Production Engineering Specialist

Position Summary

The Production Engineer Specialist provides advanced engineering support for manufacturing operations, including pre-production preparation, model changes, production trials, equipment and facility support, and ongoing production requirements. This position plays a key role in improving manufacturing processes, supporting new business development, maintaining high quality standards, and ensuring efficient and workable production processes.

The Production Engineer Specialists work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Tool & Die, Logistics, and other departments to identify opportunities, resolve manufacturing issues, and implement solutions that improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and efficiency.

APMM operations include metal stamping, plastics molding, robotic and unit welding, paint, assembly, and related manufacturing processes.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support for daily manufacturing operations and production requirements.
• Lead and support pre-production preparation, production trials, and start-up activities for model changes and new production.
• Analyze manufacturing processes and develop solutions to improve safety, quality, productivity, cost, and efficiency.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.
• Identify process issues and develop, implement, and verify corrective actions.
• Support the development and implementation of standardized work, process controls, and manufacturing systems.
• Evaluate production processes, equipment, tooling, layouts, and material flow for improvement opportunities.
• Support equipment, facility, and production-related engineering needs.
• Work with cross-functional teams to ensure manufacturing processes can meet customer requirements.
• Support new business development by evaluating manufacturing feasibility, process workability, capacity, equipment, and production requirements.
• Assist with engineering changes, process improvements, and implementation of new manufacturing technologies and systems.
• Review production data and performance metrics to identify trends and improvement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, procedures, specifications, and process information.
• Coordinate with internal departments and suppliers as needed to resolve technical and manufacturing concerns.
• Support root-cause analysis and problem-solving activities using appropriate engineering and Lean Manufacturing methods.
• Ensure engineering activities support the commitment to exceptionally high quality standards and customer satisfaction.
• Provide technical guidance and support to Production and other departments as needed.
• Participate in special projects and other engineering initiatives as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 1 year of manufacturing or engineering experience.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze processes, identify opportunities, and implement practical solutions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred:

• Manufacturing engineering experience in an automotive or Tier 1 supplier environment.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with stamping, plastics molding, welding, paint, assembly, or other automotive manufacturing processes.
• Experience with production launches, model changes, or new equipment implementation.
• Experience with manufacturing feasibility, process development, or capacity planning.

Work Environment

This position is performed primarily in person in a manufacturing environment and requires regular interaction with production areas, equipment, and cross-functional teams. The position may require working in manufacturing areas with exposure to typical plant conditions, including noise, machinery, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.

Occasional overtime, extended hours, or schedule adjustments may be required based on production needs, model changes, trials, projects, or other business requirements.