Product and Process Industrialization Junior Engineer - Hydraulic Hose

Continental Group Sector ContiTech•Fairlawn, OH

17h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Product and Process Industrialization Engineer – Hydraulic Hose supports product and process industrialization across the IAM organization. The role contributes to the launch of new products, technologies, and engineering changes into stable serial production through defined engineering activities across multiple hydraulic hose manufacturing sites. As a developing technical specialist, the position applies practical knowledge of hydraulic hose manufacturing processes and product–process interactions to support launch readiness, process capability, and stable production performance. Working with senior industrialization experts and plant teams, the role contributes to troubleshooting, standardization, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement in alignment with global industrialization standards. The position supports industrialization and improvement projects across IAM hydraulic hose plants, contributing to the successful execution and performance of a product portfolio representing approximately €300 M in annual revenue.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Chemical, or a related engineering or science field.
3–5 years of process or manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in hydraulic hose production.
Working knowledge of rubber and plastic manufacturing processes and experience supporting production ramp-ups.
Familiarity with product and process industrialization technologies and standards.
Working knowledge of industrial engineering fundamentals and methods.
Understanding of manufacturing test processes and basic process validation methods.
Experience applying problem-solving tools (A3, 8D, DMAIC, SPC, MSA, etc.).
Ability to plan, coordinate, and track assigned project activities.
Basic understanding of product lifecycle and engineering change processes.
Exposure to Quality Core Tools (PFMEA, APQP, MSA, R&R, flowcharting, process control plans).
Familiarity with Lean production / CBS principles, methods, and tools.
Proficiency in English is mandatory
Travel approximately 40 - 50% domestically and within the Americas region.
Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas now or in the future for this job posting.

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating small technical work packages or defined improvement activities.
Strong communication and teamwork skills.
Experience working with cross-site or international manufacturing teams.
Hands-on exposure to hose processes (mandrel preparation, extrusion, braiding, cover, curing, blow-out, pressure testing, and crimping).
Experience with trials, validation, troubleshooting, or ramp-up activities.

Responsibilities

Support Business Area technical experts in applying hydraulic hose manufacturing process standards across IAM plants.
Execute assigned industrialization activities for new products, from design reviews and process definition through launch and production stabilization.
Provide technical input on processes, materials, and assembly methods; escalate complex issues.
Support optimization of production processes, equipment, tooling, and layouts to meet operational targets.
Contribute to DFM/DFA reviews with Product Development, Quality, and Operations teams.
Support engineering changes and verify implementation with minimal production disruption.
Coordinate defined improvement actions focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Use structured problem-solving tools (A3, 8D, DMAIC, SPC, MSA) with guidance.
Analyze cycle time, yield, scrap, and cost to identify process improvements.
Apply manufacturing standards and document improvement opportunities.
Support post-launch reviews and follow-up actions to stabilize serial production.
Monitor KPIs for quality, efficiency, capability, and cost; propose countermeasures.
Identify launch risks and support plant teams with mitigation actions.
Investigate recurring process deviations and contribute to root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
Prepare project status, performance, risk, and improvement updates for PPI Leadership and other stakeholders.
Support implementation and adherence to global product and process standards across assigned locations.
Maintain process documentation, technical guidelines, and lessons learned with senior experts and plant teams.
Share technical knowledge with plant engineers and operators and provide hands-on support during trials and ramp-ups.
Participate in validation of new technologies, materials, and processes, including documentation and follow-up.