Trim Engineer - TS Tech

Position summary: Develop seat and interior trim and related processes, organize transfer to Production Site, and support Mass Production start-up on multiple programs.  Mentor and demonstrate accountability to other engineers within the section to ensure that our products continue to exceed customer and/or internal requirements.

Qualifications/Essential Skills and Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in trim development and Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent technical competency
• Self-starter with minimal oversight required
• Demonstrable experience with pattern development software (i.e. Gerber, Lectra, etc.)
• Proficiency using PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Robust understanding of manufacturing methods and a detailed understanding of trim design
• Strong organizational skills
• Effective cross-functional communication skills
• Working proficiency of Spanish language preferred

Primary Position Responsibilities:

General Job Requirements

• Accountability
  • Communicates with model development project team
  • Interfaces with internal Engineering, Manufacturing, and Commercial divisions
  • Liaise with Suppliers regarding development schedule, specification feasibility, etc.
  • Supports customer communication
  • Thoroughly understands and utilizes Change Management Process
  • Understands and continuous strives to maintain 100% on-time deliverables
• Planning and Organizing
  • Creates and maintains schedule for trim development, specification maturation, appearance verification, and Mass Production start-up support
  • Arranges trim development plan with due regard for project budget and resources
  • Identifies, tracks, and prioritizes resolution of project concerns
  • Coaches other regarding past problem history, best practices, and use of project management tools
  • Trains Production staff for critical processes
• Technical Know-How
  • Owns Trim Drawing, BOM (Pattern List), Sewing Specifications, and Process Control Points with commitment to on-time release
  • Promptly conducts problem root cause analysis with minimal oversight and recommends countermeasures supported by data
  • Employs data-driven development tools (i.e. FTA, D/PFMEA, DRBFM, 5P, Statistics)
  • Has knowledge of automotive trim processes: foaming, molding, cutting, sewing, and assembly processes
  • Exhibits ability to sew and evaluate sew processes (i.e. join, decorative, overlock, etc.)
  • Able to skive foam for validation of shape and verification of appearance
• Innovation
  • Benchmarks competitive product benchmarks
  • Suggests potential themes for Research themes
  • Seeks and promotes practical improvements to development efficiency and effectiveness using DMAIC/PDCA mindset
  • Supports section manager in creation and execution of annual business plan

Specific Job Requirements

• Trim R&D Expertise
  • Develops sewn and molded patterns and issues Trim Drawings, BOM (Parts List) and Sewing Order List
  • Continuously maintains awareness of TS Tech and supply base process capability and readily identifies new processes or those with elevated risk
  • Generates tooling concepts with prospect to meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements and organizes trial or simulation for verification
  • Confirms and optimizes trim design and necessary processes from concept through start of production via prototype and production trials and issues Production Control Points for release to Production site
  • Prepares and regularly reports development and target achievement progress via TS Tech Development System milestones
  • Domestic and international travel required as needed for trial and start-up activity

Reporting to this position:

• No Direct Reports
• No Indirect Reports

Physical Demands and Work Environment:   

• Environmental conditions – Work is typically within open office and prototype shop environments with occasional work within automotive manufacturing environment. May be exposed to moderate noise levels.  Understands occasional extra hours may be required on an exceptional basis to achieve deliverables based on section manager’s discretion.
• Vocal Communication - Required to express or exchange ideas by means of concise (clear, correct, and timely) discussion with coworkers, customers, suppliers, etc.
• Hearing Perception - Ability to recognize information at normal spoken levels and/or ability to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or make fine distinctions in sound.
• Sensory Utilization - Prepare and analyze written or computer data.
• Physical Activities - Required to stand, walk and sit, as well as using hands to pick up, handle or feel objects. May occasionally reach with hands and arms. May be required to lift up to 50 lbs. unassisted.
• Visual Acuity - There are no special vision requirements.

Training Requirements:

• New Hire Orientation
• Safety Training
• ISO Training
• PME Section Training