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Plant Senior Engineer Product & Process at GKN Automotive · Celaya
Skills
Job Description
Role Purpose
The Plant Senior Engineer – Product & Process is a key technical and operational leadership role responsible for the Tooling Shop and Presenting area. This position ensures the timely and high-quality release and availability of tooling through effective SPQEC process management, strong cost control, and healthy inventory management.
The role leads the design, integration, and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems and tooling processes, acting as a technical authority across the plant, including Floor-to-Floor (FTF) measurements and PPAP-related documentation. The position operates with a high degree of autonomy and plays a critical role in supporting production demands, cost efficiency, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Tooling Shop and Presenting area, ensuring tooling availability aligned with production demand.
- Own and execute the SPQEC process to guarantee tooling release on time and with required quality standards.
- Develop and execute precision tooling manufacturing plans.
- Administer and control the SLT budget, ensuring effective cost management.
- Manage and maintain healthy tooling inventories, ensuring accuracy and availability.
- Ensure compliance with KPIs for the tooling area (safety, quality, people, productivity, and cost).
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in tooling manufacturing processes and systems.
- Generate and lead CIMS cost-saving projects.
- Ensure compliance with Safety, Health, and Environmental (HSE) policies.
- Ensure quality standards are met across tooling and presenting operations.
- Optimize the use of resources including people, equipment, and materials.
- Lead, communicate, and execute operational strategies and business plans.
- Coordinate internal communication plans effectively.
- Act as the primary technical interface with internal stakeholders (Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality).
Technical Skills & Capabilitie
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing and tooling processes
- Experience with forging processes and die set maintenance
- Machining experience (programming and technical knowledge)
- SPQEC and AMEF (FMEA) knowledge
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- CAD software knowledge
- Geometric and dimensional tolerances
- Environmental and quality standards compliance
- Cost control and budgeting
- Teaching and mentoring techniques
- Negotiation skills
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field
- 3 to 5 years of proven experience in a similar role.
- Demonstrated experience in tooling manufacturing, machining, forging, and expense control.
- Experience leading technical teams in industrial manufacturing environments.
- English: Conversational (B2 desired)
What We Offer
- A critical and high-impact technical leadership role
- Stable and technically challenging manufacturing environment
- Opportunities to lead strategic tooling and manufacturing initiatives
- Professional growth and development
- Close collaboration with cross-functional plant teams