Materials Engineer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary:  Trim Materials Engineer learning/developing skills in material properties, testing, root cause analysis and working with internal and external customers to resolve performance and appearance issues.  Will learn/grow in the ability to provide support on a given customer program(s) and/or Customer Business Unit for trim material issues. 

Basic Responsibilities

Materials Engineering Laboratory

• Adhere to lab guidelines, operator instructions, work instructions.  Complete training in basic testing and conduct testing until proficient in basic methods and equipment operation.                          
• Participate in A2LA accreditation and compliance as directed by Materials Lab Quality Manager.                                                                                                                 
• Adhere to lab quality system documents.                                                                 
• Write lab reports w/A3’s as needed, closes out test reports following lab protocol for filing and distribution.
• Complete test request in MPDM, provide labeled materials, and communicate expedited timing needs if applicable                        

Standardization / Best Practices:

• Working level understanding of TPDM, MPDM.  Ability to follow new rolled goods part numbering process, usage of standardized form, specifying proper OEM specifications to form and drawings, and follow best practices for new number/revision generation.
• Enforce MBBP lamination guideline for ADIENT laminate sourcing.
• Support and advance MBBP and best practice initiatives in group.  Follow mentoring by Senior staff in this area.
• 5S Maintain a safe and orderly work environment in lab and in desk/office areas.

Program Customer Support:

• Provide material risk assessments, make recommendations, resolve issues.  Seek out expertise from senior staff members.
• Support requests to investigate warranty returns, document in MPDM.
• Helps support program teams with cost reduction initiatives validating materials cost reductions where appropriate.
• Attend SDT's, PKR Reviews, EDR Reviews and follow up on any open trim material issues.
• Fills out New Material Feasibility forms for materials and includes Sew Cell input in lab report summaries.

Internal Collaboration

• Support new supplier development and implementation as directed by Purchasing and Supplier Quality.
• Support C&S plants to address material issues with cutting, sewing and packaging.
• Support JIT plants to address material issues with packaging, seat build, craftsmanship, and finessing.
• Support and suggest one new idea for continuous improvement within Trim Materials Department.

Scope and Supervision Level: 

• Reports to Chief Engineer.
• Executes tasks reliably and only requires periodic or routine direction and interaction/follow-up from supervisor and/or other team members.
• Complete assigned deliverables on time. Understands some level of extra hours may be required to achieve deliverables based on supervisor discretion.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

Information Management Skills:

Entry Level Skills

• Basic proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel

Communication Skills:

Entry Level Skills

• Possess ability to work in a team environment
• Communicates information in a clear, logical, and effective manner to hold attention and focuses on key ideas.                                                                                                       
• Works with the Lead/Senior Lead/Chief Engineer to provide material risk assessments, A3's, PKR's, Pugh diagrams, etc.  to program managers and team.            
• Attends weekly staff meetings, submits weekly minutes by deadline on key issues/work submits, participates in monthly 1-1’s w/supervisor providing progress to goals prior to meeting.                                                                            

Proficiency at Grade Level

• Able to effectively represent ADIENT and/or Trim Engineering as appropriate in meetings with working-level customer (internal and external) representatives.                                        
• Attends and actively participates in formal meetings as required (i.e., PKR’s, SDT, EDR reviews, Trim Engineering Communication meetings.

Education and Experience

• 4-year college degree in job related field (e.g. textiles, polymers, etc.) or other suitable technical degree preferred or
• 2-year degree with 2 years applicable work experience in a related field or
• 5 years job related experience and has completed 1 or more Program launch cycles.

PRIMARY LOCATION