Process Engineer
US Gestamp Chattanooga, US, US Gestamp
Long Description
With presence in more than 20 countries, Gestamp is a leading international group specializing in the design, development, and manufacture of metal automotive components. Our commitment to innovation drives us to create safer, lighter vehicles that minimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact.
Leads and oversees all Manufacturing Engineering activities for assembly operations, including robotic welding, automation, and continuous improvement. Responsible for planning, staffing, scheduling, and directing engineering resources across both facilities. Ensures standardization, quality compliance, cost control, and successful program launches aligned with customer and regulatory requirements.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead all Manufacturing Engineering functions for assembly operations, including robotic welding, tooling, automation, and material handling.
- Own Engineering Change Management, CIP, plant engineering, layout, weld integrity, preventive maintenance, and capital planning.
- Develop engineering schedules and monitor KPIs, timelines, and program milestones.
- Drive process standardization and implementation of best practices.
- Oversee automation systems, robotics, conveyors, fixtures, and material flow.
- Directly manage manufacturing and technical engineers.
- Handle hiring, coaching, performance management, succession planning, and disciplinary actions.
- Serve as the single accountable leader for engineering performance across both plants.
- Lead Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
- Perform and approve root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions.
- Participate in internal/external audits (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA 6.3, customer).
- Develop and manage engineering budgets.
- Approve process specifications, equipment standards, and design guidelines.
- Track and report KPIs such as OEE, cost, scrap, customer claims, uptime, launch readiness, and engineering efficiency.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; MS or MBA preferred. Minimum 10 years in Manufacturing Engineering management, ideally in Tier 1 automotive assembly.
- Strong background in robotic welding, assembly systems, tooling, fixtures, automation, and high‑volume automated manufacturing.
- Deep knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement.
- Strong understanding of welding processes and defect analysis preferred.
- Demonstrated career progression within leading manufacturing organizations.
- Experience in additional manufacturing functions (operations, materials, quality, OEM) preferred.
- Maintenance management experience in an automated environment.
- Significant exposure to Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques.