Sr Manager Trim Engineering

Adient is a global leader in automotive seating. We produce and deliver automotive seating for all major OEMs. From complete seating systems to individual components, our expertise spans every step of the automotive seat-making process. Our integrated, in-house skills allow us to take our products from research and design to engineering and manufacturing - and into more than 23 million vehicles every year.

SUMMARY

The Senior Trim Engineering Manager manages the trim design and processes for a seating business unit. Provides technical leadership, develops the technical skills and knowledge and provides technical direction to the trim engineers and technicians on the team. Develops and provides resolution to customer trim technical issues through continuous interaction. Provides front line technical customer interface for trim, phases 1-6.

Provides technical direction to trim engineers, technicians and support personnel. Approves all trim technical issues and works with team to ensure time, cost objectives and product performance are met. Understands and identifies the resource requirements to meet program/product objectives. Manages trim resources to maximize utilization identifying the right resource for the task to meet program deliverables. Promotes and facilitates the use of best practices. Develops and manages the trim engineering budget. Capable of communicating effectively with all management levels.

Provides support for global programs (as required) by leveraging lessons learned and experience accumulated during development. Facilitates and provides feedback for manufacturing feasibility if the program is manufactured in this region. Capable of communicating and building relationships with global teams for global programs.

Specific Functions - Technical Responsibilities:

• Leads trim product development for a seating business unit.
• Leads trim design reviews and open issues meetings.
• Ensures trim best practices and processes are applied appropriately.
• Reviews and ensures that DFMEAs are completed/updated prior to release of tooling. Ensures that all high RPNs have been designed out or have a corrective action plan.
• Designs trim patterns aligned with the trim, foam interface template and follows Design for Assembly guidelines.
• Maintains strong working knowledge of trim cover construction process.
• Coaches principles of 2D pattern design using manual patterns, Optitex 2D CAD tools and Lectra as appropriate.
• Provides engineering solutions based on data driven problem solving and application of the Basic Engineering Process (BEP).
• Develops and implements trim design solutions that meet quality, cost and craftsmanship objectives.
• Provides/influences complete seat and foam engineering input/direction to jointly achieve flawless seat appearance and craftsmanship.
• Supports complete seat build events.
• Recommends solutions to process issues within the sew and JIT facilities. Supports creation of manufacturing ODS documentation.
• Maintains strong working knowledge of equipment used in trim cover creation (NC cutter, sewing machines etc.).
• Approves release of trim data in TPDM and PLM, including all required documentation, drawings, etc. Approves trim changes and deviations in TPDM and PLM.
• Reviews cost, performance, timing and investment versus customer targets with their core team members (PM, AFM). Ensures that the product is meeting internal and external targets and specifications. Ensures that a complete corrective action plan is in place (and agreed to with the core SDT) when the product is not conforming to expectations (including timing).

Specific Functions - Administrative Responsibilities:

• Plans and executes all PLUS trim engineering deliverables for on time gate exits (cost, ED&D, requirements, manufacturability, EBOM, drawings, etc.)
• Negotiates directly with the customer to resolve trim issues.
• ​Provides clear direction from the voice of the customer to internal engineering groups.
• Manages issue resolution, aligned to the Adient PLUS & customer timelines. Integrates design development with all CS groups (foam, materials, metals, mechanisms, plastics, comfort and SMTEs).
• Supports the Director of Engineering and Platform Director in resolving customer and business unit trim issues and helps drive the integration of the SDT into the product development process.
• Coordinates activities with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, etc. to support successful program execution and launch readiness.
• Uses and applies all Adient standards and systems (PLUS, Lean, CPP, PLM, BEP).
• Possesses working knowledge of trim design tools (Optitex, Lectra, etc.)
• Develops and meets the approved trim budget. Ensures proper PDx documents are developed and approved prior to the commencement of development and spending. Ensures customer trim scope changes are documented, budgeted and approved prior to commencement of activity. Plans resources appropriately to meet deliverables.
• Manages and implements all Adient strategic direction/initiatives and systems including: PDfSS, Six Sigma, Kepner Tregoe, PLUS, offshore design, trim SMTE, etc.
• Manages and implements the required training of trim engineers, technicians and support personnel for all trim technical skill requirements.
• Teaches and coaches others in the use of BEP and creation/review of A3s, A4s, tactical plans and issues lists.
• Drives improvements through lessons learned analysis and communicates across the trim organization.
• Manages and implements career planning and personal development of staff.
• Ensures annual performance reviews are completed on time.

Travel:

Some global and regional travel required

Reporting Relationship:

Director of Engineering

Education Required:

B.S. in Engineering and 10-15 years of trim product development experience

Experience Required:

5 years in a supervisory position in trim product development

PRIMARY LOCATION

Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI