Die Engineering Manager

About the Company - AUTOKINITON delivers operational excellence, high-quality execution, and customer service. We offer 100% vertical integration capabilities such as end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and in-house logistics. We’re proud of our Tier 1 supplier legacy for manufacturing propulsion-agnostic, structural automotive components, and assemblies around the globe.

About the Role - To help us drive excellence, you’ll get to:

Support the Company’s mission, vision and values in performance of daily activities.

Provide key input into the development of departmental strategic goals along with identifying key measurable to support the departmental goals.

Assist Program Launch team in conducting new tool tryouts and other activities as scheduled.

Work closely with the other departments to improve efficiencies and throughput.

Stabilize the process by determining root cause of process issues and implementing corrective actions as needed.

Recommend incorporation of new technology where feasible and practical. Assure that all products quoted and/or released to the plant are feasible and that the quoted rate, crew sizes, and plant performance metrics are achievable.

Guides design, develops and tests die methods, materials, processes and results.

Troubleshoot and communicate die concerns to the Tool & Die supervisors and/or manager.

Interface with customers, contractors and die build shops as appropriate.

Determine and document proper processing parameters and assist in auditing of the same.

Determine priorities and implement cost reduction projects; maintain detailed documentation as required.

Lead training activities for die leaders for die principles and practices.

Communicate material concerns to the Materials department (ex. circle grid, material certification, etc.)

Support process improvement initiatives and activities throughout the plant.

Maintain PFMEA for respective processes and maintain process flow diagrams.

Champion assigned engineering changes and communicate/coordinate with all departments.

Train, coach and mentor other engineers and other cross-function team members.

Support plant activities towards achieving customer awards and Quality registration (ex. TS 16949, ISO 14001, etc.)

Direct and/or participate in root cause analysis and team problem solving activities (ex. 8D reports, department meetings, etc.).

Responsible for adhering to all OSHA required safety procedures in performing daily work activities.

Assure all safety devices are properly in place and utilized and verify individual usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the work team.

Qualifications -

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent experience

Master’s Degree preferred

Minimum of eight (8) or more years related technical, hands-on experience

Background in engineering and building dies

Proficient in troubleshooting and correcting workflow problems

Proficient in troubleshooting stamping processes

Knowledge of standard quality practices

Computer literacy and good knowledge of Microsoft Office software

Proven leadership ability and excellent interpersonal skills

CAD experience (UG, Catia, AutoCad Desktop etc).

Ability to visualize and comprehend all aspects of a manufacturing equipment and tooling, understand the relationships of factors affecting a given situation, be attentive to detail, and continually seek to improve work processes

Knowledge of automated processes including mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic and control systems and how they interact with each other

Where you’ll be - This position is located at our corporate office in New Boston, MI and supports our corporate team, offering many community events, resources, programs, and recreational opportunities for you and your family.

Community features -

Close to Downtown Ann Arbor, MI

Willow Metro Park