Manufacturing Engineer

Global Steering Systems, LLC (“GSS”) a subsidiary of Neapco, is a high-volume global manufacturer of automotive components, primarily intermediate shafts. We supply our products to the world’s leading auto manufacturers. We are a global company with international manufacturing facilities located in China, Poland and have over 300 employees working in our 180,000-square foot Watertown location. Our global business is built on a solid foundation of commitment not only to each other and our customers, but also to our core values of safety, performance, sustainability, and responsibility. 

Job Description: Global Steering Systems (GSS) Manufacturing Engineer

Responsibilities:

• Provides direct support for facilities, manufacturing equipment, production processes, maintenance and safety; provides production support 50% of the time.
• Designs, develops, tests, sources, cost justifies, and installs various tools, modifications, fixturing, machinery and equipment for production to increase safety, throughput, quality, capacity, and reliability.  Manage the completion of those projects from conception through evaluation, justification, purchase, and implementation.
• Works with, schedules, manages, and supervises outside contractors, (electrical, mechanical, PLC programming, construction, plumbing, HVAC, building, etc…), to resolve material and/or equipment problems and to research & implement upgrades, new tools and operating procedures.
• Works with Operators, Supervisors, Maintenance and QA department to improve processes and troubleshoot equipment repair, and maintenance.
• Provides training and guidance to GSS Setters & Operators on how to set up, operate, perform preventive maintenance routines and troubleshoot equipment. 
• Champion continuous improvement projects to enhance safety, yield, consistency, quality, performance, reliability, equipment capacity and processes.
• Create and execute project plans and work with all levels of the organization to meet Project timing and budget.
• Work closely with Product Engineers to ensure manufacturability and cost effectiveness of new product designs.    
• Provide well-defined process prints and PFMEA documentation while meeting IATF 16949 and APQP requirements. 
• Ensure all projects are launched with TPS principles, (Lean Manufacturing), and strive to manufacture products one at a time, on demand, defect free at lowest cost.  Support new programs and cost improvement projects after launch to achieve 95% operational availability, less than 1% scrap and zero customer issues.  
• Develop and implement OEE Action Plans
• Model cooperation and teamwork
• Responsible for accuracy of equipment and tooling
• Participate in problem solving/cross functional teams and lead problem solving projects
• Create, Review and approve WPI's
• Investigate, record and prepare safety incident reports, and reinforce safety behaviors
• Ensure a safe working environment
• Monitor tooling consumption and react to abnormalities
• Ensures manufacturing practices are current, consistent and compliant with GSS Policies and Procedures, all external state/federal regulations and customer requirements

Experience and Education Requirements:

• BS in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent and seven years engineering experience with at least five years in Manufacturing Engineering

 Competencies – Knowledge, skills and characteristics/behaviors

• Knowledge of proven manufacturing processes, such as, machining, secondary operations, broaching, piercing, & precision assembly, etc…
• Problem Solving Skills using proven techniques, (ie. Shainin Problem Solving Techniques, DOE, Six Sigma, 8 Discipline Problem Solving, etc...)
• Must have demonstrated project management experience involving large projects, new product introductions and/or capital equipment purchases.
• Organizational Skills & project management skills with the ability to prioritize and self-initiative necessary.
• Continuous Improvement mindset with ability to lead and influence others.
• Skills in, cost analysis, technical writing, blueprint reading, statistical analysis, and process control.
• Knowledge of tool design, gage design, and fixture design.
• Computer skills: demonstrated knowledge of excel, access, & CAD software (Siemens NX Preferred)
• Working knowledge of plant/facilities engineering, electronics, pneumatics, engineering controls, engineering standards, cost estimating, product and process rationalization, focused factories, incentive systems, time standards and work sampling.
• Demonstrated understanding of process capabilities, materials and requirements as well as the business awareness to bring a project from quoting stage through to production.
• Broad-base knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, including 5s, Kaizen, Kanban, Poke-a-Yoke, Process Mapping & Value Stream Mapping, other tools & Techniques
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational skills, and collaborative team player.
• ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 experience is a strong plus.
• Knowledge of Automotive AIAG Core tools (FMEA, Control Plan, PPAP, MSA, SPC) is a strong plus.
• Experience with PLC Programming is a strong plus.

Additional Notes

• Able to lift up to 35 pounds. 
• Ability and Willingness to travel internationally
• Able to work in staggered or 2nd shifts when necessary