Materials Processing SME Manager

Teijin Automotive Technologies is an innovative and full-service Tier One supplier with a global presence and emphasis in development for lightweight technologies. Teijin Automotive offers employees the opportunity to join a leading edge company within the composite material industry and enjoy the benefits offered by a growing company in North America and internationally.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as the primary technical authority on composite molding processes, with a focus on standard development and compliance.
• Support and lead new programs and material launches across tool shops, manufacturing plants, and customer locations
• Conduct "Best Practice" surveillance audits with countermeasure oversight at the manufacturing plants.
• Develop a competency-based training program to address proficiency level gaps at manufacturing locations.
• Evaluate molding performance of trial materials from R&D suppliers, and raw material manufacturers
• Document trial results, observations, and findings using reports and presentations
• Collaborate with senior engineering resources to ensure manufacturability of composite components (DFM/DFA)
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, perform root cause analysis, and drive productivity improvements
• Utilize specialized monitoring equipment to evaluate and optimize molding processes
• Conduct laboratory and plant trials, including Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Interpret engineering drawings and material specifications to support development activities
• Collect, analyze, and present technical data to stakeholders
• Support advanced testing methods for Class A surface evaluation
• Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, operations, and commercial teams
• Ensure adherence to company safety and travel policies

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of engineering experience
• Focus or experience in polymers, plastics, or organic chemistry
• Experience with compression molding, bonding equipment, paint systems, and vacuum systems.
• Experience working in manufacturing or automotive environments
• Strong hands-on technical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Adaptability to changing priorities and work environments
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with statistical analysis tools (e.g., Minitab)

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field

Physical Requirements:

• Ability and willingness to travel extensively (up to 80%)
• Ability to work in both laboratory and manufacturing environments