Problem Solving Specialist

Mercedes-Benz Group • Charleston, SC

2d

About The Position

Shape the future today.
The world is changing. The question is, what will be our contribution to the outcome? We have set the pace in the field of mobility from the very beginning, and we will continue to do so. At Mercedes-Benz Vans, interdisciplinary teams are developing the mobility of tomorrow. Our goal is to make mobility safer, simpler, and more sustainable for people across the globe. Put your pioneering spirit to good use: This is your opportunity to make a contribution that extends far beyond your job title.
At Mercedes-Benz Vans, we offer you the perfect environment for your professional and personal growth. Cutting-edge training and promising career opportunities will help you to foster and expand your professional skill set as well as your individual strengths. Think, try, and thrive with us in collaborative work environments that spark game-changing concepts.
Job Overview:
The Problem-Solving Specialist is responsible for driving structured problem-solving processes across production lines to ensure product quality, operational efficiency, and compliance with internal standards. This role leverages methodologies such as 8D, Root Cause Analysis (Ishikawa, 5 Why), and digital tools to identify, analyze, and resolve complex issues impacting manufacturing performance.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Manufacturing Engineering or similar, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related field. In alternative Associate degree or 5-10 years in automotive with Failure Analysis experience.
• Knowledge 8D Problem Solving methodology
• Capability in data analysis tools and digital manufacturing systems.
• Good communication and facilitation skills for cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with Power BI dashboards, SFM routines, and digital escalation workflows.
• Familiarity with CQC (Customer Quality Check) processes and audit requirements.

Nice To Haves

• German and/or Spanish language knowledge is a plus

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and execute the 8D methodology, containment actions, and corrective measures for quality and process issues:
• Completes D1-D2 with a clear problem description
• Drives D3 containment to a verified clean point, documents evidence, and closes temporary measures.
• Leads walk backs/pipeline checks across shops and validates origination with data (QSYS/VoCA/FTC)
• D4: Facilitates multi shop root cause sessions; triangulates evidence across data, gemba, and tests. (Apply tools like Ishikawa diagrams and 5 Why analysis to identify systemic causes and prevent recurrence)
• Designs D5/D6 countermeasures with mistake proofing and verifies effectiveness in D7
• Curates D8 lessons learned and updates digital templates/standards used in SFM
• Use Shop Floor Management (SFM) systems and digital templates for documentation, escalation, and feedback loops:
• Reads top topics dashboards; interprets basic trend charts (3MIS/VoCA)
• Builds simple filters (shop, variant) to isolate signal; correlates sensor triggers to start problem solving
• Creates analyses that link process changes/shutdowns to defect frequency; quantifies effectiveness
• Specifies new dashboard requirements (e.g., sensors, triggers, drill downs) and validates adoption in routines
• Identifies waste at GEMBA during 5 cycle checks; maps simple process steps.
• Moderates multi shop sessions (Assembly/Paint/Body, Logistics, Maintenance) to converge on root cause.
• Provide guidance and training to team leaders and operators on standardized problem-solving processes
• Coaches GL/TL to start problem solving at the Installer Principle and elevate when needed
• Integrates lessons learned (D8) into standards and monitors recurrence rates across shops
• Participate to Problem Solving meetings to Q-Forum to escalates critical problems for escalation to management
• Coordinate complex problem solving resolution handover to the Failure Analysis Team in Quality department
• Perform other duties as required

Benefits

• Mobile Phone for Employees Possible
• Health
• EXCELLENT COMPENSATION & BENEFITS PLAN WITH 401k MATCHING

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees