Job Description

Job Location Toyotetsu America, Inc. - Michigan Office - Northville, MI 48167 Position Type Full Time Job Shift First

Job Title: New Project Management Specialist

Location: Northville, MI
Company: Toyotetsu America, Inc. (TTAI)
Status: Full-Time, On-Site
Travel: ~10% (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
Visa Sponsorship: Not available

• We are seeking an experienced and dynamic automotive Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing negotiations with customers on processes and material sizes for new projects, ensuring optimal solutions are achieved through collaboration and technical expertise. This role will also involve performing Value Analysis (VA) / Value Engineering (VE) activities, managing cross-functional improvement initiatives, and overseeing project planning to ensure timely and cost-effective execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Negotiations: Lead negotiations with customers on process and material size for new projects, ensuring mutual alignment on technical specifications and costs.
• Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VA/VE): Conduct VA/VE activities across all North American manufacturing locations, working closely with engineering and production teams to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising on quality.
• Customer Design Negotiations: Collaborate with customers to refine and negotiate design modifications, ensuring design acceptance while maintaining feasibility and cost-efficiency.
• Kaizen and Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement Kaizen (continuous improvement) opportunities to enhance manufacturing processes, improve product reliability, and reduce production costs across multiple commodity types.
• Trial Gentani Activities: Partner with each manufacturing location to initiate and oversee trial gentani activities, including setting targets, tracking progress, and identifying opportunities for further improvement.
• Project Planning & Confirmation: Coordinate project planning activities, ensuring all cost drivers and resources are met. Perform regular project status checks and provide confirmations to internal stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with teams across engineering, production, quality, and supply chain to ensure the seamless execution of projects from inception to completion.
• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain accurate project documentation, reports, and records. Provide regular updates to senior management regarding project status, issues, and improvement opportunities.

Qualifications

Required Education

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Project Management, or a related field preferred
• Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years of project management, design engineering, or product development experience, ideally within automotive manufacturing.
• Experience with stamping dies, tooling, or metal forming strongly preferred.
• Experience working directly with customers, including presenting, negotiating, and technical communication.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Strong understanding of stamping processes, die design, and tooling fundamentals.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills; able to communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and mitigate risks proactively.
• Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams across multiple plant locations.
• Highly organized with strong time-management skills and the ability to balance multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; experience with Microsoft Project or similar tools preferred.
• Ability to adapt to changing requirements and work efficiently under pressure.

About Toyotetsu

Toyotetsu is a global, full-service manufacturer of essential automotive components with advanced capabilities in stamping, welding, and press quenching Known as one of the best stampers in the world, Toyotetsu drives innovation in part and process optimization for major automotive OEMs across the United States.