Production Development Engineer

Full Time / R&D / Dayton, TN, US

Responsibilities  

• Develop, configure, and optimize processes from R&D trials through to start up and quality certification 

• Conduct new product outputs and test series: prepare plans, specifications, control and collecting results 

• Prepare and arrange output reviews  

• Manage profile drawings (plan, draw, develop and maintain) 

• Continuous development of Nokian Tyres products (e.g., modulation, cycle times and equipment) and control operational quality while decreasing quality costs 

• Maintain and develop recipe library 

• Assess processes, take measurements, and interpret data 

• Develop best practices, routines, and innovative solutions to improve production rates and quality of output 

• Provide testing results and all necessary reports as needed 

• Review existing tire specifications periodically to ensure that they meet all current standards 

• Follow cut tire analysis results to detect any problem areas of specification conformance 

• Maintain an awareness of defect levels on tire specifications and determines causes for and solutions to defect problems 

• Validate process and test method activities by developing and executing procedures for new or existing products or processes 

• Responsible for the process of problem solving in production processes with the goal of reducing product defects  

• Review and evaluate changes to general product specifications and directs the revision of plant general specifications to ensure that they are capable of efficiently producing a consistent, high quality product 

• Issue special projects requested by R & D to evaluate new production features 

• Issue testing instructions and reports on all project results including process ability of changes and the effects on tire performance 

• Establish periodic contact with R & D to maintain an awareness of new technical developments 

• Analyze adjustment return tires to determine cause of failure, possible product improvements, and reviews any defective workmanship with production personnel 

• Develop and implement statistical methods and design of experiments to support process/product control and improvement 

• Work with all departments in the development of new processes, initiatives, and projects to provide necessary cross-functionality and risk mitigation 

• Ensure maintenance and effective functioning of the Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 standards  

• Follow all company environmental rules/procedures and handle all materials in a manner designed to minimize environmental impact  

• Follow OSHA and company safety rules/procedures (including Lock Out/Tag Out policy) so as to prevent injury to self and others and to maintain safe equipment and conditions in entire area of responsibility  

• Maintain all necessary records in the working documentation / computer-aided production control systems, proper accounting of products and defects 

• Other duties as assigned 

Skills/Qualifications 

• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills as role requires global interaction for support, audits and training 

• Demonstrated ability to work on complex issues and to develop resolutions via in-depth evaluation of factors and/or frequent use of creativity 

• Capability to professionally deal with changing priorities and requirements 

• Thorough understanding of engineering principles and practices 

• Team player attitude 

• Objective judgment and fact-based decision-making approach 

• Knowledge and experience with statistical methods, such as regression and correlation. High level understanding of statistical packages and databases, especially Microsoft office and Mini tab 

• Ability to accomplish assignments in a logical fashion, using existing technology and standardized methodologies 

• Strong multitasking competency 

Requirements  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering preferred and/or equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of this position 

• Minimum of 3 years manufacturing experience in tire industry 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications 

• Must be available to work overtime and weekends when needed 

• Must be willing and able to travel to Finland and/or Russia for training as needed 

For additional details and to apply directly here.