SUMMARY

The Advanced Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for ensuring optimum collaboration between the product and the process design teams.  They will verify that the process and equipment design respects the requirements of the product design, confirming that the process has robust prevention and detection mechanisms to safeguard product quality.  This role will be responsible for vetting the processes that will be employed, and in some cases will directly coordinate the initial equipment design and builds. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Frequent (approximately once per month) travel to STRATTEC Juarez facilities, other VAST / STRATTEC facilities, and equipment vendors to support equipment design, build, debug, runoff, and launch efforts for multiple new assembly lines
• Evaluate all phases of new equipment construction, including error-proofing, First-Time Quality (FTQ), ergonomics, capacity / throughput, uptime, etc., including a detailed run-at-rate at the vendor facility
• Evaluate and improve the First-Time Quality (FTQ) and capability of existing assembly lines including error-proofing, line output, uptime, etc.
• Support installation, debug, pre-launch, and launch of assembly lines
• Assist Product Engineering to improve product design using DFM/DFA techniques, ergonomic and workflow process evaluations, and lean manufacturing concepts
• Review DFMEA and PFMEA documents for each project.  Confirm that all safety critical failure modes are identified and appropriately passed-through to the applicable assembly and detection steps ensuring that the assembly lines have robust controls in place.
• Work directly with the Process Engineering team to develop initial assembly process for new assembly lines
• Actively participate in Product & Process Design reviews
• Support quote activities by working with SMO Process Engineering team to develop tool and capital estimates for new assembly lines
• Working with the Process Engineering team, assist Product Engineering in prototype / DV build events to understand how the product will need to be assembled.  Collect feedback and work with  the Product Engineering Team on identified opportunities to improve manufacturability and error-proofing.
• Utilize VAST Knowledge Management System (VKMS) to meet Product Development Process (PDP) deliverables
• Develop and maintain Open Issues List for assembly cells and drive issues to closure
• Participate in internal PDT and Project Execution Meetings.  Keep Program Manager(s) up-to-date of any significant issues and report on assembly cell timing.
• Support Continuous Improvement by keeping abreast of latest technologies as it relates to manufacturing systems and potential implementation of new concepts as appropriate
• Report progress / status to manager verbally and in writing as required / requested
• Generate cost reduction / avoidance ideas as they relate to opportunities for manufacturing and product design improvements

QUALIFICATIONS : To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Experience with development and fabrication of assembly lines
• Automation and End-of-Line testing experience
• Secondary equipment experience (Electrically controlled screw driving, peening, riveting, sensing, part marking, vision systems, controls, etc.)
• Experience with DFMEA and PFMEA creation and failure mode verification of assembly lines
• Experience with DFM/DFA techniques and Kaizen philosophy
• Experience with error-proofing concepts, implementation, and verification
• Able to read engineering prints
• Have a working knowledge of GD&T principles
• Have strong mechanical aptitude skills and the ability to work with basic hand tools
• Experience in formal root cause analysis methodology (Red X and / or 8D preferred)
• Proficient with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project)
• Experience managing multiple projects concurrently and able to manage / set priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able to multi-task, plan and organize work
• Able to work in a cross functional team and be able to effectively communicate.
• Able to present Manufacturing Engineering information and progress directly to customers
• Self-sufficient / self-motivated and able to work effectively with minimal supervision

• Willingness to travel frequently (~25%)
• BSME, BSEE, BSIE or related technical degree / experience is required
• 5-7 years minimum experience in Manufacturing Engineering
• Plant experience preferred
• Business knowledge, understanding preferred
• Experience working for a Tier 1 automotive supplier  is preferred

LANGUAGE SKILLS :                                            

Ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not required

      STRATTEC SECURITY CORPORATION is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action to recruit, hire, train, upgrade, transfer and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.