• Develop appropriate performance requirements in accordance with the new product concept, product plan and market needs
• Determine specific tire design parameters based on required tire performance using general knowledge of tire force properties, tire and vehicle dynamics, and tire uniformity and handling characteristics.
• Contribute to the preparation of the “Product Development Plan” and “Performance Requirements Deployment Chart” to control the product development and design process for the purpose of achieving the required performances
• Relates desired tire characteristics to construction configurations and materials to optimize performance and quality
• Collaborate in the execution of tire structural designs, tread pattern designs, sidewall designs, and profile designs to achieve the required performances. Develop prototypes and evaluate the actual achievements in comparison with the required performances. Re-evaluate the design regarding the unmet performance requirements
• Conduct Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to address and control latent failures
• Evaluate the reasonability of the design methods and the production feasibility used in achieving the performance requirements
• May also lead and conduct the design review meeting
• Identify safety and other regulatory requirements which are applicable to the targeted performances and the destination markets of the tires. Address and incorporate the identified regulatory requirements into the applicable tire/mold design processes toward production
• Develop prototypes by using test and/or production molds, evaluate the achieved performance results in comparison with the performance requirements, prepare planned production specifications and conduct the detailed design completion meeting (DR1 and/or DR-2 Meeting), to enable smooth transition toward production
• Work with multi-disciplinary team to issue a set of finalized specifications as the final output from the Design
• Help prepare Features & Benefits (F&B) to be used as the product data
• Perform technical root cause analysis in connection with applicable market claims; prepare reports and take necessary measures
• Ensure safety, environmental and other regulatory compliances
• Make new technology proposals, prepare technical reports, and make patent proposals in connection with new product development
• Develop and execute activities involving continuous improvement
• Investigate and execute ideas for material-cost reduction
• Gather accurate information on the market trends, and perform planning and investigation for advanced tire technology development
• Prepare and issue SOP’s and “Basic Technology Standards” as needed
• Perform effective communication verbally and in writing as needed
• Support the Production Engineering Division as needed
• Assist marketing and sales department personnel as needed
• Help create training materials to include product description, concept background, features & benefits, technical specifications, testing results, and target vehicle applications.
• Other duties may be assigned
At Toyo Tires, our purpose for everything we do is clear: We make tires people love! Our team of talented professionals embody the company’s five core values, which include: Trust, Learn, Tenacity, Ownership, and Empathy. With passion and persistence (Grit), our team makes tires people love.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES POLICY
Toyo/Nitto provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Toyo Tire Holdings of Americas, Inc values the contribution each employee brings to our organization. The starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including, but not limited to education and experience within the job and/or industry. The salary range listed is what we reasonably expect to compensate generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on the specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package along with a robust benefits program to meet your needs.
The salary for this position is $72,522.00 - $108,783.00
Preferred Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Minimum four (4) years of related experience, including working with multidisciplinary Engineering and Manufacturing associates
• Ability to manage projects from conception to production with guidance from upper management
• Requires strong written and verbal communication, analytical and planning skills
• Demonstrated ability to understand plant layouts, capital estimating, and tire manufacturing equipment processes
• Demonstrated knowledge to input and extract computerized layout, spreadsheet, and database management
• Equipment design experience and project engineering or project management experience is preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Customer service-centric mindset with strong presentation skills
• Solid PC skills utilizing Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Field Tire Technical Services – Consumer or Commercial (Desired)
• Ability to travel domestically and international for market and design meetings
• Ability to work in a safe manner
• Ability to follow company policies and safety guidelines
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
A Bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution in mechanical engineering or equivalent. Minimum of four (4) years of experience in product development is preferred. Experience in the tire, automotive or related industry is highly desired.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend technical and regulatory documents. Ability to write technical documents and presentations. Ability to effectively present information in one on one, small and large group situations to internal and external customers.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Algebra, geometry, trigonometry, complex arithmetic, statistics
REASONING ABILITY
Strong reasonability as is required by the achievement of an engineering degree. Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
TRAVEL
Domestic and international travel will be required to attend market information and/or design review meetings. It is estimated to be 10-20% of the time with necessary overnight accommodations, including some weekends.
Skills Required
- Technical expertise in product planning, development, design, testing, and production preparation
- Knowledge of tire force properties, tire and vehicle dynamics, uniformity and handling characteristics
- Ability to determine tire design parameters and relate tire characteristics to construction and materials
- Experience developing prototypes using test and production molds and evaluating performance
- Experience conducting Design Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (DFMEA)
- Ability to prepare Product Development Plans and Performance Requirements Deployment Charts
- Experience evaluating production feasibility and preparing production specifications; leading design review meetings (DR1/DR2)
- Knowledge of applicable safety and regulatory requirements for target markets and ensuring compliance
- Technical root cause analysis skills and ability to prepare reports and corrective measures
- Experience preparing SOPs and Basic Technology Standards
- Strong cross-functional collaboration with production engineering, marketing, and sales
- Strong written and verbal communication, continuous improvement, and material-cost reduction initiatives
What We Do
Toyo Tire Corp is engaged in the manufacturing and sale of automotive tires for passenger vehicles, light trucks, trucks, and buses. The company's activities include producing tires and developing automotive parts such as anti-vibration rubber. It also sells automobile components, thermal insulation, and waterproofing materials, operating manufacturing facilities in Japan, the US, China, and Malaysia.
