Purchasing Supplier Development Engineer

Overview

Who we are

Toyota does not offer support or sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this role now or in the future. You must have the right to work in the United States and not require Toyota support or sponsorship for immigration-related employment (e.g., H-1B, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, TN, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, TN, (job flexibility benefits) (also known as I-140 or Adjustment of Status portability), etc.) now or in the future. You should not apply for this role if you will require Toyota to assist with immigration support or sponsorship now or in the future.

Who we’re looking for

Toyota’s Purchasing Supplier Development (PSD) Engineering Department is looking for a passionate and highly motivated Engineer with a strong data analytics mindset and the ability to turn insights into sound business decisions.

The primary responsibility for this role is to lead activity in the areas of Manufacturing and/or Design Cost initiatives, and Automation initiatives for Operational Stability of our Supplier Partners for all North American built vehicles.  To achieve this goal, the Engineer will deploy the PSD Cost Engineering Operational Procedure and apply rigorous analytical thinking (data-based problem solving, PLC analysis, and virtual part/tooling analysis) to optimize the design for manufacturability to achieve project milestones.

The person in this role will support PSD’s objective to develop our outsourced supply base utilizing data-driven performance insights to ensure overall best cost, quality, manufacturability, and operational self-reliance.  The candidates should consistently demonstrate attributes of next level capability as outlined in the Toyota Core Competencies and meets expectations of current position.

This position is located in Saline, Michigan.

What you’ll be doing 

• Apply process engineering and Toyota Production System (TPS) principles in partnership with Supplier teams, using data-driven analysis of KPIs (e.g., throughput, cycle time, OEE, FPY/yield, scrap/rework, and defect PPM) to identify loss drivers, prioritize countermeasures, and validate stable, capable processes (e.g., SPC, Cp/Cpk) that meet quality and launch readiness targets.

• Execute and manage the PSD Operating Procedure for responsible projects across multiple Supplier Partners.

• Develop, execute, and adjust project strategies for multiple projects for Cost Engineering or Automation focus.

• Work with Supplier Partners to develop appropriate project schedules to achieve vehicle milestone objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Lead Supplier Partner teams in problem solving, driving fact-based continuous improvements leading to consensus mitigating risks utilizing Toyota Business Practices.

• Maintain and communicate responsible part status information supporting project KPI visualization, synthesizing information into clear insights, internally and externally.

What you bring 

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in Engineering or a similar Technical field from Automotive Manufacturing.

• Passion to learn and implement Automation and new Technologies to improve Manufacturing operations.

• Experience in process Automation and/or implementing Automation in Manufacturing settings. 

• General experience and/or detailed knowledge of AMR’s, Cobots, AI Based Camera Inspection, Digital Transformation (DX), Karakuri, or other simple Automation methods.

• Must have a minimum of 2+ years of experience from Manufacturing, Quality or Engineering (including applicable co-op experience) developing one or more of the following commodities, such as: Interior/Exterior components; Electrical/Electronic; Chassis Components; Powertrain; Body Assembly and Seat and Soft Trim.

• Must have a minimum of 2+ years professional experience from Manufacturing, Quality or Engineering developing one or more of the following processes: Molding processes; Electronics Soldering; Casting, Forging (Aluminum & Iron); Machining, Milling, Heat Treatment; Stamping, Welding, and Materials including Steel, Aluminum, Resins, Paint, Rubber.

• Experience and knowledge in General Automotive Body and Vehicle Structures.

• Experience reading drawings/prints, including the ability to discuss basic GD&T for manufactured parts.

• Experience with data analysis, including the ability to evaluate trends, quantify impacts, and communicate concise decision-quality insights and recommendations to management.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables, VLOOKUP).

• Must be willing to travel domestically up to 50% during peak periods and be available to attend early mornings or late evenings meetings.

• The current working schedule is Hybrid. The requirement is an onsite presence Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and working remotely Monday and Friday. This schedule supports the needs of the business and subject to future modifications.

Added bonus if you have 

• At least 2 years of experience working directly for an Automotive OEM or Automotive Supplier.

• Minimum of 2+ years of experience from New Model Production Preparation experience with demonstrated ability to manage either of the following:

  • Multiple Tier 1 Suppliers Production Preparation across multiple vehicle / unit projects.

  • The establishment of manufacturing processes to include critical characteristics and parameter controls across a broad spectrum of inputs such as Tooling, Equipment, Process Capacity, Capability, Quality, Throughput and Human development.

• Experience in design feedback activity for manufacturability or cost reduction initiatives.

• Experience with Digital Transformation (e.g. Industry 4.0), Artificial Intelligence Applications, Network Development, Data Management.

• Working experience with Microsoft Power BI and Power Automate (including data importation, slicer manipulation, report creation).

• Experience with Catia /AutoCAD/Autoform.

• Successful completion of Toyota Business Practice (TBP) Panel or other established problem-solving methodology training & experience.

What we’ll bring

During your interview process, our team will provide you with all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career, as well as tuition reimbursement

• Team Member Vehicle Purchase Discount

• Toyota Team Member Lease Vehicle Program (if applicable)

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans for your entire family

• Toyota 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match, as well as an annual retirement contribution from Toyota regardless of whether you contribute

• Overtime pay for specific positions

• Paid holidays and paid time off

• Referral services related to prenatal services, adoption, childcare, schools and more

• Tax Advantaged Accounts (Health Savings Account, Health Care FSA, Dependent Care FSA)

• Relocation (if applicable)

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to talent.acquisition@toyota.com.