Senior Manager, Product Engineering

International Automotive Components•Troy, MI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Provide advanced product and manufacturing design support to IAC manufacturing facilities, IAC product design team, and OEM to assure manufacturing feasibility and robust processes are driven into product design from a secondary tool perspective. Assist IAC plants in the development of RFQ, quote reviews/vetting, sourcing decision, and technical discussions with IAC management & OEMs. Assist in optimizing manufacturing efficiency and quality standards through the implementation of improved processes, materials, methods, and facilities. Support manufacturing facilities. Manage activities related to the tool design, construction, budget and timing of secondary machine/fixture builds for new program launches. Provide tooling leadership to project teams to support customer needs. Manage secondary machine/fixture build activities with suppliers to meet IAC program timing, cost and quality objectives.

Requirements

7–10 years’ experience in machine / fixture design, construction/build, & follow-up for interior trim automotive components (Floor Consoles, Instrument Panels. Hard Trim, or Doors).
Automotive experience with past programs / interior trim launches
Ability to resolve issues quickly and to recognize and resolve threats to program objections
Must have good negotiating skills. Position involves reviewing and establishing tool costs with suppliers and OEM cost analyst.
Must be able to work independent of direct supervision, especially when away from the office.
Must be able to work as a member of the launch team, be proficient at working with all levels of the organization, while maintaining a sense of individual accountability and responsibility.
Excellent time management and project management skills.
Must have good written and oral skill sets, be proficient with Microsoft Office and other computer skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously while managing a team.

Nice To Haves

4 yr ME Bachelor's Degree (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and mentor a team of product engineers and technical professionals.
Establish engineering priorities and resource plans aligned with business objectives.
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Support talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
Drive technical problem-solving utilizing structured methodologies.
Direct product engineering activities throughout the product lifecycle, including concept development, feasibility assessments, design reviews, validation, launch, and production support.
Ensure designs meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, manufacturing capabilities, and cost objectives.
Oversee design validation plans, testing activities, and engineering sign-offs.
Lead engineering change management processes and product optimization efforts.
Support advanced engineering and innovation initiatives to enhance product performance and competitiveness.
Partner with Program Management to ensure engineering deliverables are completed on schedule and within budget.
Identify technical risks and implement mitigation plans.
Support APQP activities, including DFMEA, DVP&R, design reviews, and launch readiness assessments.
Provide engineering leadership during new product launches and major engineering changes.
Ensure lessons learned are captured and incorporated into future programs.
Serve as the primary engineering contact for assigned customers.
Participate in customer design reviews, technical discussions, and program status meetings.
Address customer concerns, warranty issues, and product quality concerns through root cause analysis and corrective action implementation.
Support business development activities by providing technical expertise during customer quotations and product development discussions.
Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Purchasing, Supply Chain, Tooling, and Commercial teams to achieve business objectives.
Support cost reduction, value engineering, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with suppliers on component development and technical requirements.
Ensure effective communication and alignment across global and regional stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements, industry standards, and internal engineering procedures.
Support IATF 16949, ISO, safety, and regulatory compliance activities.
Participate in customer audits and technical reviews.
Promote product reliability, durability, and manufacturability throughout development and production.
Support engineering budget development and resource planning.
Drive productivity improvements and engineering efficiency initiatives.
Evaluate emerging technologies and market trends to support future product strategies.
Contribute to strategic planning and organizational improvement initiatives.
Champion the preproduction machine run-offs and approval processes to assure prompt PPAP based quoted cycle times and OEE’s.
Participate in cost negotiations pertaining to tool and engineering change costs.
Support pre-production machine start up at IAC Manufacturing plants during the PPAP process.
Provide technical support to IAC Manufacturing plants on troubleshooting existing manufacturing processes and/or product lines to achieve customer quality standards and profit objectives.
Ensure projects are executed with the proper safety devices per OSHA, NFPA, ANSI and IAC Standards.