New Item Launch & Engineering Systems Engineer

TITLE

Project Engineer - New Item Launch/Engineering Systems

COMPANY

JTEKT North America

DEPARTMENT

Launch Group - 89

LOCATION

Sylvania, Georgia

CLASSIFICATION

Salaried - Exempt

REPORTS TO

Engineering Supervisor

GRADE

105

Summary/Purpose

The New Item Launch / Engineering Systems Engineer provides support for customer samples, PPAP, new product launches, and daily operations within the Launch Group. This role ensures compliance with JTEKT and customer-specific requirements while supporting production readiness, quality initiatives, and APQP deliverables.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities:

Learn and apply the requirements of AIAG QSA, MSA, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and SPC.

Facilitate APQP activities for new product launches.

Coordinate and support PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) documentation and submission for new items.

Ensure lessons learned from previous launches are incorporated into future APQP activities.

Learn and apply the requirements of IATF ISO/TS 16949, VDA, and JTEKT QG20 standards.

Ensure software applications and processes implemented are compliant with internal/external regulatory requirements.

Understand and implement customer-specific quality and documentation requirements.

Support customer and internal audits related to APQP and PPAP requirements.

Plan and manage tasks for customer sample builds and documentation submissions in accordance with applicable standards.

Utilize Oracle systems to manage orders and shipping including expedited sample orders.

Develop knowledge of Sylvania Plant manufacturing processes and costing methods to support feasibility reviews and quotations.

Perform work related to evaluating, configuring, documenting, deploying, maintaining, upgrading, training, and troubleshooting Oracle ERP, Manufacturing & Operations Process Management software systems along with all other interfaced and integrated software applications and associated business processes.

Manage multiple projects simultaneously to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and continuous improvement goals.

Collect, analyze, and report data accurately in the required format.

Work independently and collaboratively to identify, analyze, and resolve issues related to samples, documentation, and new product or system launches.

Provide engineering support for initiatives in safety, quality improvement, scrap reduction, productivity enhancement, and equipment/material procurement and implementation.

Work with manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure robust process controls and risk mitigation strategies are implemented in engineering systems.

Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for launch or system related issues.

Assist in defining data and system requirements, developing interface and integration requirements, and authoring requirements documents, conceptual design documents, and business process maps.

Collaborate with technical resources regarding application concepts and designs that meet user and business needs.

Participate as a team member in the implementation of engineering system upgrades, enhancements, and new functionality.

Utilize lean principles in the development of future processes to ensure effective and efficient business performance.

Support compliance with IATF 16949, AS 9100D, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards throughout the plant.

Represent the department in cross-functional communications and ensure alignment with plant objectives.

Perform other duties as assigned. Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong integrity and persistence to ensure compliance with defined requirements.

Excellent project management and organizational skills.

Effective collaboration and communication with both internal and external teams.

Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills for engaging with customers, suppliers, and internal associates.

High attention to detail with a focus on compliance, data accuracy, and documentation.

Analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and implement effective countermeasures.

Ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently in a dynamic environment.

Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take initiative.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Oracle systems, and ability to learn customer web-based applications.

Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, and experience in part inspection and measurement.

Understanding of metalworking processes such as stamping, drawing, turning, heat treating, grinding, finishing, and assembly processes, combined with proficiency in capital planning and manufacturing cost estimating.

Demonstrated proficiency with Creo, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD.

Ability to read and interpret technical documentation including specifications, control plans, FMEAs, and standard work documents.

Working knowledge of gauging and inspection methods is required.

Proficient with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and general Windows applications. Proficiency with SharePoint is highly desirable.

Ability to deal independently with internal and external system experts, users, and others, in a professional and diplomatic manner.

Working knowledge of lean principles, design, manufacturing, and quality engineering applications and processes.

Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, both verbal and written. Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering required. 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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work is performed in both office and manufacturing environments.

Exposure to moderate noise, moving mechanical parts, electrical systems, compressed air, hydraulics, water, and chemicals.

Regular activities include standing, sitting, reaching, and extended computer use.

Occasional activities include bending over, kneeling, crouching, and occasional lifting of material up to 40 pounds are required.

Manufacturing floor setting will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.

This role requires daily presence in manufacturing areas where the use of personal protective equipment is mandatory, including safety glasses with side shields, hearing protection, and safety-toed shoes that are slip-resistant. Additional protective equipment may be required to comply with the standard of certain work areas.

Employee may perform other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

At JTEKT, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.