Engineering Group Leader

Responsible to guide a team of engineers for the manufacturing processes of sub-assemblies and finished product for a designated manufacturing area. Focus on achieving key product indicators including safety, cost, quality and delivery. Manage continuous improvement projects and determine root cause of production issues. Work is of the technical nature where independent judgment is used and decisions are made within the limits of general practice policies.

Works with minimal supervision.

• Provides leadership and direction to a group of manufacturing engineers/technicians
• Reviews and analyzes production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to determine root causes of problems
• Develops work methods and standards
• Develops and maintains process flow diagrams and PFMEA plans
• Establishes and maintains certification requirements for appropriate machinery (eg. Work instructions, CVR’s, initial production training sign-offs)
• Keeps management team informed of progress, developments and pending problems
• Implements lean manufacturing practices such as 5S, Kanban, poka-yoke, visual management, 1-piece flow
• Utilizes structured problem solving tools e.g. A3, 5Y, 8D, Ishikawa, PDCA, Six Sigma DMAIC, Shainin, etc.
• Leads cross functional teams to support all aspects of manufacturing
• Develops goals/objectives and defines metrics to measure performance to the goals for their engineering group
• Establishes yearly targets and KPI’s for group. Maintains regular reporting structure for targets and goals to be tracked and communicated. Participates in plant business planning process>
• Supports plant-wide commitment to meet all International Standards ISO/IATF
  16949, ISO 14001, VDA, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering preferred or Associates of Science degree in an Engineering discipline with relevant work experience

• 5-7 years of experience in automated or semi-automated manufacturing environment with demonstrated leadership experience

• Knowledge and understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes
• Knowledge of materials and methods of manufacturing
• Ability to interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and drawings
• Knowledge of electro-mechanical systems
• High level of analytical ability where problems are complex
• Understanding of manufacturing processes
• High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization both verbally and written
• Ability to work in and lead cross-functional teams
• Familiar with friction welding, balancing, and paint processes
• Familiarity with SAP R/3 enterprise system
• German language skills (reading, writing, speaking)
• Knowledge of automotive driveline components
• Demonstrated proficiency with standard Office applications including Word, advanced Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Outlook

• Ability to walk/move about a 200,000+ sq ft manufacturing facility: 80% of the time
• Ability to stand/walk/move about specific work area: 75% of the time
• Ability to bend/reach/twist/stoop: 40% of the time
• Ability to lift up to 30lbs on a frequent basis: 30% of the time
• Ability to lift over 30lbs on an infrequent basis: 10% of the time
• Ability to push/pull materials using motorized and non-motorized material handling equipment on an infrequent basis: 20% of the time
• Ability to sit at a work station: 80% of the time
• Ability to work and operate a computer terminal: 80% of the time
• Vision is required to analyze and process work; and to work on computer terminal/machine centers, etc.
• Hearing is essential for safety reasons; and to communicate with employees, supervisors, managers, vendors, suppliers and customers via conversation, group meetings, and/or phone conferences
• Ability to work all shifts and/or flexible hours
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally: up to 10% of the time

IFA North America provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, IFA North America complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.