2027 Kautex / CWC Development Program: Operations Pathway (Muskegon, MI)

Textron•Muskegon, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Kautex is a global company with over 30 plants in 13 countries and a leading Tier One automotive supplier, pioneering in the design and manufacturing of plastic fuel systems and beyond. We are advancing solutions for the era of new mobility, including battery enclosures for electric vehicles and autonomous cleaning systems. Our portfolio also includes high-quality industrial packaging and cast camshafts. Kautex is part of a network of global businesses offering advanced technologies and services. We foster career growth, drive talent programs, and champion equal opportunities and sustainability. We are recognized by awards such as Fair Company, Great place to work, MINT minded company, and Ecovadis Platinum. This 12-month minimum program is designed to prepare participants for progression within Operations functions, including skill-building in Automation/IIoT, Materials Management, and Quality. Participants will complete three distinct operational assignments, gain expert knowledge of the operational environment, and receive coaching and development opportunities. The program also focuses on building a global community among Kautex Development Program participants to share knowledge and experiences.

Requirements

University degree in Engineering, with focus on a preferred area of study: Mechatronics / Electronics / Electrical Engineering / Thermal Engineering / Composite Material / Systems Engineering / Circular Economy / Modelling and Simulation, Machine Learning, Big Data / Data Analytics, Computer Programming or comparable education.
Fluent English language skills are required.
Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

Nice To Haves

Internships or extra-curricular volunteering would be an advantage.
International experience by studying or working in foreign countries is desired.
An additional language would be an advantage.
Plastics design and process knowledge is an advantage.
Blow molding, injection molding and compression molding product design knowledge including welding and assembly is an advantage.
Geographic mobility a plus.

Responsibilities

Complete 3 distinct and meaningful operational sub-functional assignments aligned to developmental goals and strengths assessment.
Gain expert knowledge of the operational environment, company interfaces, organization structure, processes, and methods.
Create and maintain a community with all Kautex Development Program participants globally to share knowledge and experiences.
Provide continuous feedback to program Sponsors to continually improve the program experience.
Complete projects defined by Management and documented in the performance management system during the program.
Support common tasks within the Team (location/global) such as best-practice sharing, organizing social team or networking events, and contributing to the Trainee Newsletter.
Have a complete understanding of daily operational tasks and processes of the functions/areas within the Operations pathway.
Understand Operational Key Performance Indicators driving towards 0-0-0.
Provide operations expertise in a professional manner during customer visits and audits, both independently and in collaboration with other departments.
Gain knowledge of, and compliance to, customer-specific requirements and OEM standards.
Apply VAVE (Value Analysis, Value Engineering) process during the development of Kautex products.
Support EHS activities within the department to ensure a safe work place and adoption of safe working practices.
Follow IATF 16949 standards, Kautex guidelines, and Customer guidelines.
Understand the technical link between Kautex development teams and the customer.
Apply Continuous Improvement/Lean tools and techniques (6S, Practical Problem Solving and Reoccurrence Prevention, Value Stream Mapping, Elimination of Waste, TPM) to drive Operational Performance Improvement.
Support Logistics concepts (internal, supplier, customer) for new programs coming to the plant.
Gain knowledge of Customer Demand plan, Production plan, Supplier Scheduling, and Inventory Management.
Organize special freight, conduct root cause analyses, and implement preventive actions to avoid recurrence.
Gain knowledge within the organization and relevant technology trends (e.g., Industry 4.0, IIoT, Digital Factory).
Collaborate with stakeholders to assist data-driven process improvements and application of software and simulation tools.
Gain knowledge of pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric systems.
Lead projects related to defining design, process layout, and process investment for new projects in co-operation with the plants.
Specify and realize manufacturing processes using the most appropriate technology and ensuring process capability.
Support the management of external suppliers of tooling and machines whilst liaising with internal customers.
Support the design and standardization of poke-yoke systems into the manufacturing process.
Lead projects relating to analysis and implementation of the manufacturing process using the most appropriate technology.
Respond to requests for repairs and troubleshooting support of production equipment and processes.
Analyze all new processes for improvement opportunities.
Lead and support projects relating to process and product quality during sampling, development, trials, and series production phases.
Support the Quality team with quality performance and maintaining customer quality targets.
Support all audit activities within the location.
Gain knowledge of GD&T, CAD, RPS, MSA, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and SPC.
Support claim management (including warranty) using 8D or A3.