Principal Process Development Engineer

JTEKT North America•Greenville, SC

15h

About The Position

Metalworking (machining, grinding, and finishing) is a core technology within JTEKT. This position frequently works in a project leadership role on high-priority metalworking development projects that directly impact plant productivity and product quality. Many assignments involve leading-edge technologies where new processes must be created or existing processes significantly improved to create a competitive advantage. A high percentage of the work focuses on process development to improve production rates, part quality, and enable new product development.

Requirements

Strong problem-solving skills with experience developing new or significantly improved manufacturing processes
Deep technical understanding of machining, grinding, and finishing processes
Strong mechanical aptitude with working knowledge of electronics and sensor technologies
Comfortable working in manufacturing environments and collaborating with cross-functional teams
Experience with equipment standards, metrology, and diagnostic tools
Experience with data acquisition systems (power monitoring, acoustics, accelerometers)
Proficiency with SolidWorks. Experience with Mastercam is a plus
Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering degree (BSME or MSME)
Associate degree or technical certification acceptable with demonstrated advanced machining and grinding expertise
8+ years of diverse metalworking experience in machining and/or grinding
Experience manufacturing automotive driveline or precision rotating components (e.g., full and half shafts, CVJs, bearings)
Experience supporting high-volume automotive production environments
Experience participating in PFMEA, Control Plan development, and production readiness activities
Experience working with global manufacturing teams and equipment suppliers

Nice To Haves

Experience with Electronic Power Steering (EPS) or Electronic Brake systems preferred

Responsibilities

Investigate and recommend new metalworking processes and disseminate information throughout the organization
Identify best practices for existing metalworking processes and facilitate implementation across global operations
Serve as project leader or key technical contributor on major metalworking-related projects
Lead machining and grinding process development for new product launches, from concept through production ramp-up
Support cost reduction and productivity improvement through tooling strategy, cycle time optimization, scrap reduction, and yield improvement
Develop and optimize CNC turning and milling processes for high-volume production
Develop and optimize centerless and non-centerless grinding processes, including wheel, spindle, and dressing strategy
Design and validate robust work-holding concepts to ensure repeatable, capable production processes
Apply GD&T expertise to process design, datum strategy, and tolerance capability to ensure production feasibility
Conduct process capability studies, analyze statistical results, and implement improvements
Troubleshoot complex machining and grinding issues related to tooling, vibration, thermal effects, and process stability
Develop training programs and support plant personnel in the operation of new or improved manufacturing systems
Support internal manufacturing teams and suppliers during launch and process improvement activities
Follow JTEKT quality gate systems, including PFMEA, process documentation, and capability confirmation
Travel to JTEKT manufacturing plants and suppliers to resolve critical technical issues
Operate independently with minimal supervision to achieve objectives