Lead Product Engineer - Foam

About the role

The Lead Product Engineer - Foam provides technical expertise to the complete seat business unit in order to resolve foam related engineering and manufacturing concerns while maintaining a design that meets cost, quality, comfort, and craftsmanship targets. Leads the design and processes for a specific program(s) or project(s) development. Provides technical direction to engineers, designers, and support personnel on the team. Develops and provides resolution to customer technical issues through continuous interaction with customer and/or complete seat Chief Engineer or Engineering Manager. Specific Functions-Technical Responsibilities Leads the creation and release of 3D CAD models and drawings. Leads technical design reviews monthly/as necessary. Publishes a technical design review report. Plan and execute all PLUS Engineering (product) deliverables for on-time gate exits. Negotiate directly with the customer (internal or external) to resolve issues and provide clear direction from the voice of the customer to internal engineering activities. Lead issue tracking and resolution, aligned to the Adient PLUS & customer timeline. Lead the integration of design development team including all support groups (trim, foam, metals, mechanisms, plastics, comfort, and SMTE's) Coordinate activities with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, etc., to support successful program execution and launch readiness. Ensure internal and customer best practices are being followed when creating CAD models, drawings (assembly and component) and applying product performance specifications. Ensure design follows known standards relative to structure/plastic component packaging within foam and trim cover interface. Facilitates, develops, and implements internal and customer best practices in design and engineering. This includes, but is not limited to FEA, GD&T, root cause analysis, DVP, DFMEA, and use of carry-over and CPP technology. Supports Business Unit in resolving customer and business issues. Ensures the design is robust to provide the highest quality in the build and assembly of parts. Use root cause analysis in the resolution of any foam related performance/comfort or craftsmanship concerns. Leads the development of DFMEAs prior to release of prototype tooling. Ensures that all high RPNs have been designed out or have a corrective action plan to address them. Reviews FEA/analysis/testing prior to release of prototype tooling to ensure designs meet desired criteria/specifications. Reviews cost, performance, timing, and weight versus customer targets with core team members. Ensures that the program/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. Supports best practices and early detection and countermeasures for BSR and durability concerns. Supports early feasibility assessments on customer surface/frame package and identifies foam property selections used for initial CAE analysis. Ensures team uses the correct tooling/process/manufacturing technology for providing technical solutions to program/product issues. Supports complete seat and cost savings teams. Reports To Chief Engineer Education Required B.S. in mechanical engineering Experience Required 6+ years professional experience in automotive foam / seat engineering with experience in polyurethane foam design, manufacturing, and tooling Seating experience with regards to seat packaging, craftsmanship, and comfort Demonstrated problem solving ability / skills Product launch experience Broad knowledge of engineering processes PRIMARY LOCATION Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI