Headliners Manufacturing Engineer - Tier 1 Automotive Supplier

International Automotive Components • Arlington, TX

5d

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and continuously improving manufacturing processes within a Tier 1 automotive supplier environment. The role focuses on optimizing production methods, improving equipment performance, increasing operational efficiency, and supporting new product launches and engineering changes. The Manufacturing Engineer is a technical resource for production operations, helping achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives while complying with customer and company requirements.

The position works across Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Engineering. It supports manufacturing technologies such as PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, welding systems, and automated assembly processes, and contributes to automotive quality activities including APQP, PFMEA reviews, Control Plan development, and process validation.

The role is based in a manufacturing environment with exposure to production equipment, automation systems, and varying noise levels. It involves moving throughout the facility and following required safety and PPE requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting automotive manufacturing operations; Tier 1 supplier experience is preferred.
• Experience with process development, equipment implementation, production support, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting manufacturing processes and implementing corrective actions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with headliner manufacturing processes, including thermoforming, water jet trimming, edge folding, and edge wrapping.
• Experience with automotive quality systems and core tools, including APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, MSA, and Control Plans.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, welding systems, and industrial automation technologies.
• Familiarity with automated assembly processes and secondary equipment operations.
• Strong root cause analysis, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and manufacturing-related software.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a cross-functional environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain efficient manufacturing processes that meet production requirements and customer specifications.
• Evaluate and improve production methods, equipment layouts, material flow, and workstation design to maximize productivity and reduce waste.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Develop and maintain process flows, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and problem-solving activities.
• Analyze manufacturing operations and provide technical support to resolve production challenges.
• Determine the equipment, tooling, fixtures, and materials needed to meet production goals and product specifications.
• Monitor and improve production performance through process optimization, capacity analysis, and workflow improvements.
• Support equipment installation, process validation, and production readiness.
• Lead troubleshooting of manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and production issues.
• Perform root cause analysis on product defects, process failures, downtime events, and customer concerns.
• Develop, implement, and validate corrective and preventive actions to improve process reliability and product quality.
• Work with Quality, Production, and Maintenance to reduce scrap, rework, and non-conforming product.
• Coordinate and implement manufacturing changes introduced by Product Engineering and Launch Engineering.
• Support new product launches, engineering changes, equipment validation, and production trials.
• Evaluate process feasibility and ensure manufacturing readiness for new products and program changes.
• Assist in developing and implementing process controls to meet customer and production requirements.
• Provide engineering support for PLC-controlled equipment, robotics, welding systems, and automated assembly processes.
• Work with Maintenance, Controls Engineering, and Production to improve equipment uptime, reliability, and performance.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Engineering teams to achieve plant objectives.
• Participate in APQP activities, PFMEA reviews, Control Plan development, and process validation.
• Support compliance with customer-specific requirements, safety standards, and automotive industry quality systems.
• Lead and participate in continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level