Urethane Engineer

Role details

General Summary: Provide technical support and monitor processes to ensure that team objectives are met with regard to delivery of quality parts on time to the customer. Direct operations associated with urethane, thermoplastics, and other foam processes that are in compliance with the appropriate contract documents, codes, and other standards to produce a satisfactory product. Utilize the Toyota Production System and engineering skills to perform Production Engineering functions setup for Urethane production processes within Tier 1 automotive manufacturing plants.

II. Essential Job Functions:

• Create and manage project budgets.
• Develop process and production preparation plans for new urethane automotive products.
• Lead supplier selection process for tool and equipment sourcing.
• Create and manage purchase orders for tools and equipment.
• Communicate project status to other departments and manufacturing plants.
• Manage suppliers in the design, construction and installation of new tools and equipment.
• Set up foam processes, train manufacturing staff, and hand over completed process to manufacturing teams.
• Improve existing or develop new foam molding process equipment.
• Develop new or modify current foam production methods, techniques and procedures.
• Prepare technical reports as a result of research, development and preventative maintenance investigations.
• Conduct research to develop and test new fabrication processes and procedures.
• Establish foam molding procedures to guide production team relating to specifications/processes.
• Evaluate new developments in the foam molding field for possible application to current foam production problems or production processes.
• Coordinate technical personnel in performing inspections to ensure worker's compliance with established polyurethane production procedures, restrictions, and standards; in testing foam for compliance with national code requirements.
• Perform experimental foam to evaluate new equipment, techniques, and materials.
• Assist in development and maintenance of work instructions in compliance with TS16949 requirements.
• Interface with internal/external customers and lead team members in problem solving with regard to production, customer, and supplier concerns.
• Initiate action to prevent the occurrence of any nonconformities relating to product, process, and quality systems.
• Actively contribute to the machine design from the Polyurethane Engineer's perspective and liaise with other Engineers in the team during the design and manufacturing process to ensure that the foam molding process requirements met.

III. Minimum Qualifications/Requirements:

Education

. Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

. Advanced technical degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, or Polymer Science/Engineering is preferred.

Experience

. Six (6) years or more of relevant experience and academic preparation.

. Automotive manufacturing engineering experience preferred.

. Manufacturing or compounding thermoplastics experience preferred.

. Experience in automotive interior components (e.g., injection, assembly, tooling, and other miscellaneous components), managing projects from design to production, is preferred.

Personal/Technical Skills:

. Ability to order and track equipment and material for the manufacturing facilities.

. Working knowledge of tool and equipment design, automation, robotics, and/or manufacturing processes.

. Basic understanding and working knowledge of the industrial equipment and manufacturing processes relating to urethane.

. Ability to troubleshoot and track equipment issues to perform root cause analysis and correct issues with equipment suppliers.

. Basic knowledge of cost structures and/or Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) development is preferable.

. Ability to read component, assembly and equipment drawings and have an understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

. Effective time management skills.

. Ability to work in a team environment.

. Ability to adopt a self-directed work style.

. Strong organization, planning, and analytical skills.

. Ability to compile effective and concise visual reports.

. Able to work in a fast paced, multicultural work environment.

. Familiar with root cause analysis and problem solving methods.

. Active listener with effective communication and interpersonal skills.

. Ability to multitask, manage diversity, and facilitate problem solving and resolution.

. Ability to function both independently and with good judgment in a team environment.

. Ability to communicate and work well with all levels inside and outside of the organization.

. Must be able to work flexible hours to support production on all shifts during new product launch.

. Ability to collect and organize data in an orderly fashion so that it can be accessed and use for future programs.

. Must be able to compile information and report that information to the appropriate people in the organization in a timely manner.

Language Skills:

. Ability to clearly and concisely communicate complex information in verbal and written English.

. Japanese, Spanish, and/or Portuguese would be helpful.

Computer/Software:

. Solid working knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office and other computer-based applications (e.g., MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Project, Lotus Notes/Outlook, Internet, etc.).

. Must be proficient in MS Excel, AutoCAD, and 3D Modeling software.

. CATIA experience is preferred.

. PLC experience is a plus.

. Experience with MS Access is preferred.

IV. Work Environment/Conditions: Office: Open Office Environment, moderate noise level while performing manufacturing automotive production engineering operations. Plant: Standard automotive plant environment with moderate noise level. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as safety glasses, steel toe shoes, hearing protection, etc. may be required in engineering, manufacturing, or industrial areas. Personal attire standards may apply. Travel: Must be willing to travel up to 70% of the time.

V. Physical Demands: Ability to sit and work on a computer for extensive periods of time is required. While performing the duties of this job, the team member is required to talk, see, and hear. Performance requires physical ability to inspect, adjust, and operate equipment. The team member must be capable of walking, sitting, and standing for extended periods of time throughout plant. Occasionally climbing, stooping, or bending on, under, or near tooling and equipment. May be occasionally required to reach, grasp, and manipulate parts, materials, or equipment. May be occasionally required to lift up to 30-50 pounds (with or without assistance).

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to identify the general nature and level of work performed by team members within this classification, as well as certain essential job functions. It is not intended, and should not be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of team members assigned to this job. To qualify for this job, however, a team member must be able to perform its essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Under no circumstances may this job description be construed as altering the at-will nature of the employment relationship between TBA and any team member. EOE

Shift: Day Req Benefits: Benefits include but are not limited to: - Competitive Compensation - Eligibility for certain incentives and bonuses (e.g. Production Hourly KPI Achievement Quarterly Incentive or Salaried/Office Hourly KPI Annual KPI Achievement Bonus) - Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays - Affordable Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits - 401k with Company Match - Optional tax advantaged accounts, such as Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (DCFSA) - Additional elective benefits are available - Equal Opportunity Employer