Production Engineer

Job Title
Production Engineer

Company
JTEKT Automotive North America

JTEKT North America is a global leader in engineering and manufacturing automotive systems, bearing solutions, and high-performance machine tools. As a proud member of the Toyota Group, we are committed to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement. Our Piedmont plant is currently undergoing a major expansion in 2025, bringing in over 120 new machines and automation systems, creating exciting opportunities for growth and advancement.

Department
Production Engineering

Location
Piedmont, SC

Classification
Exempt

Reports to
Production Engineering Manager

Grade
105

Revision Date
11/21/2025

Job Summary
Provides production engineering support to manufacturing, with strong emphasis on machining and technical knowledge.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities

Performs design and development for manufacturing processes including process flow, assembly/machining methods and equipment

Provides process engineering skills for process improvement for existing processes

Designs, develops and tests tooling, fixtures and gauging for manufacturing processes

Assist and lead root cause analysis of technical issues

Provides technical guidance and assistance to the manufacturing team for daily issues and long-term needs

Performs process analysis for quality improvement, cost reduction, and cycle time reduction

Administer process changes in engineering documents as needed

Assesses spare part problems and makes appropriate changes as approved

Grooms new equipment to meet production and quality requirements

Performs equipment capability studies, APQP and PFMEA requirements

Determines new equipment layout for approval

Prepares detailed equipment specifications

Manages new capital purchases as needed

Makes engineering reports as required for process development or troubleshooting

Performs 5S duties as required

Project administration for process changes (new products, etc.)

Ability to work in a team environment

Other duties as assigned by management

Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Special equipment knowledge (vision systems, heat treat, performance testers, HE leak testers, etc.)

CNC Knowledge including program, troubleshooting

Ability to analyze statistical data

Technical skills in manufacturing processes

IATF requirements

Hydraulic, pneumatic and lubrication systems

PLC systems and nomenclature

Mechanical reasoning skills

Close tolerance measurement

High level math skills

Part drawing interpretation

Strong communication skills both verbal and written

Problem solving ability

Computer skills, Excel, Word, Solidworks, Auto Cad LT

Good interpersonal skills

Work without close supervision

Safety oriented

Ergonomics knowledge

Physical agility to access equipment

Ability to work overtime and weekends when needed

Education and Experience

Bachelor of Science in Engineering and/or equivalent relevant experience

Capital procurement experience and grooming for production

Automated equipment troubleshooting experience

Design of fixtures for high volume equipment

Work Environment / Physical Demands
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work shift as assigned and overtime is required, as needed.

Will be required to do the following throughout the shift: standing, bending, pushing, pulling, reaching above and below shoulders, moving left to right repetitively, grasping, and fine finger dexterity.

May be required to lift during shift up to 40 lbs.

Specific vision abilities required with this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The performance of this position requires exposure to manufacturing areas which require the use of personal protective equipment such as steel toed shoes, safety glasses with side shields.

Forklift, walkee stacker, and or scissor lift experience preferred.

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