TheProduct and Process Engineering Managermanages a team of Product and Process Engineers (PPE) to develop and maintain world class product and process standards, methodologies, and best practices across UGN. Oversees product & process validation activities during all phases of development to ensure smooth production launch, supports cost reductions actions and maintains strong customer technical contact.

Responsibilities:

Directly supervise a team of Product and Process Engineers. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. This includes interviewing, hiring, and training new PPE Team Members; establishing goals; planning, assigning, and directing work; overseeing day to day activities of the team; providing individual coaching and feedback; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining Team Members; addressing complaints and resolving problems; ensuring departmental budget is met/maintained.
Serve as the product & process engineering subject matter expert for UGN.
Lead Global Development Program meetings with Nittoku/Autoneum for relevant programs/parts through coordinators.
Lead trials to develop, update and setup BOM and process, partnering with Tooling, Project, Program Support Engineering, Quality, and plants all along the development phases from RFQ to SOP.
Ensure smooth production launch for all programs while achieving sustainable parts functional performance and successful product validation at customer at lowest cost possible.
Develop and update Product & Process information into the PLM system including BOM, process parameters, tooling, and equipment requirements for Corporate Operations Engineering Department and Program Management gates.
Supports operations with concept definition of process (layout, PFMEA), equipment and capex all along the development phases from RFQ to SOP.
Manage IMDS implementation and updates.
Partner with R&T, UGN Purchasing and Quality Engineering Departments to develop and negotiate Material Specifications with suppliers for all incoming goods.
Assist plants as needed on process troubleshooting, optimization and cost reduction activities and projects.
Ensure continuous improvement by tracking lessons learned and leading the effort to learn, relay and implement product and process engineering best practices and standards across Nittoku, Autoneum and UGN.
Ensure requests from Japanese customers and/or Nittoku related to Product Development and validation are answered in a timely manner by leading UGN Corporate and Plant teams through coordinators.
Lead Cost Reductions activities on the PPE side by identifying, validating, and implementing cost reduction opportunities and customers VA/VEs.
Proactively investigate and analyze latest technologies and products on the market, especially focusing on our competitors.
Lead UGN team to ensure successful transfers of new technologies and materials to and from Nittoku and Autoneum.
Develop and maintain Product & Process skills as well as business awareness of the PPE team.
Develop and maintain product & process understanding across the company through regular training.
Develop and maintain technical customer contact and strong connections through program follow-up and co-development opportunities.
Support technical customer presentations on products and technical capabilities.
Evaluate joint development opportunities with material and equipment suppliers.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree (B. S.) or equivalent from an accredited college or university; and five to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team of Engineers.
Excellent project management skills with the ability to lead a variety of complex projects throughout UGN.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts and principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), Internet, AutoCAD & Design software.
Team Member must have knowledge and understanding of the following:

Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics

Chemical / Physical analysis equipment

Production/manufacturing equipment and processes

Laboratory practices

Ability to travel up to 50%.

Founded in 1986 as a partnership between Nittoku and Autoneum, UGN is the preferred producer of high quality acoustic, interior trim, and thermal management products, and a recognized leader in customer satisfaction for the Japanese transplant automotive industry in North America. UGN, with more than $400 million in revenue, has six locations in the United States—Novi, Michigan; Jackson, Tennessee; Monroe, Ohio; Somerset, Kentucky; Downers Grove, Illinois; and Valparaiso, Indiana; as well as a location in Silao, Guanajuato, Mexico—specializing in manufacturing, research, development, testing, and service support.

For 6 years in a row UGN has achieved ranking as a “Best Company to Work for in Illinois”. Based on three core values of Respect, Trust and Communication, UGN prides itself on a unique culture that is the UGN Way.

Learn more about UGN at:https://ugn.com/

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