Stamping Engineering Specialist

The Stamping Engineering Specialist is responsible for providing advanced technical support for stamping operations through the optimization of transfer press processes, die performance, and manufacturing systems. This position serves as the technical expert for press and die-related issues, supporting safety, quality, productivity, cost reduction, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience with large transfer presses, progressive and tandem dies, die troubleshooting, and Toyota Production System (TPS) principles. This position requires a hands-on engineering professional who enjoys spending time on the production floor solving problems and developing long-term process improvements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Press & Die Technical Support

• Serve as the primary technical resource for stamping press and die performance.
• Lead root cause analysis of press, die, and quality concerns using structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Troubleshoot forming, trimming, piercing, flanging, restrike, and transfer-related issues.
• Develop and implement countermeasures to improve die reliability and process stability.
• Support die tryout activities and production launches.
• Evaluate tooling modifications to improve quality, productivity, and die life.
• Work closely with die maintenance to identify recurring issues and establish preventive countermeasures.

Manufacturing Process Improvement

• Improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness through process optimization.
• Analyze production losses and implement improvements to reduce downtime.
• Optimize press parameters including tonnage, cushion settings, transfer timing, lubrication, and material flow.
• Lead continuous improvement activities utilizing TPS principles.
• Recommend equipment, tooling, and process improvements that reduce cost while improving safety and quality.
• Support implementation of automation and new manufacturing technologies.

Quality Improvement

• Collaborate with Quality, Production, and Die Maintenance to resolve production issues.

• Analyze dimensional and cosmetic quality concerns.
• Develop corrective actions for stamping defects including splits, wrinkles, springback, burrs, distortion, and surface defects.

• Participate in production launch activities.

• Assist with capability studies and process validation.

Project Support

• Coordinate engineering changes affecting stamping operations.
• Support installation and commissioning of new dies and equipment.
• Develop technical documentation, standard work, and engineering specifications.
• Work with equipment and tooling suppliers to resolve technical issues.
• Manage assigned engineering projects to completion.

Safety & Environmental

• Promote a culture of safety through active participation in risk assessments and hazard identification.
• Ensure equipment modifications comply with company safety standards.
• Support environmental initiatives and sustainability goals.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field

OR

• Equivalent combination of education, technical training, and extensive stamping engineering experience.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in metal stamping manufacturing.
• Strong experience with transfer press operations.
• Experience supporting large mechanical stamping presses.
• Experience troubleshooting automotive stamping dies.
• Experience working closely with Die Maintenance.
• Experience supporting automotive manufacturing.
• Experience with Toyota Production System or Lean Manufacturing preferred.

Preferred Technical Knowledge

Strong working knowledge of:

• Blueprint reading

• Transfer press operations
• Progressive, tandem, and transfer dies
• Die maintenance principles
• Metal forming processes
• Die protection systems
• Press automation
• Material flow
• High-strength steel forming

• Problem Solving

• Root Cause Analysis

• PFMEA

• Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred experience with:

• AutoCAD or SolidWorks
• PLC-controlled stamping equipment
• Servo press technology

Core Competencies

• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Excellent troubleshooting skills
• Hands-on problem solver
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Team collaboration
• Effective communication
• Project management
• Decision making
• Customer focus
• Results orientation
• Adaptability
• Leadership through influence

Physical Requirements

• Occasionally lift up to 33 pounds.

• Frequently walk throughout manufacturing areas.
• Ability to climb ladders and access elevated equipment.
• Ability to work around industrial machinery in hot and noisy environments.

• Wear required PPE while in production areas.

Preferred Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Extensive hands-on experience with automotive stamping presses and dies.
• Ability to diagnose complex die and press issues quickly.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal forming processes.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement.
• Excellent collaboration with Production, Maintenance, Tool & Die, and Quality teams.
• A commitment to developing long-term process reliability rather than temporary fixes.
• A strong alignment with Toyota principles of safety, quality, respect for people, and continuous improvement.