Senior Process & Automation Engineer - Automotive Manufacturing

Johnson Electric • Springfield, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Process & Automation Engineer leads the design, development, implementation, validation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. The role is the senior technical resource for manufacturing processes and provides direction to engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams. It supports new product launches, automation initiatives, robotics integration, PLC-controlled equipment, and advanced manufacturing technologies, with the goal of delivering strong safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance.

The position partners with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Product Engineering to develop robust manufacturing systems that meet IATF 16949, VDA 6.3, customer-specific requirements, and operational excellence objectives. It leads complex manufacturing projects, supports process standardization and continuous improvement throughout the product lifecycle, and mentors engineers and technicians. The position is based 100% onsite in Springfield, Tennessee; relocation support is provided, and travel is less than 5%.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Knowledge of PLCs, including Allen Bradley or Keyence.
• Knowledge of Keyence cameras and scanner systems.
• At least 7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing or advanced manufacturing engineering.
• Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, and MSA.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proven experience leading manufacturing improvement projects.
• Ability to coach and mentor others and develop cross-functional teams.
• Ability to lead by example and influence without authority.
• Experience managing automation suppliers and equipment integrators.
• Experience with capital equipment procurement and implementation.
• Ability to make sound technical decisions under pressure.
• Ability to drive accountability and execution and champion innovation and continuous improvement.
• Effective communication with all organizational levels.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of 6 Axis Kuka Robots and AI vision systems.
• Strong knowledge of balancing concepts and functionality (static, dynamic).

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior technical resource for manufacturing processes and guide engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams.
• Lead new product launches, automation projects, and major manufacturing improvements.
• Mentor and develop Process Engineers and Engineering Technicians through coaching and knowledge sharing.
• Promote continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence across manufacturing operations.
• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Analyze production data and implement corrective actions.
• Support APQP deliverables, including Process Flow, PFMEA, and Control Plan.
• Maintain process documentation, including work instructions and SOPs.
• Collaborate with Quality, Production, and Maintenance teams.
• Support new equipment installation and process improvements.
• Monitor process KPIs, including scrap, yield, and cycle time.
• Participate in audits and compliance activities.
• Lead automation projects from specification and design review through implementation, commissioning, and validation of manufacturing equipment.
• Support integration of PLCs, robotics, machine vision, sensors, poka-yoke systems, and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Collaborate with automation suppliers and system integrators to ensure successful project execution.
• Develop manufacturing strategies that improve safety, quality, productivity, and profitability.
• Lead process design reviews and DFM/DFA assessments for new product introductions.
• Establish and maintain standardized manufacturing methods across production lines.
• Lead process capability studies (Cp/Cpk), DOE activities, and statistical analysis to optimize manufacturing performance.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits.
• Relocation support provided.
• Accommodations available on request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process.

What This Job Offers

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