Lead Advanced Process Engineer

The Advanced Manufacturing Lead Process Engineer is responsible for the development, optimization, and ownership of all core Cooper Standard Fluids manufacturing processes. This role provides technical leadership across advanced manufacturing initiatives, supports new product launches, and drives continuous improvement through process innovation, automation, and strong cross-functional collaboration.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead continuous improvement efforts for existing manufacturing processes to improve quality, efficiency, cost, and safety
• Develop and document new manufacturing processes, standards, and operating guidelines
• Design, evaluate, and validate new equipment and tooling for manufacturing applications
• Assess product designs for manufacturing feasibility and provide Design Review (DR) milestone support
• Support new program launches by:
  • Reviewing and developing equipment Statements of Requirements (SORs)
  • Participating in equipment and tooling prove-out at supplier sites prior to delivery
• Partner with Purchasing to support sourcing and procurement of manufacturing equipment, tooling, and production cells
• Support process cost estimating and capital planning activities
• Provide on-site technical support and develop training materials to support manufacturing teams
• Support annual budget development for advanced manufacturing initiatives
• Drive labor reduction initiatives through automation and process optimization
• Ensure compliance with IATF requirements, including documentation management and external audit support
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or electrical engineering required
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in small-diameter tube fabrication, including experience with:
  • Steel tube cutting
  • CNC and dedicated metal tube bending
  • Low-carbon steel and aluminum tube end forming and treatment
  • Nylon tube forming and insertion
  • Quick connect assembly
  • Tube-to-hose crimping
  • General assembly, including threaded fastener torque systems
  • Leak testing
  • Flame, furnace, and induction brazing (low-carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum)
  • Plastic tube extrusion
  • Plastic injection molding

• Strong knowledge of:
  • Manufacturing process mapping
  • In-process error-proofing techniques and systems
  • Minimum piece flow strategies
  • GD&T
  • Machine design, including mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems
• Demonstrated project management skills, including team leadership and effective issue resolution
• Thorough understanding of automotive launch processes and problem-solving methodologies (PPAP, 8D, etc.)
• Ability to support cross-functional responsibilities within a manufacturing environment, including production, quality, and purchasing
• CAD design proficiency (AutoCAD or SolidWorks), including:
  • 2D site layouts
  • Tool design
• Ability and willingness to perform basic machine repair and fabrication tasks
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of automotive product development and validation processes
• Experience using SAP
• Experience with stamping and coating processes
• Experience with machine programming
• Experience assembling electro-mechanical systems
• Experience with metal roll forming

Work Environment / Work Conditions

• Combination of office and manufacturing plant environments
• Required use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) on the production floor
• Willingness and ability to travel as required, up to and occasionally exceeding 50%
  • Domestic and international travel, including South America (SA), Europe (EU), and Asia-Pacific (AP) regions

Because we recognize and value the range of ways in which people acquire experiences, whether via personal, professional, education, or volunteerism, we invite interested applicants to evaluate the key duties and requirements and apply for any opportunities that fit your experience and qualifications.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as certain state and/or local laws. If you believe you require such assistance to complete our online application or to participate in an interview, you (or someone on your behalf) may request assistance by emailing recruitment@cooperstandard.com with a description of the accommodation you seek. Application materials submitted to this email address will not be considered.