Advanced Manufacturing Engineer

Main purpose of the job:

To lead and deliver advanced manufacturing engineering activities across new product launches and existing production by developing robust processes and equipment that achieve quality, cost, safety and timing targets. The role provides end-to-end ownership from initial concept through quotation, launch and production, working closely with cross-functional teams, suppliers and operations to ensure manufacturing solutions are efficient, repeatable and aligned with business objectives.

Main missions and results:

• Project manage complex products from initial process and equipment concept into quotation and launch phases.
• Management of multiple suppliers of tooling and capital ensuring timing and cost targets are met.
• Work with AME team in the creation, development and testing of new processes and equipment.
• Lead the development of the process, and the sourcing of equipment required to ensure that quality, cost and timing targets for the specific product and project are met.
• Lead the generation of PFMEAs, process flows, control plans and standard operating instructions to support both pre-production and production processes. Support with control plan generation/alignment.
• Design, develop, specify and source key manufacturing equipment.
• Generate specifications (and ultimately best practises) that clearly define the product criteria/requirements. Understanding the limitations of certain processes and ensuring this is fed back into the product design.
• Sign off new equipment including management of run at rates and capability studies both in plant and at toolmaker.
• Ensure products, process and materials are safe and complete health and safety documents as required.
• Engage with Cross Functional manufacturing teams with data and inputs for; Shop Floor and manufacturing cell layouts, Value Stream Map Events, Operator training and capacity studies.
• Support product design in the development of the components ensuring best in class design for manufacture.
• Production of process workbooks to generate accurate cost estimates to support commercial.
• Manage changes through the CR system and ensure timely submission and implementation.
• Support quality in the close out of customer concerns and aid root cause identification.
• Management of equipment installation and contractors.
• Support operations in the day to day running of the business.
• Generation of cost saving initiatives to support the plants CI roadmap.
• Experience of aftermarket component supply.
• Ability to travel to UK facilities, and global toolmakers.
• Be innovative, resourceful, and work with minimal direction.
• Have ability to multitask, prioritise work and make data driven decisions.
• Work effectively with all cross-functional teams.

Preferred skills and experience:

• Significant experience in a relevant role within a 1st tier automotive supplier, preferably within a just in time environment.
• Knowledge of the AIAG & VDA 7 Step structure for PFMEAs required.
• Experience in automotive interior trim manufacturing processes.
• Experience of working with an OEM.
• Exposure to manufacturing lines highly reliant on IT systems.
• Experience of Six sigma / Lean manufacturing processes.
• Computer literate with MS Project.
• Auto CAD advantageous.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles.