Lead Trim Engineer

Lead Trim Engineer

The Lead Trim Engineer has the ability to lead the development of one or more trim programs, providing direction to team and follow up to staff and customer business units. Works closely with Trim Engineering Manager or Chief Trim Engineer. Able to take direction and use basic engineering practices to develop and implement 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.

Trim Cover Design:

• Apply principles of 2D pattern design, using either manual patterns and/or Trim Optitex 2D CAD tools as appropriate.
• Designs trim patterns in-line with the Trim, Foam Interface Template and follows Design for Assembly guidelines.
• Designs trim covers to meet cost targets and/or identifies issues and opportunities using the design for cost tools.
• Releases final product data into TPDM and PLM; Write and promote DA's & ECR's.
• Supports Complete Seat Build Events.
• Making trim style proposals on 3D model to improve quality seat appearance.
• Cut and Sew and/or provide cutting/sewing support to the sew cell for development and prototype covers.
• Build/assemble development seats to verify trim designs, understanding and using production build methods
• Maintains an organized and safe storage and work environment.
• Assists in costing and quoting activities by compiling the proper information for submittal.

Engineering Support:

• Thorough understanding of Change Management process. Writes Trim cover ECR's and track to completion.
• Manages CN release of engineering data in TPDM and PLM, including all required documentation, drawings, etc.
• Reviews and understands EBOM.
• Provides engineering solutions based on data-driven problem solving and application of Basic Engineering Process (BEP).
• Supports key build events at JIT plants and able to interface unsupervised with working level customer representatives (internal and external).
• Supports creation of Trim Construction drawings for final trim cover release.
• Recommends solutions to process issues within the Sew and JIT facilities. Supports creation of manufacturing ODS and/or EWIS documentation.
• Provides support when SDT recommends changes that affect external components (seat systems, foam, structures, trim covers, tooling and plastics) – demonstrated ability to troubleshoot.
• May be expected to travel to support the SDT and/or manufacturing plant(s) if/when needed. Frequency and durations vary based on program assignments, but typically does not exceed 1-2 weeks at a time.
• Lead DFMEA, PKR and DFAM meetings for trim covers development

Communication Skills:

• Communicates with Suppliers and Customer to attend needs from Trim Business
• Communicates between internal functional groups (Purchasing, Program Management Engineering, Sew Manufacturing, JIT Manufacturing)
• Supplies required information to, and interfaces directly with, Soft Trim Materials Engineering team to support trim material evaluation and issue resolution processes.
• Understands and contributes to A3's, A4's, tactical plans and issues lists.
• Provide key point of contact for program team, support in customer communications in the area of trim design and feasibility.
• Teaches and coaches others in the use of BEP and creation/review of A3's, A4's, tactical plans and issues lists.

Job Scope:

• Does not typically require routine follow-up or direction and can be depended on to execute tasks reliably once assigned.
• Reports to Lead Engineer or above. Provides technical guidance to assigned trim program team. May have direct supervisory responsibility for up to several subordinates, including the writing of annual performance evaluations.
• Efficiently utilizes time and resources.
• Responsible for completing assigned deliverables on time. Understands some level of extra hours may be required on an exception basis to achieve deliverables based on supervisor discretion.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• Information Management Skills: Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint, basic MS Project. Understanding of 2D component and product drawings. Ability to define and document changes using Optitex and PLM systems as needed. Moderate proficiency in Trim cover development from a 2D or 3D information source (ie drawings or CAD). Moderate understanding of 3D CAD Models and Vehicle environments. Demonstrates adequate knowledge of Adient's BOS and PLUS business processes. Basic ability to extract pertinent information from PLM systems (eg, EPIC and/or TPDM). Ability to provide the engineering and program team with timely and accurate feedback. Proficient ability to delegate effectively to other Trim Engineers as appropriate. Ability to create tactical plans that supports program and identify alternatives to mitigate timing issues.
• Technical Development Skills: 2D Pattern Development capability in Optitex 2D CAD. Able to create and modify complex patterns with little to no direction to achieve required Craftsmanship targets. Basic knowledge of Trim Cover safety related components and performance requirements. Basic knowledge of Adient Trim design standards and BOS documents Basic knowledge of Standard Components used within a trim cover Basic knowledge of JIT Manufacturing requirements; ability to Reference DFAM guidelines. Basic knowledge of Trim Manufacturing requirements Moderate knowledge of Trim Material specifications and guidelines Demonstrated ability to understand and apply one or more basic problem-solving techniques (eg. BEP, Kepner-Tregoe, Six-Sigma, etc.) to help solve real-world issues. Trim Cover Construction: Strong working knowledge of trim cover construction process Equipment Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of and ability to operate equipment used in trim cover creation (NC Cutter, Sewing Machines etc.) as needed.

Education:

• Engineering Degree – Desirable Textile Engineering Degree in job related field (e.g. textiles, clothing etc.)

Experience:

• Has completed minimum of 2 Program launch cycles. (Note: "Program launch cycle" is defined as a complete trim development maturation cycle from initial patterns through production start-up, preferably in an automotive JIT seating environment.)

Primary Location: Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI