JOB DESCRIPTION
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing Process Development & Optimization
• Coordinate project work and problem-solving activities related to current and new manufacturing processes.
• Develop, implement, and validate processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls for the manufacture of products and components, ensuring optimal cost, quality, inventory levels, and capital investment.
• Support all phases of prototype development and builds, from concept through full implementation.
• Prepare manufacturing studies to determine optimal manufacturing cost, quality, and inventory levels and evaluate feasibility of new or existing products, processes, or materials.
• Recommend the most practical and economical manufacturing solutions, including improvements to materials, labor, tooling, equipment, and related factors.
Technology, Tooling & Equipment
• Maintain strong familiarity with robotics, tooling and fabrication, finishing, assembly, machine design, and related manufacturing technologies.
• Participate in the selection, approval, development, and validation of tooling and
equipment to support manufacturing requirements and product design intent.
• Research, evaluate, and implement state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies to ensure products are manufactured in the most capable and cost-effective manner.
• Ensure the plant continuously pursues the latest technological advancements to support business objectives.
Product Design & Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Actively participate in product design activities to ensure optimal productivity and cost.
• Recommend alternative designs, materials, or processes as needed to improve
manufacturability.
• Serve as a technical liaison for product design and engineering matters, helping resolve issues while maintaining positive relationships with customers.
• Serve as a technical resource for process changes and problem-solving committees, ensuring product design intent is maintained.
• Work closely with production teams to ensure key performance metrics are achieved.
Communication, Training & Implementation
• Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders impacted by projects and operational changes.
• Issue clear operating instructions as required and provide periodic status updates to keep teams informed.
• Coordinate the implementation of new processes and lead or support training activities.
• Ensure all tooling and processes can consistently produce required products within defined quality and timing expectations.
Quality & Compliance
• Actively pursue quality improvements within the manufacturing process.
• Maintain familiarity with PFMEA, Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Establish and verify Poka-Yoke (error-proofing) systems to prevent defects and process variation.
Additional Responsibilities
• Participate as a member of SDT and/or Pre-Launch Teams for new programs, as required.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
• Complete all required training as mandated by Adient and its customers.
Qualifications & Experience
Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in Manufacturing Engineering or a related manufacturing role (automotive experience is a plus).
• Candidates without a degree must have 8–10 years of relevant manufacturing
experience.
Technical Skills & Knowledge
• Strong working knowledge of product design and assembly as applied to manufacturing processes using PFMEA principles.
• Proven ability to implement manufacturing processes, methods, tooling, equipment, and controls that support cost, quality, inventory, and facility investment goals.
• Experience creating processes and procedures to support budgetary targets and
performance metrics.
Practical knowledge of:
• GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
• PFMEA
• Control Plans
• Process Flow Diagrams
• Operator Instruction Sheets
• Experience troubleshooting with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000 and ControlLogix software is a plus.
• Proficient with Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Soft Skills
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
PRIMARY LOCATION
LakewoodSkills Required
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
- 3-5 years in manufacturing engineering or related area
- Working knowledge of product design and assembly using PFMEA principles
- Proficient with Microsoft Office programs
- Practical knowledge of GD&T, PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flows
Adient Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Adient and has not been reviewed or approved by Adient.
-
Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company matching contributions is highlighted, with corporate filings indicating ongoing employer match funding. This provides meaningful long-term savings support for U.S. employees.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid holidays and PTO/vacation are included, with indications that PTO levels compare favorably to some peers. Parental/family leave is also available in certain contexts.
-
Healthcare Strength — Core medical, dental, and vision coverage are offered alongside HSAs/FSAs and protection benefits such as life/AD&D. These elements establish a comprehensive baseline that strengthens the overall package.
Adient Insights
What We Do
Adient is a global leader in automotive seating. With approximately 77,000 employees in 32 countries, Adient operates 202 manufacturing/assembly plants worldwide. 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 19 million vehicles every year.
