Manufacturing Engineer

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.

Serve as the primary interface between customers, suppliers, and product engineering teams, with a strong focus on Plastics Injection Molding processes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and optimize injection molding processes, methods, tools, equipment, and controls to ensure design integrity, cost efficiency, product quality, and operational excellence.

Oversee all aspects of prototype development and builds , ensuring successful project execution from concept to production.

Actively identify and apply new manufacturing technologies; evaluate and report on opportunities to improve cost, quality, and productivity.

Participate in product design activities to ensure manufacturability, optimal productivity, and cost-effectiveness.

Maintain effective cross-functional communication and issue regular project status reports to management.

Prepare manufacturing feasibility and cost studies for new or existing products, materials, and processes; recommend process improvements for efficiency and quality.

Support tooling and equipment selection, approval, and development to meet manufacturing requirements and design intent.

Ensure all tooling meets timing, cosmetic, and functional goals ; oversee in-house tooling repairs, laser welding, and hot runner maintenance.

Supervise tool technicians to ensure preventive maintenance, adherence to 5S standards, and compliance with safety regulations.

Coordinate contractor repair services , defining project scope and timelines.

Act as a custodian of manufacturing processes and problem-solving strategies to preserve product design intent.

Serve as Pre-Launch Team champion for new programs; document meetings, track checklists, and maintain issue lists and feasibility assessments.

Create and maintain program review documentation and lead continuous improvement activities to maintain part quality.

Review and approve process parameter changes to resolve quality issues.

Supervise Process Technicians , including scheduling, task assignments, rotation, vacation approval, and performance evaluations.

Review and design daily production schedules to support molding operations.

Administer molding processes using RJG eDart (preferred), and coordinate troubleshooting to minimize scrap and downtime.

Audit process lockdown parameters to ensure part integrity and compliance.

Design and program robotic pick-and-place operations and configure EOAT (End of Arm Tooling) to minimize cycle times while meeting safety and quality standards.

Identify and manage critical spare parts inventory for molding tools through periodic audits.

Enhance plant layout to optimize space and equipment utilization; assist with plant expansion planning and design for upcoming programs.

Prepare and submit Capital Appropriation Requests (CAR) for new equipment and manage associated budgets.

Track and maintain project timelines using Microsoft Project , coordinating across multiple departments to meet capital project milestones.

Lead problem-solving initiatives using structured tools such as Toyota Production System (TPS), 8D, and A3 methodologies .

Collaborate with corporate teams to share and implement best practices in manufacturing and business operations.

Requirements :

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field with 4-5 years of relevant experience

Strong injection molding background - experience in any molding sector is acceptable

Hands-on experience with multi-valve gate operations

Proficiency in robot programming (CIPRO, SEPRO, or similar systems)

Master Molder I or Master Molder II certification preferred

Experience working with robotics and automation systems in a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications :

Experience with RJG eDart systems and process parameter optimization

Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing , Toyota Production System (TPS) , or similar continuous improvement methodologies

Proven ability to manage capital projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills using tools such as 8D or A3

Excellent communication and leadership skills to support process technicians and production teams

Proficiency with Microsoft Project or similar tools for project planning and scheduling

PRIMARY LOCATION

Avanzar San Antonio Facility