Die Engineer

AUTOKINITON is a leading provider of operational excellence, high-quality execution, and customer service. With 100% vertical integration capabilities, we offer end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and in-house logistics. Our legacy as a Tier 1 supplier has earned us a reputation for delivering propulsion-agnostic, structural automotive components and assemblies worldwide.

We are seeking a highly skilled Die Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our department, you will play a crucial role in driving excellence and contributing to our company's success. Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing input into the development of departmental strategic goals and identifying key measurable to support them.
• Assisting the Program Launch team in conducting new tool tryouts and other activities as scheduled.
• Collaborating with other departments to improve efficiencies and throughput.
• Stabilizing processes by determining root cause and implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Recommending the incorporation of new technology where feasible and practical.
• Guiding the design, development, and testing of die methods, materials, processes, and results.
• Troubleshooting and communicating die concerns to the Tool & Die supervisors and/or manager.
• Interfacing with customers, contractors, and die build shops as appropriate.
• Determining and documenting proper processing parameters and assisting in auditing the same.
• Determining priorities and implementing material and cost reduction projects; maintaining detailed documentation as required.
• Leading training activities for die leaders on die principles and practices.
• Communicating material concerns to the Materials department.
• Supporting process improvement initiatives and activities throughout the plants.
• Maintaining PFMEA for respective processes and maintaining process flow diagrams.
• Championing assigned engineering changes and communicating/ coordinating with all departments.
• Using MTBF/MTTR to measure the reliability and efficiency of equipment.
• Assisting with the quoting process.
• Participating in die reviews.
• Acting as a resource for enhancing and optimizing SPM improvements within the organization.
• Managing and supporting ECOs.
• Managing costs associated with producing poor quality products (CoPQ).
• Meeting quality standards by performing customer blank/steel audits.
• Training, coaching, and mentoring other engineers and cross-function team members.
• Supporting plant activities towards achieving customer awards and Quality registration (e.g., TS 16949, ISO 14001, etc.).
• Directing and/or participating in stamping root cause analysis and team problem-solving activities (e.g., 8D reports, department meetings, etc.).
• Ensuring adherence to all OSHA required safety procedures in performing daily work activities.
• Verifying the proper use of safety devices and personal protective equipment (PPE) by the work team.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience, with a Master's degree preferred.
• A minimum of eight (8) or more years of related technical, hands-on experience.
• Background in engineering and building dies.
• Proficiency in troubleshooting and correcting workflow problems.
• Ability to mentor and teach the team in effective problem-solving methods.
• Experience in applying lean manufacturing concepts.
• Knowledge of standard quality practices.
• Proven leadership ability and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication 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.
• Working knowledge of continuous improvement, project management, facility engineering, process engineering, product engineering, equipment technology/capabilities, plant capacity, and general problem-solving.

We will provide position-specific details, including physical and focused efforts, working environment, and conditions, and reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

This position is located at our Plant 5 Facility in Lebanon, TN, offering many community events, resources, programs, and recreational opportunities for you and your family.

• TN Titans NFL Team (nearby Nashville)
• Bridgestone Arena – Nashville's No. 1 venue for large-scale music productions, as well as the home of the Nashville Predators
• TN State Fair – (Fun for all ages)