Product Engineer & Analyst - Light Truck Tires

Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp is looking to hire a Product Engineer & Analyst, Light Truck Tires who will serve as a technical expert and be responsible for supporting the success of Toyo Tires in the light truck product category. This role is focused on gathering information to identify market demand and to analyze real world tire performance to support product developments and current product expansions. These goals are accomplished by data mining, field research, relationship building with industry leaders & automotive partners, supporting various automotive groups.

The Product Analyst reports to the Sr. Manager, Light Truck Products and conducts product benchmark testing, supports new product development and troubleshoots product performance to identify areas for improvements. Proper documentation of field activities are provided through timely and well thought out reports and recommendations saved onto department folders and paperless reporting system. The successful applicant possesses a unique blend of business and technical savvy, along with a big-picture vision and the drive to make the vision a reality. Working with technical, sales and overseas departments will allow the successful applicant to be part of the solution and help shape the future of Toyo Tires Light Truck Products in the U.S.A. This position is located at the corporate offices located in Costa Mesa, CA.

• Help develop the long-term strategy and vision for LT tire portfolio
• Serve as the primary technical resource for the LT tire product line
• Monitor product performance in real-world conditions and identify opportunities for improvement
• Monitor sales performance of LT product portfolio and identify opportunities and make recommendations for new products, expansions and/or cancellation.
• Create reports on existing Toyo products and competitor performance in regards to failures, weak points, advantages, and overall real-world performance
• Maintain an accurate database of competitive set information for each LT product
• Maintain accurate databases including new product development, current product improvements and competitor analysis reports. 
• Support marketing for product ride-and-drive events
• Support training department with the development of new product training material creation
• Support training department as needed with technical expertise to ensure the technical accuracy of all materials destined for public consumption
• Plan, schedule, and participate in, tire related tests and prepare reports showing results, analysis, and recommendations
• Gather market information (trends, consumer demands, opportunities) to be used toward new product development
• Define and follow product strategies, roadmaps and product life cycles
• Serves as a technical advisor for development and sales personnel
• Collaborate with sales managers to support key customer visits, product launches and technical discussions.
• Provide field feedback to R&D and product management teams regarding customer needs, competitive activity, and emerging trends in the light truck market.
• Inspect, analyze and recommend improvements in current products and new projects to ensure positive results. 
• Prepare and present reports within the department including proposals for future projects.
• Suggest market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research, supported by dealer visits and competitive bench-marking.
• Carry out research to identify issues and develop solutions to resolve field issues.
• Create meaningful presentations and analyses that tell a “story” focused on insights identified from field research and data mining
• Specify market requirements for current and future products by benchmarking and conducting market research with on-going visits to customers
• Develop a business plan for the company that includes details of products and services, product cost, forecast for sales, price ranges, and profitability
• Develop and implement a creative go-to market plan
• Design items to show how the company’s products and services can help customers
• Closely monitor the promotion and sales of products 
• Monitor and analyze warranty claims 
• Innovate upon existing products with newer versions 
• With respect to competitors, understand their product portfolios, lifecycles, weaknesses & strengths
• Assist in validating new products by coordinating testing, collecting performance data and provide feedback to related departments.
• Participate in event launches, dealer visits, and related light truck events
• Travel between 40%-70% of the time (domestic and international), including weekends
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Excellent project management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret large amounts of data and logically break down complex information and use those insights to create clear, impactful solutions or strategies. 
• Team player with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self starter with a proven record of self management of technical work with little to no supervision
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with all levels of business and understand needs of the stakeholders 
• Comprehensive understanding of vehicle dynamics, materials science, engineering principles, manufacturing processes, testing and analysis, and related industry principles.
• Ability to work in adverse and ever-changing climatic conditions
• Sound ability to evaluate ours and competitor tires and propose solutions
• Ability to communicate fluently with internal staff and external customers and act in a manner that is representative of Toyos’ core values
• Possess critical thinking and logic skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks depending upon the urgency
• Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority
• High level of proficiency with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, MS Office, MS Access, Salesforce, and general computer skills required
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and report on data collected through acquisition devices from testing
• Ability to follow company polices and safety guidelines
• Ability to safely operate tire mounting, balancing and vehicle alignment equipment.  Or the ability to learn to operate aforementioned shop equipment.
• Available to travel between 40%-70% of the time (domestic and international), including weekends
• Must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving history.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, business administration, management, marketing or equivalent. A minimum of five (5) years in automotive related experience with 3 years in the field preferred. Work experience in the tire or automotive industry is very important.

Salary : $115,000 - $125,000