The engineer will work alongside a team that includes a manager, controls engineers, fellow maintenance engineers, and skilled trades maintenance team members, all supporting Detroit Axle machining lines. Experience troubleshooting break-fix issues - including root cause analysis, quarterbacking issue resolution, pulling machine prints, navigating assembly diagrams, identifying spare parts, and supporting the repair and rebuild process - is essential.
Numbers & Facts
Location
Redford, MI
Description
Our client, a Automotive company, is looking for a Mechanical Engineer III for their Redford, MI location.
Responsibilities:
The Maintenance Engineer position serves as a technical resource to both skilled trades and production departments.
This position participates in a cross-functional team to resolve highly technical equipment failures.
Maintenance Engineers also work closely with equipment OEMs to develop machine upgrades, maintenance plans and other critical aspects related to the manufacturing of Detroit Engines and Axles.
This position is to support tasks needed to provide continuous operation of Detroit Axles production operations.
Operations to include but not limited to: Gearset machining, NFD assembly, HDT assembly, Adv. 6x4 assembly, M1 Fronts assembly and Drop Press/Drop Line assembly.
Plant floor support of reactive maintenance, proactive maintenance and maintenance method development by participating in a CFT of Skilled Trades, Maintenance Supervisors and Production staff on a daily basis to ensure proper equipment availability
2nd level production emergency response support when equipment/machines have an unscheduled machine stop (70% of job role)
Manage/control the equipment documentation (spare parts lists, machine prints, maintenance plans, etc) to the operational units of maintenance on the shop floor
Acquires and manages external service support and equipment spare parts
Analyzes maintenance Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to drive maintenance and repair activities with the operational units
Technical Coach for maintenance staff with respect to process methods and standards control
Define/manage/control spare parts and preventative maintenance plans in the Company's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)
Project management of budget and timeline for equipment retrofits, upgrades and replacements
Controls the storage of technical documentation, equipment schematics and prints for production equipment
Support maintenance operational readiness with new production line launches
Ensures engineering practices comply with government regulations and safety standards
Key strategic member for future Maintenance strategies and Continuous Process Improvement (CPI)
Create/Manage/Review maintenance work orders and purchase requisitions within the CMMS
Requirements:
Bachelor Degree in Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology equivalent
5-7 years of experience in Operational/Facilities/Environmental/Maintenance or Manufacturing Engineering
2 years of supervisory experience desired
High level of analytical ability where problems are complex
High Level of mechanical ability demonstrated
High level of interpersonal skills to work effectively with others
Understanding of manufacturing processes
Knowledge of materials and methods of manufacture
Effective oral and written communication skills
Intermediate to advanced computer skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office
Experience in AutoCAD or equivalent application
Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of plant experience working in a production environment with exposure to CNC equipment and it's helpful if they have experience working with UAW staff as well.
Experience troubleshooting break-fix issues - including root cause analysis, quarterbacking issue resolution, pulling machine prints, navigating assembly diagrams, identifying spare parts, and supporting the repair and rebuild process - is essential.
Electrical or mechatronics experience is beneficial, as the role involves working across mechanical and electrical systems. Candidates should be comfortable working within Siemens platforms and Siemens NX tools. Proficiency in AutoCAD is helpful. Familiarity with Maximo or a comparable CMMS tool is preferred but not required, as this is the platform used to manage the preventive maintenance plan.
Above all, candidates must demonstrate the confidence and technical depth to enter ambiguous situations, identify root causes, and drive resolution independently.
This role is approximately 85% plant floor and 15% office-based, with office time dedicated to email correspondence and reporting.
The engineer will work alongside a team that includes a manager, controls engineers, fellow maintenance engineers, and skilled trades maintenance team members, all supporting Detroit Axle machining lines.
For the right candidate, strong performance may lead to a direct hire opportunity.
This role is well-suited to someone who enjoys hands-on, independent problem-solving in a dynamic plant environment rather than a traditional desk-based role.
No two days are the same, and the position offers broad exposure to a variety of people, systems, and challenges.
Proficiency navigating HMI tools on the shop floor
Knowledge of fastening software, including experience with automatic torque wrenches, nut runners, and related equipment.
Experience with pressing software - specifically Kistler and Promess presses - and a solid understanding of press methodology in a plant environment.