Sr. Engineer, Production Process Planning; Assembly & Paint

Job Description

This role is a member of MNAO’s Production Engineering team and is primarily responsible for leading various stakeholders through production changes. Production changes include new model years, Interim Product Measure (IPM) changes, Engineering Change Notices (ECN), and production volume changes. The Production Engineering team is a critical partner to all organizations involved in the production process including MNAO Huntsville, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTMUS), Mazda Corporate Japan (MC), and a wide range of suppliers and contractors.

A key output for the Production Engineering team is achieving Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD) goals while ensuring all production systems (i.e., methods, equipment, tools, and parameters) are successfully implemented across Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTMUS) and suppliers. The Production Engineering team must also look for methods to create a stable production environment including cost and quality improvement through the production supply chain.

The Senior Engineer, Production Process Planning of Assembly & Paint is required to identify and support implementation of the necessary process requirements of production changes, such as new vehicle projects or model changes. The Senior Engineer must be familiar with and utilize the Methods Time Measurement (MTM) system when aligning project changes with impacted departments across applicable production shops. In addition to leading change events, this role is also responsible for identifying and eliminating areas negatively impacting the manufacturing process and driving long‑term line improvements, cycle time, and process capability.

• Lead and conduct studies to identify and address the needs of production process changes, including equipment settings and construction for revised and future projects.
• Lead and conduct analyses to identify and address changes to update and match specifications on production pace adjustments as well as production mix ratios.
• Communicate all changes with related stakeholders and ensure successful implementation.
• Develop local trial plans and event preparation progress reports necessary for project progression and regularly report to senior management.
• Identify when further support is needed from Japanese counterparts and request guidance, especially in response to changes.
• Oversee local construction management on product or process changes, ensuring alignment with established project quality goals.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and maintenance departments to verify that modifications function as intended through in‑line vehicle inspections.
• Conduct final checks on workability and quality during in‑line events and expedite the handover to MTMUS.
• Provide guidance to MNAO/MTMUS members throughout project phases, developing manuals and procedures as necessary to ensure proper maintenance and management within MTMUS.
• Organize information from MTMUS‑related departments and manage the entire project to prevent delays and problems, ensuring smooth execution across all involved parties, including MNAO and MTMUS.

• Conduct in‑depth analysis of existing manufacturing processes to identify any bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or quality‑related problems.
• Develop and implement detailed improvement plans to address identified issues, aiming to optimize overall process performance.
• Implement the necessary on‑site modifications to improve manufacturing processes, coordinating with relevant teams to ensure effective execution.
• Respond to unexpected defaults within the manufacturing process; manage and oversee any necessary mechanical design changes, to include ordering of new parts or equipment.
• Validate the effectiveness of implemented solutions to ensure they meet the desired outcomes and adhere to quality standards.

Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred. Equivalent education, training and/or work experience in lieu of degree.

Minimum five (5) years’ experience in production engineering…