Principal Manufacturing Engineer

TITLE Principal M.E.
COMPANY JTEKT Automotive NA DEPARTMENT Manufacturing Engineering
LOCATION Vonore, Tennessee CLASSIFICATION Salaried Exempt- OT
REPORTS TO M.E. Manager GRADE 107
REVISION DATE 10/30/2025 REVISION LEVEL A


Summary/Purpose
Provide technical support for continuous improvement of plant operations and the execution of new/modified programs.
Essential Duties and Accountabilities:
• Directly support manufacturing continuous improvement activities.
• Recommend and assist in creation of effective set-up and maintenance procedures.
• Design and execute trials to reduce cost: scrap reduction, cycle time reduction, Gentani, and short stop reduction.
• Assist in training and development of less experienced engineering team members.
• Advise/Lead teams in new program manufacturing process design and equipment specification.
• Provide guidance and leadership for M.E. teams executing new/modified programs from ITO to SOP.
• Plan and execute process development trials to achieve process capabilities required.
• Support manufacturing improvement and Kaizen teams.
• Work daily overtime and Saturdays and/or Sundays when directed by immediate supervisor or, as necessary, to complete essential job duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned to achieve departmental objectives provided.

Supervisory Responsibilities:
• This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities. May have some leader responsibilities.
Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• Proficiency in multiple types of CNC controls, tooling geometry, machine tool process and fixture design
and/or
• Proficiency with automated, semi-automated, and manual automotive assembly equipment and cell design.
• Sound understanding of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical circuits and controls.
• Strong organizational skills, able to work well under pressure and manage several tasks simultaneously
• Basic knowledge of applicable quality, health, safety, and environmental management systems.
• PLC programming experience and robot programming/cell design experience desired.

Education and Experience:
BS in Engineering (ME or EE preferred) plus minimum 9 yrs experience in metal removal and/or close tolerance assembly manufacturing.
The above may be modified by the department Manager and the Human Resources Manager if the candidate is otherwise qualified.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:
• Able to walk approximately 3 – 7 miles per day
• Perform repetitive motions while walking or standing
• Stand/walk for duration of shift
• Visually check for minute details when performing quality checks, detect color
• Able to lift 35 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.

Employee may perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned. Approvals:
Dept. Manager: Human Resources: