The Launch Tooling Manager interfaces with Advanced Engineering, Operations, Purchasing, Suppliers, and customers concerning critical tooling builds, process modifications, and/or repairs to meet customer requirements. Reinforcing Pridgeon & Clay, Inc.’s process according to the company Tooling Standards, APQP requirements, and Quality policies. Also critical to this role is the mentorship and development of Launch Project Engineers to maximize quality, cost, timing, and final delivery performance of tooling related APQP requirements.
Qualified candidates will possess the following Minimum Requirements:
- 10 years of experience in the Tool and Die field related to sheet metal line, progressive, and transfer tools.
- Management experience with highly skilled tool and die personnel
- Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and drive on-time completion of program a high degree of detail
- Completion of an Associate’s Degree in Tooling & Manufacturing (or similar program) or a college-based Tool & Die journeymen’s certificate
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is a plus
- Demonstrated ability to teach, mentor, assist, assess and guide Launch Project Engineers
- Experience in the prototype or tool & die trade, specifically making, repairing, and troubleshooting progressive and transfer dies
- CAD experience, MS Products including Excel, Word, and MS Project
- Strong GD&T knowledge
- Ability to troubleshoot sheet metal stamping dies and create work plans for tooling problem resolution.
- Proven ability to provide detailed documentation on tooling issues and component prints
- Knowledge in machining, welding, and laser cutting operations
- Project Engineer capacity assessment for tool follow up, TSRO’s and Capability run requirements throughout Launch activity
- Knowledge of HSLA, Stainless steel variants, Dual Phase, Gen 3 material properties, and application
- Exceptional professional attributes, including self-motivation and dependability
- Ability to build effective work relationships
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, and willingness to work a flexible schedule
- Ability and willingness to travel worldwide up to 15% of the year
- An excellent work record, including attendance
Essential Functions:
Leadership/Mentorship:
- Mentor Project Engineering team members, leading and instructing them through the designated processes of Pridgeon & Clay systems including die build standards, APQP
- Processes, while enhancing the die repair and preventive maintenance processes and improving the entire team’s effectiveness.
- Provide technical expertise to assist in creating and implementing the best solutions to manufacturing challenges.
- Knowledge of tooling timing including First off parts, Tool Shop Run Off’s, Capability run dates. Analysis of project timeline information.
- Active participation in the design review process while working with the design team to determine the optimal sequence of operations from set up to the finished product, including key characteristics, transfer heights, fingers have proper clearance, and transfer curve optimization. Offer coating experience; type of production material, and component tolerances
- Accountable to lead his / her team and interphase with P&C Purchasing and Tooling suppliers to hold suppliers accountable to project SOW, P&C tooling standards, and project timing
- Work with Project Engineers to verify that newly built dies are built accurately (t-slots, cone locators, trim steels, punches, and embosses are properly placed and meet tolerances), shut heights, feed heights, and that the dies are timed out properly. Notification thru Project Engineers of any component changes, request corrective action, and ensure the CAD data gets updated
- Ownership and Continuous improvement of P&C Tooling standards for supplier accountability and timely updates
Troubleshooting:
- Combine problem-solving methods with data gathered from CMM layouts, gauge evaluation, scan data, etc.
- Ability to create work plans, with timing, to address the critical tooling issues
- Assist local team in monitoring the corrective actions and follow up for closure.
- Continue to train local plant on sequential troubleshooting methods and record keeping for tool history
- Assure that CAD drawings are updated to changes and audit upon return visit to plant location
Continuous Improvement/Lean Principles:
- Apply continuous improvement concepts to dies via lessons learned from launch trial and errors
- Identify and attempt to eliminate areas of waste for better efficiency and overall production needs
- Anticipate die and operation problems and work to eliminate them before they happen
- Participate in, and support lean initiatives such as continuous improvement events and problem solving events, identifying and eliminating all types of waste
- Suggest and implement ideas to increase personal and departmental efficiency. Communicate potential cost savings to other Technicians, Team Leaders, and Managers.
- Participate in Corrective actions using 8D and 5-Why problem solving tools.