Application Engineer Manager (Automotive or Related Industries) - Sparrow Company LLC

The Engineering Manager leads our applications division with a skilled and talented team. The role includes managing and developing the team as well handling hands on projects to include interpreting and translating the customers’ requirements into a product concept and managing the execution of that design in accordance with company Project Management Model.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Lead role in management of application projects using  company methodology for timely, high quality deliverables.
• Mentors applications engineers, encourages the group in areas of project management, heat transfer, vehicle integration, and cost management.
• Lead role in market knowledge. This includes vehicle and specification knowledge as well as anticipated customer future trends.
• Lead role in smooth transition of projects into production.
• Assume lead role in use and training of others in advanced quality planning tools such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis as well as advanced problem solving techniques.
• Responsible for creating/implementing customer driven designs with minimal supervision.
• Review team ECN/ECR submissions for proper drafting, errors, and omissions.
• Will specify materials and analyze structures for robustness, cost and risk of designs.
• Primary contact for internal customer product knowledge.
• Lead Design FMEA’s with cross-functional groups including Logistics, Manufacturing, Product Engineering, Purchasing, Quality, Suppliers and Tooling/Fixtures.
• Utilize QPC process as outlined in IATF-16949 standard.
• Will be the primary technical contact in support of sales and is expected to establish, maintain, and grow relationships with the customer.
• Flexibility to travel both domestically and internationally.
• Support manufacturing as needed for prototyping or production launches.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities as assigned or departmentally defined.
• Drive operational improvement and warranty reduction from a customer program perspective. Being the internal expert on program specifics.
• Lead engineering program cost reduction to consistently deliver annual savings.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL SKILLS:

• Demonstrated ability to lead the design & launch process of OEM systems and sub-systems (engine cooling components and systems preferred).
• In-depth knowledge of the application of materials including ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
• Working knowledge of Quality Functional Deployment.
• Thorough knowledge of quantitative methods as applied to compact heat exchanger design.
• Solid understanding of the processes required in the manufacture of a heat exchanger.
• Understanding and ability to apply cost to manufacture and product costing methods to ensure both an understanding of the costs of design as well as the ability to set and apply standard costing methods.
• Commitment to staying up to date in the state-of-the-art of heat transfer as it applies to the vehicle industry through attending trade shows and seminars.
• Utilize Creo to design, analyze and draft (per ANSI Y14.5-2009) information for internal and external customers.
• Strong understanding of GD&T and its application within a manufacturing environment.
• Analyze tolerance stack-ups and account for in designs.
• Use Windchill/PDM Link to store CAD files and perform change management
• Use DFM/DFA (Design for Manufacturability/ Design for Assembly) skills as related to company manufacturing capability.
• Ability to communicate with customers and suppliers both domestically and internationally.
• Applies sound analysis methods in the evaluation of heat transfer and structural phenomenon.
• Detail and results orientated (adherence to schedules).
• Excellent organizational methods including strong project management skills.
• Creo and Windchill PDM link administrator, including the creating of processes that enhance performance of users. Internal expert on Creo and Windchill PDM systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Self-starter with the ability to operate well independently.
• Ability to motivate staff to achieve excellence.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Seven to ten years of design experience in an OEM manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with a parametric based CAD software, prefer experience with Creo and use of Cad PLM systems.
• Minimum of 3 years in an engineering management function with responsibility for managing engineers and/or technical professionals.
• Experience in sheet metal design and weldments.
• Experience in heat exchanger products and processes (brazing) a plus.
• Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME).
• Master of Engineering Management or an MBA strongly desired.