Manufacturing Engineer - Piston Automotive

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes for a variety of automotive components, including headliners, instrument panels, center consoles, seats, door trim, headrests, armrests, garnish assemblies, waterfall assemblies, and exterior modules like the front grill, front bumper/fascia, door panels, and sheet metal subassemblies. Your role will involve creating detailed procedures, documenting processes, and ensuring efficient production from initial project sourcing through SOP +90 days, or as required for corporate employees or launch through EOP plant employees. You may also be required to support the implementation of engineering changes for current production products

Piston Automotive wasn’t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.

Why Piston Automotive?

Competitive Wages, Paid Holidays & Vacation, Medical & Rx Plans, Dental & Vision Plans, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Life & Disability Coverage, 401K with Company Match, Tuition Reimbursement , Vehicle and Product Discounts

• Responsible for the planning, coordination and implementation of assigned
• Develop and track capital investment budgets for assigned projects.
• Tracks, manages and communicates the capital equipment timing plan and open issues to the program team.
• Responsible for development of all RFQ’s and Equipment Specifications for Capital and Tooling Requirements, including all contract services, prior to SOP.
• Main interface with machining, automation and capital equipment vendors.
• Responsible for all production processes development / and final approvals including work cell layout, ergonomic workstation design, and line balancing.
• Responsible for development of Prototype and Production Process Documentation through SOP +90 days. This includes Process Flow, Cycle Time Analysis, PFMEA and Work Instructions.
• Responsible for programming torque control systems and joint development. Selection of error & mistake proofing devices.
• Responsible for initial plant floor layout & PFEP, including material flow and storage.
• Responsible for procurement and installation of all line side material presentation and handling devices.
• Responsible to transfer all equipment and process documentation to the Production Plant prior to SOP. This includes all OEM Equipment Documentation (electronic and hard copies of Manuals, BOM, Drawings, recommended spare parts and recommended PM’s).
• Responsible for initial training coordination for new equipment or process changes.
• Responsible for reviewing module assembly drawings & CAD Models for manufacturability (both internally and with the Customer) as required and/or requested.
• Responsible for all site preparation during the launch phase of projects.
• Determining cost and timing impacts for engineering changes that affect the assembly process, square footage requirements, capital investments (equipment, packaging and facilities) and direct labor.
• Gathers the base line program information with Program Management / Business Development to supply statement of work, bill of materials and initial program timing.
• Supports Engineering Cost Estimator to supply quoted assumptions for the assembly process, square footage requirements, capital / tooling investments and direct / indirect labor.
• Supports Purchasing in evaluation of new suppliers, products and technologies to help maintain a competitive edge in the industry.
• Provide guidance in equipment and capital selection to the Purchasing Dept.
• Provide mechanical engineering expertise to lead design and development of the assembly systems, production tooling and packaging.
• Supports all engineering related communication internally and with the Customer; including technical presentation, design reviews, capacity analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Works with the program team (internally and with the customers) to develop and launch products into production.
• Supports program meetings (both internally and with the Customer) as required and/or requested.
• Drive lean concepts (5S, Kanban, Visual Factory, TPM etc.) throughout the organization.
• Implement process improvements to improve overall efficiencies, including automation.
• Benchmarking processes and equipment throughout the industry and incorporating into Piston Standards.
• Responsible for problem solving and resolution of issues at all sites as directed / or required. Supports Team during crisis management.

• Seven to Ten years of assembly experience for all Automotive Component Systems; Develops and implements efficient manufacturing processes for complex automotive components such as Chassis, Powertrain & Cooling, Electrical & Battery and Exterior Commodities.  
• Supports cross functional implementation of advanced robotic technologies for our Chassis, Powertrain & Cooling, Electrical & Battery, & Exterior Commodities.   
• Strong working knowledge of Manual and Automated Assembly Systems and Technologies, including both mechanical and control systems.
• Strong knowledge in JIT, SPD, ILVS and Batch manufacturing systems. Including broadcast analysis from customer trigger through customer installation.
• Strong Knowledge of Industrial Safety Standards and requirements.
• Ability to analyze current business labor efficiencies, capital investments and other historical data to calculate product cost.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Computer literacy and proficiency are required, must have advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Project, Power Point, AutoCAD LT and misc. CAD viewers.
• Self-motivator who works with minimal direction, makes decisions independently, and is able to motivate others to complete the task at hand.
• Corporate employees must be able to travel as required to support new launch, engineering change or production related activities (typically no more than 1-2 wks. at a time / estimated 6-12 wks. annually).