Operational Engineer

Huf NA, Greeneville (TN) I United States (US)

Operational Engineer

We are a leading developer and manufacturer of mechanical and electronic locking systems as well as car access and authorization systems for the global automotive industry. Founded in 1908 in Velbert, Germany, we are an independent, family-owned company with around 7,500 employees at locations in Europe, America and Asia and achieved sales of more than EUR 1.2 billion in the financial year 2023.

Your Role

Process stability and standardization (Foundation)

• Establish, implement, and sustain standardized work for all equipment and processes

• Define and maintain:

• Work instructions

• Machine parameters

• Process limits and reaction plans

• Ensure process repeatability and right-first-time capability

• Act as owner for process deviations immediate root cause + countermeasure

Shopfloor Ownership

• Be present at the line solve problems where they occur

• Support operators / Hancho / Lead Hancho in:

• Troubleshooting

• Process clarification

• Capability issues

• No email escalation loops direct clarification & fast decision making

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and eliminate waste (Muda):

• Downtime

• Cycle losses

• Scrap / rework

• Lead and execute:

• Kaizen activities

• Line optimization

• Capacity improvements

• Drive Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycles with measurable results

Equipment & Automation Ownership

• Define, design, and implement robust automation concepts

• Ensure:

• Right sizing (no overengineering)

• Maintainability (easy to troubleshoot)

• Standard components where possible

• Ownership of:

• PLC sequencing logic

• Equipment functionality

• Long-term performance of machines

Cost & Performance Accountability

• Ensure equipment and processes meet:

• Cycle time targets

• Capacity requirements

• Cost targets (Bill of Materials (BOM), components, solutions)

• Actively monitor and challenge:

• Component selection

• Supplier costs

• Engineering solutions

Problem Solving

• Apply root cause problem solving (5 Why / Fishbone)
• Define permanent countermeasures (not quick fixes)
• Document and standardize learnings
• Prevent recurrence across lines (Yokoten mindset)

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all processes:

• Meet safety standards

• Follow legal and internal requirements

• Enforce safe behavior and safe machine design

Your Skills

• Bachelors degree in an Engineering or Mechatronics Manufacturing field or working towards Master's degree in Engineering field
• Strong understanding of PLC systems, Automation and robotics, electrical & mechanical troubleshooting, and vision systems
• Experience in equipment validation and process capability & cycle time analysis
• Operational mindset with hands-on, shop floor driven working style, strong ownership, and ability to simplify complexity, make fast, fact-based decisions, and challenge inefficient processes

What we offer

• Strong operations-driven environment with direct impact
• Opportunity to build and shape manufacturing excellence (Toyota Production System) based
• Competitive pay
• Full comprehensive health insurance, dental, vision, flexible spending account
• Disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid Time Off

Huf celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.

Huf North America Automotive Parts Manufacturing, Corp.

Michelle Myers