Main Responsibilities:
Process Development & Tooling Leadership
- Lead the design, validation, and optimization of stamping processes for ladder frame structural components.
- Define press selection (600T–6,000T transfer and tandem presses), die design parameters, and forming strategies for HSLA, AHSS, and UHSS steels.
- Oversee forming simulations (AutoForm, PAM-STAMP, DYNAFORM) to ensure manufacturability, springback control, and cost efficiency.
- Drive tooling standardization across global ladder frame programs to reduce lead time and cost.
Production Support & Operations Management
- Act as the technical authority for stamping operations, leading troubleshooting of forming issues (splits, wrinkles, galling, springback).
- Develop and enforce best practices for die setup, press operation, and tool maintenance.
- Support production ramp-up, ensuring throughput, OEE, and safety metrics are achieved.
- Coordinate with welding, e-coat, and assembly teams to ensure stamped parts flow seamlessly downstream.
Quality & Compliance
- Lead dimensional quality control for ladder frame parts, implementing SPC, MSA, and GD&T adherence.
- Own PPAP, APQP, and PFMEA deliverables for stamping processes.
- Collaborate with quality teams to implement corrective actions and ensure compliance with OEM specifications.
- Conduct root cause analysis and develop countermeasures to reduce scrap, rework, and customer returns.
Supplier & Stakeholder Engagement
- Manage relationships with steel suppliers, tool shops, and press equipment vendors.
- Support sourcing decisions, supplier audits, and technical reviews for stamping feasibility.
- Act as the stamping subject matter expert in OEM technical reviews, providing justification on capability and limits.
- Represent stamping engineering in cross-functional program teams (manufacturing, product engineering, supply chain).
Continuous Improvement & Leadership
- Introduce innovative solutions such as servo-press optimization, digital twins, and predictive analytics for die wear.
- Drive lean initiatives, cost-reduction programs, and yield improvement projects.
- Mentor engineers, toolmakers, and production staff, developing organizational stamping expertise.
- Standardize best practices across multiple plants/programs for stamping consistency.
Education
- Bachelor''s Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (Master''s a plus).
Technical Qualification
- 8-12 years of experience in automotive steel stamping, with direct exposure to ladder frames or medium/large structural components
- Strong background in die design, forming simulation, and high-tonnage press operations.
- Expertise in AHSS/UHSS stamping and springback mitigation techniques.
- Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, GD&T, SPC, and problem-solving methodologies (8D, Six Sigma)
- Working knowledge of automation/robots integration in stamping lines.
- Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Behavioral Skills
- Strategic Leadership
- Adaptability
- Resilience
- Effective Communication
- Customer Focus
- Goal orientation
- Decision-making
- Safety Culture mindset
- Ability to work and promote teamwork
KPIs:
- Scrap rate reduction and material yield improvement.
- Press line OEE and die changeover efficiency.
- Cost savings achieved through tooling standardization and process optimization.
- On-time delivery of stamping PPAP and launch readiness.
- Reduction in customer quality concerns related to stamped parts.
Special Conditions:
- Availability for national and international travel
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