Production Engineer

The Witzenmann Group is the world's leading manufacturer of flexible metal elements such as metal hoses, expansion joints, metal bellows and vehicle parts. More than 4,100 employees at 24 locations around the world generated sales of around € 571 million in 2016.

General Responsibilities and Function:

• Support APQP process and team member to develop and launch products into production. Perform assigned tasks within the appropriate timeframe.
• Work with the Product Engineer and Quality Engineer to define key process characteristics and reconcile design and production specifications.
• Work in conjunction with the Project Engineer to benchmark components when necessary.
• Perform engineering functions including calculations, material analysis, part performance evaluation, pre-production & production systems feasibility.
• Utilize Design of Experiments, process analysis, capability studies to prove process stability.
• In conjunction with Purchasing, obtain vendor quotations, initiate P.O requisitions upon request and coordinate with Purchasing and Witzenmann suppliers to make sure all materials are made and shipped to meet program timing.
• Coordinate and participate in activities as needed with plant personnel (i.e. Project Engineering, Production Leader, Production Control, Quality Engineering, etc.)
• Work in direct contact with the customer when necessary -- follow up with documentation, both written and oral, to the remaining team members explaining what transpired.
• Be present for pre-production trials and equipment buy-off to make sure all necessary materials and equipment are in place for production.
• Maintain regular contact with the suppliers and utilize their resources whenever possible or necessary.
• Participate in and track project open issues (Internal / Plant Side) for all projects utilizing the APQP process.
• Participate in production walk-abouts, production planning, and time loss analysis review.
• Coordinate the manufacturing of product samples when necessary.
• Assist in troubleshooting production equipment & recommend corrective actions.
• Specify & maintain recommended crib stock on perishable tooling.
• Maintain production documentation (i.e.-Setup instructions, work instruction, etc.)
• Maintain and execute housekeeping and performance goals.
• Maintain plant floor layout.
• Develop machine specifications for new equipment, machines and tooling.
• Perform Time studies of equipment & processes to insure product costs are accurate.
• Investigate root cause of quality failures and make permanent corrective actions with respect to forming, and trim & sizing in bellows forming
• Train team leaders

Job Duties:

• 50% Project Management/Production Support / Problem Resolution
• 20% Interface with:
• Program Manager and Sales & Marketing (Provide Technical Support)
• Customers (Advise in technical matters)
• Purchasing & Vendors
• Internal departments
• 10% Design, testing, debugging, trouble-shooting
• 10% Develop quote packages, technical presentations
• 10% Cross Training

Qualification Requirements:

• Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Mechatronics 4 year degree and/or product manufacturing experience coupled with a minimum of 2 years engineering experience in a metal manufacturing facility OR 7 years experience in a progressive role within engineering at a metal automotive manufacturing facility.
• Strong knowledge of current use & leading edge technologies.
• Able to learn about new products / technologies quickly.
• Strong knowledge of material processing, tooling and part fabrication.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and related computer applications.
• Self-motivator with an ability to motivate others.