Act as a liaison between internal Tesla teams (Trim pattern engineering, seat engineering, raw materials engineering) and suppliers to meet Appearance Approval Requirements, Product Validation Testing, and Pre-Production Approval Process (PPAP) for components and materials.
Ensure trim pattern designs align with supplier manufacturing to prevent issues like wrinkles and creases while meeting Tesla's trim engineering specifications. The candidate should suggest process adjustments to suppliers or modifications to Tesla's trim designs to support product ramp-up.
Negotiate costs, timelines, and actions with suppliers throughout the product lifecycle. It's not mandatory, but a plus to have cost analysis background
Create, manage, and communicate soft trim material specifications to Sourcing, Purchasing, Product, and Design teams. Soft trim raw materials include (PUR, PVC, TPO, Suede, Textiles)
Identify manufacturing and production defects at suppliers and collaborate with Tesla internal teams and suppliers to resolve issues
Work with global manufacturing teams to optimize pattern development, sewing, and build operations
Oversee soft-trim components from initial concept through to production hand-off and also during supplier-ramp up
Experience with pattern development software such as Gerber, Lectra, and Accumark
Demonstrated ability to improve production efficiency by refining sewing processes and optimizing material usage
Working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Bill of Materials (BOM) development
What You’ll Bring
Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering or evidence of experience and exceptional ability
5+ years of assembly plant experience working directly with injection molding, blow forming, SMC or similar in a Supplier Quality, Quality Engineering, or Manufacturing Engineering role
Understanding process engineering principles of resin fed final products
Experience in Quality Systems a plus: PPAP/APQP processes
Ability to communicate and direct supplier activities at the management level
Excellent team building skills in dealing with suppliers, peers and other functional areas
An average of 30 - 40% travel, possibly on short notice