Automotive Seating Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location: Ladson, SC, 29456

Company: ISRI USA

ISRI USA is seeking a highly motivated Process Engineer to support and continuously improve manufacturing operations at our Ladson, South Carolina facility. This position plays a critical role in optimizing production processes, improving efficiency, reducing waste, supporting product launches, and ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate will work closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Logistics, and Engineering teams to identify opportunities for improvement and implement sustainable solutions within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

The Process Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and continuously improving manufacturing processes for automotive seating systems. This role ensures the efficient, safe, and cost-effective production of products while meeting customer quality and delivery requirements. Responsibilities include process optimization, root cause analysis, productivity improvement, production support, and implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles. The Process Engineer collaborates with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Logistics, and Engineering teams to drive operational excellence and support business objectives.

• Analyze and improve manufacturing processes to increase productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Conduct process studies, line balancing, and workflow optimization activities.
• Support production teams in troubleshooting process-related issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, work instructions, standard operating procedures, and visual standards.
• Develop the torque parameters in our electronic screwdriver system and maintain the equipment’s working according to specifications.
• Participate in root cause investigations using structured problem-solving tools such as 5 Why, Fishbone, and PDCA.
• Support new product introductions, engineering changes, and production launches.
• Collaborate with Quality and Production teams to improve process capability and reduce defects.
• Evaluate equipment, tooling, and workstation layouts to improve ergonomics, safety, and productivity.
• Monitor key process metrics and develop action plans to achieve operational targets.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence throughout the organization.

Leads and coordinates process improvement projects and cross-functional teams. May provide mentoring and technical guidance to engineers, technicians, and production personnel.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or related field).
• Minimum of 3 years of manufacturing experience.
• Experience in process improvement and production support.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

• Automotive manufacturing experience.
• Experience in assembly operations.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience with PFMEA, Control Plans, and process validation.
• Familiarity with IATF 16949 standards.
• Experience supporting Just-in-Time (JIT) or Just-in-Sequence (JIS) production environments.

• Continuous Improvement Mindset
• Strong Sense of Ownership
• Results-Oriented
• Data-Driven Decision Making
• Effective Communication
• Project Management Skills
• Ability to Work in a Fast-Paced Manufacturing Environment
• Knowledge in SAP System

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret basic instructions and required documents. Ability to respond and communicate complicated instructions. Ability to write instructions and other procedures as needed. Ability to interpret various instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Ability to comprehend and apply principles of basic mathematics. Must be good with numbers.

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Regularly required to use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear, and taste or smell.
• Required to stand, walk, lift, and sit.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Normal amount of sitting and standing, average mobility to move around an office and plant environment, and ability to conduct a normal amount of work on a computer.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Traveling from plant to plant (ISRI, Supplier, Customer), including international travel, may be required.

• Normal amount of sitting and standing, above average mobility to move around an office and plant environment, can conduct a normal amount of work on a computer.
• Works with the Production Supervisor, Production Manager, Line Leads, Line Personnel, Warehouse Manager, and Logistics departments.
• Flexible with alternating shifts and Saturday work as required by customer or ISRI requirements.