US Launch Leader

Nexteer•Saginaw, MI

About The Position

At Nexteer, our strength lies in the diversity of our team—each member contributing unique backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations. We believe this diversity fuels our innovation, broadens our perspectives, and propels our collective growth. For over a century, we’ve been innovators in the automotive industry. Our vision is clear - we are a global leading motion control technology company accelerating mobility to be safe, green and exciting. Our unwavering commitment to Quality, Collaboration, Integrity, and Accountability guides us as we solve motion control challenges for our global customers. If you’re ready to join a dynamic team that drives change and makes a difference, Nexteer welcomes you! About the Role: Nexteer is looking for a qualified candidate to join our team as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer and play a key role in advancing automotive steering technologies. This position focuses on Columns, Intermediate Shafts (I-Shafts), Column Intermediate Shafts (CIS), and Hand Wheel Actuators (HWA). We are looking for an experienced engineer with strong technical expertise and proven problem-solving skills to drive process improvements and support new product launches.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience in Automotive
Strong Quality experience, Six Sigma Certification preferred
Operations or Program Management experience preferred
Excellent at Microsoft Excel and Power Point
Excellent interpersonal skills with oral and written communication skills
Work effectively with other in a multicultural environment
Self driven and motivated leadership and organization skills
Ability to read blueprints and assess manufacturing feasibility
Ability for international travel, as required
Knowledge of commodities, materials and products being purchased
High analytical ability in complex situations
Bachelor’s degree Manufacturing, Engineering or Operations

Responsibilities

Manage multiple US program launches for purchasing.
Ensure cost competitive and efficient designs are established.
Ensure that the Bill of Material is launched on time at cost book.
Track supplier tooling lead time and PPAP delivery.
Track program cost for piece price and tooling.
Provide a timely basis accurate Bill of Material cost estimates to the business to support customer quotes through estimation or Request For Quote process.
Report program status to Nexteer Management.
Work with Buyers, engineering, and Global Commodity Managers to ensure on time sourcing and report supplier performance for program launch.
Facilitate cross functional meetings including suppliers to improve program cost and delivery through design and development.
Aid in the strategic evaluation of potential suppliers and facilitate early supplier involvement.
Introduce the organization to new technical developments in material and components which will help product engineering achieve its objectives.
Support the process to establish Statement of Work.
Participate in core and non-core training to increase personal development.
Participate in appropriate meetings to represent Purchasing with knowledge needed; including Sourcing Committee, Program Launch Readiness reviews, Supplier Launch reviews, Design Reviews, make versus buy initiatives.
Support implementation and development of Commodity Strategy and Low Cost Country initiatives, communicate program capacity requirements to purchasing team as well as engineering changes.
Work with and assist Advanced Quality Engineer to manage timing for quality process(APQP) and confirm completion of critical APQP elements, Design Reviews, Run at Rates, Launch Readiness reviews, and Safe Launch Plans.
Coordinate and track safe launch audit process
Resolve technical issues during PPAP and run at rate
Single point contact for the plant on all supplier quality issues
Plant support during plant quality walks
Assist Advanced Purchasing and buyers with technical questions
Technical resource for plant alignment on supplier processes
Weekly report out of supplier performance in specific program