Location: Auburn Hills, MI
Position Overview
Seeking an experienced Automotive Manufacturing Engineer with a strong background in body assembly processes and optimization. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in body-in-white (BIW) or body assembly environments, focusing on improving efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role will be responsible for evaluating, optimizing, and implementing processes to enhance body assembly operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Analyze and evaluate body assembly processes to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in cycle time, material flow, and quality.
- Develop and implement process optimization strategies to improve productivity, reduce downtime, and enhance overall line performance.
- Utilize lean manufacturing principles such as value stream mapping, time and motion studies, and line balancing to optimize body assembly workflows.
- Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure body assembly processes align with design intent and manufacturability.
- Lead and manage continuous improvement initiatives using Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other methodologies to improve assembly line efficiency.
- Provide technical expertise in the installation, commissioning, and optimization of body assembly equipment, including welders, fixtures, jigs, and automation systems.
- Conduct weld process analysis (spot welding, MIG welding, laser welding) and optimize welding parameters to ensure structural integrity and quality.
- Evaluate tooling and equipment performance, recommend improvements, and work with vendors on modifications.
- Develop and document standard work processes and operating instructions for body assembly operators.
- Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs), such as uptime, throughput, cycle time, scrap rate, and rework levels, with actionable improvement plans.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and ergonomic best practices to improve operator safety and productivity.
- Train production staff on optimized processes, best practices, and new equipment as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in automotive body assembly or BIW manufacturing processes.
- Strong knowledge of welding processes (spot, MIG, laser) and related assembly technologies.
- Proficiency with industrial engineering tools such as:
- Time and motion studies
- Value stream mapping
- Line balancing
- Demonstrated experience with lean manufacturing methodologies and process improvement techniques.
- Familiarity with body assembly equipment, including robotic systems, fixtures, and tooling.
- Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD, CATIA, or SolidWorks) for layout and tooling optimization.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate processes and implement data-driven solutions.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with technical teams, vendors, and production staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certification in Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher).
- Experience with robotic programming and automation systems (e.g., FANUC, ABB, KUKA).
- Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) or similar production management tools.
- Experience working with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers in a BIW manufacturing environment
