Lead Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Purpose

Leads development work, problem resolution and design of new products. Plans and executes complete engineering design projects, from initial design concept through to production and release of post-production support.

Directs and monitors the activities of a small development team to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of engineering deliverables.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Lead and participate with a development team that conducts and coordinates the complete development of products in accordance with standard operating procedures and the product delivery process (CAAPD).
• Key customer interface (internal and external) who can successfully negotiate and influence design direction including escalation process.
• Assures timely and accurate documentation of engineering / program deliverables as established per the product delivery process (CAAPD).

Guides and assists engineers in the completion of engineering documentation.

Forecasts direct and indirect engineering costs as directed by engineering management. Controls the expenditure of engineering time and funds in accordance with established budgets.

Participates in program review meetings.

• Under the guidance of management, participates in the hiring process, coaches and counsel’s employees for success, assists employees with career development planning and training, and may conduct performance reviews and make salary planning recommendations.
• Helps define and incorporate customer requirements, product specifications and manufacturing feasibility to meet operational, cost, timing, government, safety, reliability, and quality regulations.
• Conducts design issue meetings and supports critical design review meetings.
• Assures timely and accurate drawing and / or CAD data releases with appropriate customer, management and supplier authorization.
• Supports the improvement of internal systems and procedures.
• Represents product engineering to ensure accurate and timely flow of information to and from the customer, manufacturing division, supplier, and program management.

Communicates program information to the engineering organization.

Supports Internal / External Audit efforts regarding ISO 9001 : 2015, IATF 16949 Certification for remote site location (Group Office)

Qualifications

Required Education & Experience / Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent education and training required.
• 7 years of diversified engineering experience with increasing responsibilities and authorities in product design, analysis, and testing preferred.
• Automotive seating metal and mechanism development preferred.
• Ability to lead a small team of engineers through the technical execution and program delivery milestones.
• Evidence of ability to apply and utilize advanced math-based tools, academic, regulatory and engineering principles in the development of automotive components.
• Successfully completed all phases of a Product Launch.
• Competency in DFMEA, CAD and GD&T.
• Proficient with statistical methods, i.e. APQP, DFSS, SPC, R&C
• Strong communication skills : verbal, written, and technical presentations including proven ability to influence the customer decision making process
• Demonstrated ability to navigate crisis situations (i.e. no builds, shutdown, etc.)
• Skilled in problem solving, concept development and organizing cross-functional teams to support these activities. This includes evidence of the ability to create any associated presentations, provide indirect leadership, coordinate and complete multiple tasks within and across departments to meet changing deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of safety, durability, quality, build and tooling requirements.
• Proficient skills utilizing word processing, spreadsheet and database applications.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position supervises product engineers and design engineers and is responsible for the performance management of direct reports.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting and on the plant floor.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 40 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.