Location: Columbus,IN, USA
Job Description JOB DESCRIPTION: NTN Driveshaft Inc. , a world leader in constant velocity technology for the automotive industry, is currently seeking a qualified Manufacturing Engineering Technician specializing in InductionHeat Treat for our Columbus Indiana operation. NTN currently has 2000 employees working in our Columbus operation and customer demand for our product is growing rapidly. NTN Driveshaft manufactures Constant Velocity Joints (CVJs) for all of the major automotive companies. These customers include Honda, Ford, Toyota, GM, Chrysler and most other automotive OEMs. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop processes on existing and new automated manufacturing equipment. Setup the sequence of the machine operations, and optimize the total time required to process a CVJ component. Production support of equipment is necessary to optimize up time of equipment and prevent future breakdowns. Launch new lines and assist in the transfer to production. Oversee line rebuilds and replacements. Design tooling and new equipment. Develop new products on existing equipment; complete development reports. Lead improvement teams on cycle time reduction, planned maintenance and heavy maintenance. Collaborate with the maintenance department (in a leading position) to plan and provide practical support for equipment maintenance. Optimize manufacturing costs in the heat treatment process, analyze cycle time, time efficiency, and daily output to understand trends, and create action plans for improvement and countermeasures for improvement. Inspection of process sheet for heat treatment process Improvement of heat treatment quality (Analysis of causes of heat treatment quality defects and countermeasures) REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION, AND ABILITIES: BS Mechanical Engineering Technology or associate degree with experience Extensive mechanical ability with basic electrical ability Project management Lean manufacturing Strong written and oral communication skills Materials engineering knowledge mainly related to carbon steel (S53C) Knowledge of hydraulic and air-pressure equipment and hydraulic and air-pressure circuits Equipment knowledge of induction hardening and tempering equipment(Heat treatment coil design and cooling water management and selection knowledge) Knowledge of heat treatment quality inspection (Heat pattern, Case depth, Microstructure and hardness, etc.) Knowledge of heat treatment quality defects (Crack, Under-heat, Structure,etc.) Knowledge of inspection equipment for heat treatment defects (Eddy current , Magnetic test, etc.) Proficient in Microsoft Office and AutoCAD with 2D or 3D engineering design and manufacturing tools/documents and processes. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Stamina and Endurance: May spend significant time on the factory floor, overseeing operations, troubleshooting problems, or working with production teams. This requires stamina to move between different stations, sometimes for long hours. In environments where shift work is common, engineers must be able to manage long, irregular hours. Physical Mobility: May need to be physically mobile to inspect machinery, guide the setup of production lines, or perform equipment maintenance. The ability to climb ladders, bend, kneel, or maneuver through tight spaces (e.g., inside machines or complex systems) may be required. Visual Acuity and Attention to Detail: The ability to closely inspect parts, components, or assembly lines to ensure that quality control standards are met. Strong vision is needed for identifying small defects in materials, designs, or manufacturing processes. Being able to read blueprints, schematics, and detailed measurements with high precision is crucial. Comfort in Industrial Environments: Will often work in noisy, high-energy environments where they must wear protective gear (e.g., safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, ear protection). Must be comfortable working in hot, cold, or sometimes hazardous environments, depending on the industry (e.g., chemicals, metals, electronics, exposure to dust). Strength and Dexterity: The physical demands are generally lower than those for hands-on operators, but there may be occasional lifting of equipment, parts, or materials (up to 3050 pounds), or handling small components in assembly tasks. Manual dexterity is needed for tasks such as handling small tools, adjusting machinery, or setting up production lines. MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking: Engineers must quickly diagnose and resolve issues with machines, processes, or materials. The ability to perform root-cause analysis is critical to prevent recurring issues. They must continuously improve processes, reduce downtime, optimize production, and increase efficiency, often requiring out-of-the-box thinking and creative solutions. Attention to Detail: A high level of attention to detail is required to ensure the quality and precision of manufactured products. This includes monitoring machines, evaluating product performance, and adjusting processes to meet specifications. Mathematical and Technical Skills: Engineers need strong mathematical abilities, including geometry, algebra, and calculus, to calculate dimensions, tolerances, and production specifications. Familiarity with industrial automation software and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) programs is essential, along with the ability to read complex blueprints and technical documentation. Communication and Teamwork: Effective communication is necessary to collaborate with other engineers, production workers, and managers. Engineers must explain complex technical concepts to non-technical personnel and work as a team to address operational challenges. Clear communication is also needed when documenting production issues, suggesting improvements, and creating technical reports. Time Management and Multitasking: Engineers often manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Strong time management is required to balance daily troubleshooting with long-term project planning and optimization efforts. They must be able to prioritize tasks efficiently, especially when production schedules are tight or unexpected issues arise. Project Management and Decision-Making: Engineers may be responsible for managing projects to improve manufacturing processes or introduce new technology. This requires strong project management skills, including resource allocation, timeline management, and cost estimation. They need to make quick decisions under pressure, often balancing production goals with safety and cost constraints. Safety Awareness: Engineers must have a strong understanding of safety regulations and be able to enforce safety protocols in the workplace. They need to anticipate potential hazards related to machinery, chemicals, or electrical systems and ensure compliance with safety standards. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Engineers must stay current with new manufacturing technologies, industry trends, and process improvements. This may include advancements in automation, robotics, or sustainability practices. Being adaptable to new tools, methods, and working conditions is essential in an ever-evolving industry.