Production Engineer

Summary:

The company is in the automotive components industry, producing high-volume precision fasteners for major OEMs. This role sits in the Production Engineering department, which drives process optimization, equipment improvements, and automation initiatives across the plant. The ideal candidate has a strong engineering foundation with meaningful hands-on experience in automation, PLC-controlled equipment, and manufacturing systems, along with solid problem-solving skills and the ability to lead capital projects.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Partner with sister companies to provide products and manufacturing processes to support the North American markets.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, automation, PLCs, and equipment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks), process simulation & data analysis tools.
• Experience with Toyota Production System, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement techniques.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Develop and manage process documentation such as work instructions, SOPs, and process control plans.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and deliver technical training to technical and non-technical Team Members.
• Support problem investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation. Includes use of poka-yoke devices.
• Initiate, justify, budget, implement, and manage capital projects.
• Support manufacturing process design, equipment selection, capability validation and process maintenance activities.
• MS Office proficiency: Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
• Other duties may be assigned.

Key Qualifications and Skills Preferred:

• Degreed engineer (materials science degree also considered).
• 5 years of experience in a manufacturing environment (preferably more than one facility).
• Strong project management skills, including formal project documentation.
• Familiarity with software related to project work is a plus.
• Experience with the implementation of automation (robots, data collection, cameras, vision systems).
• Experience fixing issues, resolving problems, or making improvements related to automation.
• PLC knowledge (familiarity with operation or past programming; not a controls engineer).
• Experience with Japanese PLCs, Allen Bradley's, Siemens, or other brands.
• Ability to do 2D and 3D drawings (e.g., AutoCAD) for communication, especially with Japanese counterparts.
• Strong communication skills for presenting to executive management and potentially the board of directors.
• Ability to travel (infrequent, perhaps once every other year).
• Experience with formal capital equipment justifications and appropriation requests.
• Experience managing outside contractors.

Certifications or Educational Requirements:

• Degreed engineer (materials science degree also considered).
• PMP certification is considered nice but almost overkill.

Level of Experience:

• At least 5 to 8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally in more than one facility.

Technical Skills Required:

• Project management methodologies.
• Automation implementation (robots, data collection, vision systems, AI cameras).
• PLC knowledge (operation and basic programming).
• Drawing in 2D and 3D.
• Formal capital equipment justification.
• Budgeting and financial management for projects.

Tools/Software/Systems:

• Software relating to project work (a plus).
• Japanese PLCs, Allen Bradley's, Siemens, or other brands.
• AutoCAD (2D drawing).
• Solidworks (3D, potential future use).
• Cognex software or Keyence software for cameras (training can be provided).

Culture within the Department and Organization:

• The engineering group is challenged to automate extensively due to customer demands stemming from tariffs.
• High demand for engineering support from various departments.
• A collaborative team environment, with the current team consisting of Bruce Weldon, one other engineer, and Doug Heimerdinger, expanding to five with the new hires.
• Open to feedback on candidate information and interview processes.
• The work environment can be noisy (as experienced during the call).