Sr. Production Engineer

JTEKT North America • PIEDMONT, SC

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Sr. Production Engineer (focus on Induction heat treatment) JTEKT North America is a global leader in engineering and manufacturing automotive systems, bearing solutions, and high-performance machine tools. As a proud member of the Toyota Group, we are committed to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. Our Piedmont plant has undergone a major expansion, that brought in over 120 new machines and automation systems, creating exciting opportunities for growth and advancement. Responsible for induction heat treatment process performance across JTEKT Piedmont site's 8 heat treat machines spanning across multiple production areas. Responsible for case-depth and hardness process control, equipment reliability, and quality risk management for every hardened shaft and race produced in the plant. This is across various lines technical functions supporting the Lead Engineer, heat treatment, with the mandate to formalize documentation and standards so this expertise is shared across multiple team members.

Requirements

• Hands-on induction heat treatment process experience (case hardening, harness/case depth control) in an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment
• Working knowledge of steel metallurgy relevant to hardened shaft/race components
• Structured root-cause, problem solving methodology (8D, 5Why, PFMEAA, etc.) in an IATF environment
• Proven ability to troubleshoot heat treat power supplies and controls (i.e., Inductoheat, EFD, Ajax Tocco) and supporting PLC/HMI systems
• Ability to read part prints, metallurgical specifications, and analyze statistical process data (Cpk/Ppk)
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Proficient computer skills (especially Excel, SolidWorks, Auto CAD, etc.)
• Safety and ergonomic knowledge related to manufacturing
• Able to access equipment and ability to work overtime and weekends when needed to support equipment issues.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Materials/Metallurgical Engineering or equivalent technical degree and equivalent relevant experience
• 5+ years related experience, preferably in induction heat treatment within an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment

Nice To Haves

• Automotive driveline or CVJ shaft or precision component heat treat background
• Coil design or quench system experience
• Supporting heat treatment across multiple lines simultaneously
• Lean / TPS / Six Sigma exposure
• Experience within a Toyota Group style operation
• Capital procurement experience and equipment grooming for production
• Automated equipment troubleshooting experience
• Forklift, walkee stacker, and or scissor lift experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for induction heat treatment process parameters (frequency, power, quench, case depth, hardness profile) across all heat treat machines and product lines.
• Lead root-cause investigations on heat treat quality issues - case depth deviation, hardness out-of-spec, cracking, distortion; partnering with Quality and supplier metallurgy as needed.
• Responsible for preventive maintenance strategy and reliability improvement for induction heat treat equipment: coils, quench systems, and power supplies.
• Specify and coordinate coil design/rework with vendors to support process changes and new part introductions.
• Support APQP/PPAP and PFMEA for heat treat process and product changes, including new equipment commissioning.
• Provide across multiple lines technical oversight and PM oversight for heat treat equipment, escalating quality risk to the Lead Engineer, and heat treatment.
• Mentor Area Owners and technicians on induction heat treat fundamentals across lines to build floor-level troubleshooting capability.
• Support 5S and safety initiatives in heat treat areas.
• Other duties as assigned by management

What This Job Offers

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