GKN Automotive · 1 day ago
Manufacturing Process Optimization Engineer (Automation & Machining)
Bowling Green, OH
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expGKN Automotive is a leader in the automotive industry, seeking a Manufacturing Process Optimization Engineer to enhance production efficiency. The role involves troubleshooting machining processes, optimizing workflows, and implementing improvements in safety, quality, and cost efficiency.
IndustrialManufacturingAutomotiveIndustrial Engineering
Responsibilities
Reduce setup time, changeovers, and operator effort through improved methods, tooling, and standardized work
Drive cycle-time reduction in bottleneck cells to increase throughput
Troubleshoot machining processes and PLC logic (Siemens & Allen‑Bradley) to eliminate chronic faults
Modify processes to elevate safety, quality, and cost efficiency, and to incorporate engineering design updates
Support financial goals: build budgets, schedule expenditures, and manage project costs
Lead capital projects from specification and runoff to installation and contractor coordination
Maintain current equipment drawings and production layout documentation
Engineer robust solutions for recurring equipment and process failures
Identify skills gaps and deliver targeted departmental training
Coordinate TPM/PM along with proactive and predictive maintenance to maximize uptime
Own PFMEA, control plans, and process flows in partnership with the Quality Engineer
Coach shop-floor teams on problem solving and develop clear standard work instructions
Manage external contractors to execute process and equipment improvements
Collaborate across all levels to optimize machinery and manufacturing processes
Lead Kaizen events and capture/document the results
Operate with awareness of key environmental aspects and related operational controls
Qualification
Required
2+ years' experience in high-volume machining, assembly, and automation
Hands-on application of Lean Enterprise tools and thinking
PLC troubleshooting (Siemens & Allen‑Bradley)
Engineering fundamentals and degree-level knowledge
Manufacturing environment experience
Process development and optimization
Basic computer literacy
Preferred
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
B.S. in Mechanical, Industrial, or related Engineering field
Proficiency with MS Word and Excel; familiarity with MfgPro and Kronos
Benefits
Competitive pay and benefits backed by financial stability.
Long-term career path in a culture that values commitment and development.
Company
GKN Automotive
GKN Automotive is an automotive engineering and manufacturing company. It is a sub-organization of Dowlais Group.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
GKN Automotive has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (15)
2024 (3)
2023 (7)
2022 (8)
2021 (9)
2020 (4)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknownKey Investors
Advanced Propulsion Centre UK
2022-10-18Grant
Leadership Team
Angela Brown
Human Resources Business Partner
Bailey Woelpper, SHRM-CP
Human Resources Business Partner
Recent News
2025-11-11
2025-11-05
Company data provided by crunchbase