production areas.
• Overtime as needed.