Senior Production Engineer (Controls)

TITLE

Senior Production Engineer (Controls/Automation)

COMPANY

JTEKT Automotive North America

DEPARTMENT

Production Engineering

LOCATION

Piedmont, SC

CLASSIFICATION

Exempt

REPORTS TO

Production Engineering Manager

GRADE

106

 

Summary/Purpose

Provides production engineering support to manufacturing, with strong emphasis on machining and technical knowledge.  Designs and tests systems, automation and controls for various processes and activities. 

Essential Duties and Accountabilities:

• Writes, modifies and troubleshoots programming of PLC and HMIs for manufacturing and facility equipment.
• Performs design and development for manufacturing processes including process flow, assembly/machining methods and equipment
• Provides process engineering skills for process improvement for existing processes
• Designs, develops and tests tooling, fixtures and gauging for manufacturing processes
• Assist and lead root cause analysis of technical issues
• Provides technical guidance and assistance to the manufacturing team for daily issues and long-term needs
• Performs process analysis for quality improvement, cost reduction, and cycle time reduction
• Administer process changes in engineering documents as needed
• Grooms new equipment to meet production and quality requirements; assess spare parts problems and make appropriate changes
• Performs equipment capability studies, APQP and PFMEA requirements
• Determines new equipment layout for approval and prepares detailed equipment specifications; manages new capital purchase as needed
• Makes engineering reports as required for process development or troubleshooting; Project administration for process changes (new products, etc.)

• Ability to work in a team environment; performs 5S as required
• Other duties as assigned by management

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities, however the role will share knowledge with less experienced engineers.
  
  

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Special equipment knowledge (vision systems, heat treat, performance testers, HE leak testers, etc.)
• Electrical background
• Robotic experience (preferably Fanuc)
• Vision Systems experience (preferably Keyence)
• Ability to analyze statistical data
• Technical skills in manufacturing processes
• IATF requirements
• Hydraulic, pneumatic and lubrication systems
• PLC systems and nomenclature; program modifications and troubleshooting experience (i.e., Allen Bradley, Mitsubishi or similar)
• Mechanical reasoning skills
• Close tolerance measurement
• High level math skills
• Part drawing interpretation
• Strong communication skills both verbal and written
• Problem solving ability
• Computer skills, Excel, Word, Solidworks, Auto Cad LT
• Good interpersonal skills
• Work without close supervision
• Safety oriented
• Ergonomics knowledge
• Physical agility to access equipment
• Ability to work overtime and weekends when needed
  
  

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering with at least 4 years relevant experience
• Capital procurement experience and grooming for production
• Automated equipment troubleshooting experience
• Design of fixtures for high volume equipment
  
  

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work shift as assigned and overtime is required, as needed.
• Will be required to do the following throughout the shift: standing, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching above and below shoulders, moving left to right repetitively, grasping, and fine finger dexterity. 
• May be required to lift during shift up to 40 lbs.
• Specific vision abilities required with this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as steel toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields.