Job Description

About us

LAEPPLE Automotive is a leading supplier in the automotive industry, specializing in high-quality components and systems for body components manufacturing. Our innovative technologies and efficient production processes set benchmarks in the industry. To grow our team in Detroit, we are seeking a dedicated and experienced Industrial Engineer responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining manufacturing processes for our Class A automotive components manufacturing facility. This role focuses on improving safety, quality, productivity, cost, and delivery performance through the application of lean manufacturing principles, industrial engineering methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives. The Industrial Engineer collaborates closely with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Tooling, Maintenance and Program Management teams to ensure efficient and standardized production processes which consistently meet customer specifications and appearance standards.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze, improve, and document production processes for assembly, welding, hemming, laser welding, robotic applications, and finishing operations involving Class A exterior vehicle components.
• Develop and maintain standard work instructions, process documentation, and manufacturing specifications.
• Conduct time studies, work measurement analyses, and line balancing activities to optimize labor utilization and throughput.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve OEE.
• Support launch activities for new products and process changes.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives including Kaizen events, value stream mapping, 5S, standardized work, and waste reduction programs.
• Identify opportunities to reduce cycle time, scrap, rework, inventory and manufacturing costs.
• Develop and implement continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics.
• Utilize Six Sigma and statistical analysis tools to drive process improvements.
• Develop labor standards, staffing models, and capacity studies.
• Perform equipment utilization analysis and support capital expenditure justification.
• Evaluate production schedules and manufacturing constraints to ensure customer delivery requirements are achieved.
• Support manufacturing readiness reviews and production ramp-up activities.
• Ensure manufacturing processes maintain Class A surface appearance standards and dimensional requirements.
• Collaborate with Quality team to investigate root causes of quality concerns and implement corrective actions.
• Participate in PFMEA, Control Plan, APQP, and PPAP activities.
• Support customer audits and internal quality assessments.
• Drive error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) initiatives to prevent defects.
• Review product designs for manufacturability and assembly efficiency.
• Develop process flow diagrams, workstation layouts, and manufacturing feasibility studies.
• Coordinate equipment installation, commissioning, and process validation activities.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret manufacturing performance data.
• Develop KPI dashboards and reports on productivity, quality, labor efficiency, and capacity utilization.
• Present improvement recommendations to plant leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of industrial engineering experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably with robotic welding, hemming, assembly, and BIW operations.
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with AutoCAD, simulation software, or manufacturing planning systems.
• Experience conducting time studies, line balancing, labor analyses, process documentation, and creating standardized work.
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP preferred) and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plants, and IATF 16949 requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional teamwork abilities.
• Working knowledge of robotic assembly, welding, hemming, stamping and automated material handling systems.
• Understanding of Class A automotive body panel standards and surface quality requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Time management and ability to meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated with a results-driven approach.
• High level of integrity and ethical standards.
• Ability to travel as business needs dictate.

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