Program Engineer (Japanese OEM Accounts)

Axalta has remained at the forefront of the coatings industry by continually investing in innovative solutions. We engineer technologies that protect customers' products - whether they are battling heat, light, corrosion, abrasion, moisture, or chemicals - and add dimension and beauty with colourful finishes. We have a vast and ever-evolving portfolio of brands primed to play an important part in everything from modernizing infrastructure around the world to enabling the next generation of electric and autonomous vehicles.

We are currently looking for a Program Engineer (Japanese OEM Accounts) to join us at our facility in Troy, MI.

The Program Engineer is responsible for execution of assigned program/product activities which support Axalta's business objectives. Provide technical expertise to customers and internal team members in support of Axalta's portfolio including the development and application of products, processing techniques, and resolution of complex problems. Support programs and delivering new products to the market. Coordinate the activities of other functions (Technology, Marketing, Sales, and Operations) and other business units in support of the business strategies. This position will handle JOEM customers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development and management of critical relationships with customer field team members, engineering, and manufacturing team members within the assigned customer base to support overall growth plan.
  
• Serve as technical spokesperson to customer design, materials engineering, and paint manufacturing groups.
  
• Provide a Voice of Customer to the Axalta Sales, Marketing, Technical, and Manufacturing functions.
  
• Responsible for content and accuracy of assigned program related data within Salesforce and other Axalta internal software.
  
• Deliver technology reviews and reports to the customer.
  
• Support customer focused product quality investigations with recognized problem-solving.
  
• Support new product launches and technology transfers.
  
• Support gaining and maintain customer product approvals.
  
• Contribute technical expertise in translating product data into effective marketing and sales tools.
  
• Consult with cross-functional team to identify and deliver VMI requirements and seek VMI improvement opportunities to implement.
  
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  

Culture Champion:

• Cultivate a strong team culture by enhancing and building highly effective and collaborative cross-functional relationships throughout the business.
  
• Through integrity and dependability, build relationships at all levels to help support change initiatives that help teams deliver value.
  
• Continuously identify ways to improve by engaging with staff and bringing perspective on innovative ideas.
  

Key Requirements:

• Fluent in Japanese is a necessity.
  
• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, engineering or related applied sciences curriculum preferred.
  
• The ideal candidate will have at least six (6) years of automotive, chemical, or related industry experience to include a combination of sales, technical and marketing experience displaying finance and business acumen. Background with coatings is a strong preference.
  
• Knowledge of paint formulation and application process preferred.
  
• Knowledge of customer-specific test requirements with the ability to analyze failure modes and provide solutions.
  
• Experience working in an R&D environment and bringing new products to market is highly preferred.
  
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work with all levels of the organization and customers.
  
• Capable of managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously and leading multi-functional teams without direct control.
  
• Proven problem-solving and analytical skills with data-based decision-making capability.
  
• Ability to understand customer needs and translate them into product offerings / solutions.
  
• Strong data processing skills.
  
• Proficiency in MS Office and Salesforce is essential.
  
• Ability to collaborate and build teamwork is essential.
  
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
  

Additional Information:

• Visa Sponsorship and Relocation Assistance
  
• Axalta is committed to attracting top talent for this unique opportunity. For qualified candidates, visa sponsorship & relocation assistance may be available. Specific details regarding sponsorship and relocation support will be discussed during the hiring process and finalized