Mechanical Press Engineer
US Gestamp Chattanooga, US, US Gestamp
Long Description
SUMMARY
The Mechanical Press Engineer is responsible for researching, designing, implementing, and optimizing mechanical, electromechanical, and welding equipment—specifically hot and cold stamping presses and associated systems—to support production goals. This role serves as the technical owner of press processes, collaborating across departments to improve equipment reliability, process efficiency, and product quality. The engineer drives continuous improvement initiatives, supports new product industrialization, and ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards. Additionally, the engineer coordinates priorities and manages escalations across support departments to ensure inventory, production, and quality levels are maintained to meet all customer delivery requirements.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, safety, and PPE requirements for self, colleagues, and contractors.
- Act as the technical leader and process owner for Hot and Cold Stamping Presses
- Robotic material handling system
- Die pro, gripper, and suction cup systems
- Coordinate priorities and manage escalations across support departments to maintain required inventory,
- production, and quality levels for customer delivery.
- Develop, document, and implement procedures to meet targets for quality, delivery, and cost.
- Analyze equipment conditions and performance to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Use data to develop strategies that improve KPIs such as run rate, throughput, and material efficiency.
- Support maintenance teams with troubleshooting chronic/catastrophic downtime and corrective actions.
- Optimize preventive maintenance (PM) plans using historical data, OEM recommendations, and failure modes.
- Manage spare parts inventory and lead cost-saving initiatives through standardization and supplier development.
- Collaborate with vendors to evaluate and implement new technologies that improve reliability and longevity.
- Train and support maintenance teams in standardized maintenance processes.
- Lead and sustain 5S initiatives across press areas.
- Drive continuous improvement activities focused on quality, delivery, and cost.
- Design, install, and debug machinery and capital equipment.
- Support Program Management in evaluating new work, processes, and engineering changes.
- Assist Quality teams in analyzing and improving product dimensional reports.
- Lead industrialization of new projects and engineering changes:
- Set up press parameters
- Prepare standard recipes
- Create drawings for pin pallets
- Develop optimization plans for SPMs
- Maintain and update production recipes; standardize and create work instructions.
- Participate in Kaizen events, cross-training, and problem-solving initiatives.
- Provide online support for troubleshooting involving controls, robots, and PLC systems.
- Participate in Layered Process Audits and internal ISO/TS 16949 audits.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical degree.
- 5+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment; automotive industry experience preferred.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with press systems and related equipment.