Chemical Product Engineer (Japanese Speaking)

Axalta Coating Systems - Mount Clemens, MI

Full-time - Mid Level

Mount Clemens, MI

10,001+ employees

Chemical Manufacturing

About the position

The Chemical Product Engineer (Japanese Speaking) at Axalta Coating Systems is responsible for developing and implementing product strategies that support the company's Services Strategy. This role involves providing technical expertise to customers regarding automotive coatings, leading projects for new product launches, and coordinating with various functions within the company to ensure successful product development and customer satisfaction. The position requires strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with customer engineering and manufacturing teams.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and management of critical relationships with customer engineering and manufacturing team members.
• Serve as technical spokesperson to customer materials engineering and paint manufacturing groups.
• Provide a Voice of Customer to the Axalta Sales, Marketing, Technical, and Manufacturing functions.
• Deliver technology reviews and reports to the customer.
• Lead product quality investigations/complaints with recognized problem-solving.
• Prepare and maintain monthly plant quality reports for customers.
• Support new product launches and technology transfers.
• Manage customer product approvals.
• Support and manage PDCA meetings and processes.
• Manage customer projects (LWRs, EPMs, and NPPs) and prioritize project portfolio.
• Contribute technical expertise in translating product data into effective marketing and sales tools.
• Assist the Product Engineering Manager in aligning customer product approvals with Axalta strategies.
• Support defining VMI requirements and seek VMI improvement opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related natural sciences curriculum required.
• Fluency in Japanese and understanding of Japanese business customs and culture required.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work with all levels of the organization and customers.
• At least six (6) years of automotive, chemical, or related industry experience.
• Experience providing problem-solving and analytical skills with data-based decision-making capability.
• Familiarity with problem-solving tools such as 8D, 5-why, Kepner Tregoe, etc.
• Experience understanding customer needs and translating them into product offerings/solutions.
• Proficiency in MS Office required.
• Ability to collaborate and build teamwork is essential.
• Ability to travel up to 35% required.

Nice-to-haves

• A combination of sales, technical and marketing experience displaying finance and business acumen.
• Knowledge of paint formulation and application processes preferred.
• Experience working in an R&D environment preferred.
• Experience with the automotive product approval process as well as launching new products to market highly preferred.
• Experience working with Japanese automakers is a plus.
• Capable of managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while supporting and leading multi-functional teams.