Manufacturing Process & Fixture Specialist
Northeast Auto Group seeks a hands‐on Manufacturing Process & Fixture Specialist to drive continuous improvement across truck body manufacturing operations. The role focuses on identifying and implementing process enhancements and designing and developing jigs and fixtures to improve efficiency, consistency, and production output. Based at our Northeast Engineering facility and reporting to the Head of Manufacturing, this full‐time, on‐site position requires occasional visits to suppliers and partner workshops.
Key Responsibilities
* Process analysis and improvement: lead end‐to‐end process mapping, value stream analysis, and use Six Sigma tools to identify root causes of variation and defects; design and implement Kanban systems.
* Jig and fixture design and implementation: produce design briefs, CAD concepts, engineering change requests; prototype, test, and iterate fixtures; ensure repeatability, ergonomic safety, quick changeover and maintainability.
* Standardisation and control: develop and maintain SOPs, work instructions, visual controls, inspection jigs; implement poka‐yoke and other mistake‐proofing measures; validate process changes through pilot runs and capability studies.
* Data, reporting and continuous improvement: define and track key metrics, present data‐driven business cases and cost‐benefit analyses, maintain improvement logs, coach production staff in lean methods.
* Research and benchmarking: research best practices in truck body manufacturing, modular assembly, automated welding, and material handling; translate into shop‐floor‐ready recommendations.
Objectives and Key Performance Indicators
* Increase repeatable quality and reduce variation across truck body production.
* Raise production throughput while reducing rework and scrap.
* Deliver robust, maintainable jigs and fixtures that reduce cycle time and operator dependency.
Key Performance Indicators
* Quality: reduction in defect rate and rework percentage.
* Throughput: increase in units produced per shift/week.
* Cycle time: reduction in cycle time for targeted operations.
* Process capability: improvement in Cp/Cpk for critical dimensions.
* Inventory: reduction in WIP and lead time via Kanban implementation.
* Return on investment: measured payback period for fixture and process investments.
Required Skills and Qualifications
* Technical qualifications
o Tertiary qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent.
o Six Sigma Green Belt minimum; Black Belt preferred.
o Proficiency with CAD tools and ability to produce fixture concepts and engineering documentation.
* Experience
o Proven track record in jig/fixture design, prototyping, and shop‐floor implementation.
o Experience in truck body, commercial vehicle, or heavy fabrication manufacturing preferred.
o Strong background in welding processes, assembly fixturing, and dimensional control.
* Behavioural competencies
o Data‐driven problem solver with strong statistical thinking.
o Effective communicator bridging engineering and production teams.
o Practical, hands‐on approach respecting shop‐floor expertise.
o Project management skills and ability to deliver to timelines and budgets.
Deliverables
* Process maps, capability studies, and improvement proposals with cost‐benefit analysis.
* CAD concepts, prototype fixtures, validation reports, and updated SOPs.
* Training materials and roll‐out plans for implemented changes.
Authority
* Initiate pilot trials and minor engineering changes within agreed budgets.
* Recommend capital expenditure for fixtures and tooling subject to management approval.
Key Interfaces
* Production Supervisors and Operators
* Quality Assurance and Inspection Teams
* Workshop Fabrication and Maintenance Teams
* Design Engineering and Procurement
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