Engineer, Production Process Planning (Stamping & Weld)

About the position

This role is part of the Production Engineering team, which is responsible for leading various stakeholders through production changes. These changes include new model years, updates interim product measure (IPM) changes, engineering change notices (ECN), and changes in production volume. The team works closely with other groups like MNAO Huntsville, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTMUS), and suppliers to make sure everything runs smoothly. A key responsibility for the Production Engineering team is achieving Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD) goals while ensuring all production systems (i.e., methods, equipment, tools, and parameters) are successfully implemented across Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTMUS) and suppliers. The Production Engineering team must also look for methods to create a stable production environment including cost and quality improvement through the production supply chain. The Engineer in Production Process Planning supports changes for new vehicle projects and model updates, ensuring all departments are aligned. The person in this position works to identify and solve issues in the manufacturing process, improving long-term efficiency and quality. They support the implementation of necessary process requirements for production changes, such as new vehicle projects or model changes. Specifically, this role works within the Stamping & Weld (S&W) area, starting off the production process. This role ensures alignment of S&W project changes with impacted departments across applicable production shops (e.g., Assembly & Paint, Control Systems & Weld). This role is also responsible for identifying and eliminating areas negatively impacting the manufacturing process and driving long-term line improvements, cycle time, and process capability. In collaboration with the Sr. Engineer, they help implement necessary production changes and identify areas for improvement, focusing on line-efficiency, cycle time, and process capability.

Responsibilities

• Support Sr Engineer in conducting studies to identify and address, with management, the needs of production process changes, including equipment settings and construction for revised and future projects.
• Support Sr Engineer in conducting analyses to identify and address changes, with management support, to update and match specifications on production pace adjustments as well as production mix ratios.
• Communicate all changes with related stakeholders and ensure successful implementation.
• Assist in development of local trial plans and event preparation progress reports necessary for project progression and regularly report to management.
• Identify when further support is needed from Japanese counterparts and request guidance, especially in response to changes.
• Coordinate local construction on product or process changes, ensuring alignment with established project quality goals.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and maintenance departments to verify that modifications function as intended through trials and inspections.
• Conduct final checks on workability and quality during in-line events and expedite the handover to MTMUS.
• Provide support to MNAO/MTMUS members throughout project phases, developing manuals and procedures as necessary to ensure proper maintenance and management within MTMUS.
• Organize information from MTMUS-related departments and manage the entire project to prevent delays and problems, ensuring smooth execution across all involved parties, including MNAO and MTMUS.
• Assist in analyzing/evaluating existing manufacturing processes to identify any bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or quality-related problems.
• Support development and implementation of improvement plans to address issues, aiming to optimize overall process performance.
• Implement on-site modifications to improve manufacturing processes as needed, coordinating with relevant teams to ensure effective execution.
• Respond to unexpected errors within the manufacturing process; make proposals for any necessary mechanical design changes, including ordering new parts or equipment.
• Partner with Sr Engineer to validate the effectiveness of implemented solutions to ensure they meet the desired outcomes and adhere to quality standards.
• Assist in tracking and monitoring budgets to ensure alignment with financial goals throughout the production lifecycle.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing, industrial, or mechanical engineering, or related field or equivalent combination or education, training, and/or work experience in lieu of degree.
• Minimum three (3) years' experience in production engineering or maintenance department in automotive OEM or related industry.
• Experience in project planning, budgeting, and reporting.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Basic knowledge of Mechanical engineering and software programming is a plus.
• Keen attention to detail and the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to learn MTMUS's unique process control system and Mazda's unique final vehicle quality assurance system.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Exemplary teamwork skills with a strong work ethic.
• Customer satisfaction and service attitude with strong people skills.
• Organized & detail oriented.
• Results-driven and fully responsible, reliable, and consistent.
• Ability to work independently and with little supervision, to include problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to take initiative and determine appropriate actions logically.
• Sound reasoning skill and ability to present ideas clearly and succinctly.
• Knowledge of or experience with paperless, automated workflow computer processing is a definite plus.