Advanced Secondary Tool Engineer - Troy, Michigan
This is a contract-based, hybrid role with a pay range of $50.00 to $65.00 per hour, determined by your verified professional background.
Travel Expectations
Please note that this position requires significant travel, estimated at 35-40% of your time.
Core Responsibilities-
Deliver expert manufacturing and product design guidance to corporate facilities, internal design teams, and OEMs to ensure secondary tooling feasibility is integrated into early product development.
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Partner with corporate manufacturing sites to manage RFQ processes, evaluate quotes, finalize sourcing decisions, and lead technical discussions with management and OEM partners.
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Drive improvements in manufacturing quality and operational efficiency by introducing optimized materials, facility upgrades, and refined production methods.
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Provide ongoing support to manufacturing operations.
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Oversee the full lifecycle of secondary machine and fixture builds for new program launches, including design, construction, budgeting, and scheduling.
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Act as a tooling subject matter expert to project teams to ensure all customer requirements are met.
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Coordinate with external suppliers to manage fixture and machine builds, ensuring projects align with corporate quality, cost, and timing goals.
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Lead pre-production machine run-offs and approval workflows to help the team achieve rapid PPAP quality cycles and optimal OEE performance.
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Engage in financial negotiations regarding engineering changes and tooling costs.
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Support the startup of pre-production machinery at manufacturing sites throughout the PPAP phase.
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Provide technical troubleshooting for existing production lines and processes to help the plant meet profit targets and customer quality standards.
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Enhance manufacturing output and quality standards by implementing superior methods, materials, and facility improvements.
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Maintain a safe working environment for the entire team by ensuring all project executions comply with NFPA, OSHA, ANSI, and corporate safety standards.
Required Qualifications-
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.
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Seven to ten years of professional experience in the design, construction, and follow-up of machines and fixtures for automotive interior trim components like instrument panels, door panels, floor consoles, or hard trim.
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Proficiency in core secondary processes, including IR/hot plate welding, sonic/heatstake welding, vac forming, edge wrapping, and punching.
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Proven background in automotive interior trim launches and previous programs.
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Strong capabilities in project management and time management.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills, combined with proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
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A proactive approach to problem-solving, with the ability to identify and mitigate risks to program success.
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Controls experience is preferred but not required.
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Experience working with Siemens or Allen-Bradley PLCs.
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Proficiency in developing and modifying HMI software, such as Ignition, WinCC, FactoryTalk View, and RSView.
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Familiarity with legacy automation networks, including ASi, Profibus, Modbus, ControNet, DeviceNet, and DH+.
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Ability to support and develop programming using RSNetWorx, RSSQL, FactoryTalk View Studio, RSView Studio, RSLogix 500, RSLogix 5000, and Studio5000.
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Experience in the troubleshooting, design, and implementation of machine controls for North American plants, with additional global support.
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Flexibility to travel to and work from various supplier sites and corporate manufacturing locations.
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Expect to spend 20-30% of your time traveling to fulfill the requirements of this role.
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Strong negotiation skills, specifically regarding the establishment of tool costs with OEM analysts and suppliers.
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Ability to work autonomously with minimal supervision, particularly when off-site.
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Capacity to collaborate effectively as part of a launch team, working across all organizational levels while maintaining individual accountability.
Final candidates will undergo a background check, and a satisfactory result is a prerequisite for employment. By submitting your application, you verify that all provided information is complete and accurate. You acknowledge that any false or fraudulent information may lead to the withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.
