Engineer II (Prototype)

ASTEMO AMERICAS, INC.Manufacturing & Operations

Job Description:

Under the direction of department leadership, the Production Engineer – Prototype supports and improves manufacturing processes within the Aftermarket business unit. This role partners closely with other Engineer Groups to transition new and revised products into stable, efficient production while driving continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.

The position executes production engineering strategies and tactical plans at the Astemo Berea Plant and collaborates with leadership to establish priorities, objectives, and ensure effective implementation. Acting as a strategic partner across the organization, this role exercises independent judgment within established guidelines. The Production Engineer serves as a key technical liaison between Prototype, Operations, Showa Performance, Design Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure production readiness and ongoing process optimization in shocks and struts manufacturing.

Essential Functions / Key Responsibilities: Includes the following (other duties may be documented and assigned by local management and some duties may not apply dependent upon the requirements of the position at each specific (ASTEMO) site and/or the strengths of the employee and the needs of the company):

• Support daily production activities within the Prototype manufacturing area to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality output.

• Participate in design reviews to ensure manufacturability of new products.

• Lead process validation activities including trial builds, pilot runs, PFMEA, control plans, capability studies, and first-piece approvals.

• Analyze and improve manufacturing processes with a focus on quality, efficiency, cost, and equipment performance.

• Analyze manufacturing data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, and productivity enhancement.

• Use technical knowledge to support equipment troubleshooting and process issue resolution in coordination with Maintenance and Operations.

• Read, interpret, and create technical drawings and schematics as needed.

• Assist in tooling design, fixture development, and equipment modifications as required.

• Support cost reduction initiatives and capital project justifications.

• Collaborate with departments such as Prototype, Quality, Maintenance, and Production to ensure smooth implementation of process changes or improvements.

• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with team members and other departments.

Success in This Role Looks Like:

• Production processes consistently meet safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets.

• Equipment and processes demonstrate stability and repeatability.

• Trial builds and pilot runs executed on time with minimal disruption.

• Manufacturing risks identified and mitigated before impacting production.

• Demonstrated improvements in productivity, throughput, and cost reduction.

• Capital and tooling improvements successfully implemented with measurable ROI.

• Visible and engaged presence on the production floor.

• Recognized as a technical resource and proactive problem solver.

• Strong, solution-focused partnership with Prototype, Quality, Maintenance, and Operations.

Qualifications:

Knowledge, skills & abilities: Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Possess ability to perform duties utilizing current company software applications (including, but not limited to: Microsoft Office, Outlook, Teams, Solid Works, AutoCAD, D-MATE, current ERP system). Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal, and written communication skills required.  This position performs job duties in an ethical and professional manner.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required.

Experience:

• 2-4 years of manufacturing engineering or production engineering experience preferred.

• Experience in shock, strut, or automotive component manufacturing strongly preferred.

• Experience supporting product launches preferred.

• Experience with programming languages such as, Rust, Python and VBA.

• Experience programming and troubleshooting PLC’s (ladder logic & Mitsubishi) preferred

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (assembly, machining, welding, testing, etc.).

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Experience with PFMEA, Control Plans, and root cause analysis tools.

• Experience in CAD software (Solidworks) and ERP systems preferred (AS400).

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.

• Experience automating workflows and connecting data end points.

• Experience creating and modifying programs to collect and analyze process data into various reports.

• Advanced knowledge in Excel (XLOOKUP, array functions, macros, etc.)

Competencies:

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

• Cross-functional collaboration and communication

• Project management and organizational skills

• Ability to work in a fast-paced production environment.

• Results-oriented with strong attention to detail

Working Conditions & Requirements:

• Required to work 40 hrs. per week, as well as any required overtime.

• Occasional off-shift support as needed for production or launch activities.

• Required to work in a manufacturing facility (exposure to noise, moving equipment, etc.).

• Exposure to office and laboratory areas.

• Required to stand for long periods of time.

• Required to lift/move up to 50lbs.

• Up to 10% domestic and international may be required as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) – Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, disability, protected veteran status and national origin.

At Astemo, we’re challenging the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. Our goal is to build an inclusive work environment that celebrates the differences of our employees. We want to ensure that every employee feels valued, respected and empowered. We don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Astemo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at Astemo, please send the nature of the request and contact information to am-jobs@hitachiastemo.com when applying for the position.