Job Description

Company Overview

Nippon Seiki is a world-class manufacturer of instruments for vehicles, agricultural, and construction equipment. Established in 1945, Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Japan, with numerous facilities worldwide. N.S. International, Ltd. ("NSI"), a group company of Nippon Seiki, located in Troy, MI, is a tier one supplier of instrument clusters and head-up display units for FCA US, General Motors, BMW, Honda, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Polaris, Arctic Cat and other OEM's.

Purpose of Job

The Prototype Specialist III is responsible for managing all prototype build activities including developing and communicating Prototype development schedules & build plans based on Engineering Specifications, Bills of Materials (BOM), and program timing. Responsibilities apply to new developmental programs during development and Pre-production phases. Collaborating with multiple teams across NSNA locations to assure prototype deliverables are met. Resolve issues affecting component shortages, quality, delivery, functional requirements, and timing. The Prototype Specialist shall map out a detailed plan of component strategies, defining requirements, obtaining quotes for Production tooled & Electrical components. This role will interface with different engineering disciplines to determine the release of specifications, drawings, BOM, and assembly process flow. The Prototype Specialist shall develop Prototype Process Control plan, detailed process & functional check instructions including Quality control charts to ensure flawless build and delivery performance. Responsible for continuous improvement initiatives focused on prototype scrap cost reduction, proto assembly capacity enhancement, and Proto specific KPI performance (Quality, Cost, & Delivery). The Prototype Specialist III is responsible to review and develop best practice processes and develop training material and provide mentorship to junior level specialists with the objective of improving overall design capabilities within the Prototype Department

Major Duties/Responsibilities

• Based on Engineering and Customer Prototype demand schedules, Develop a Proto development timing including component planning, procurement plan, and components demand schedule, Pilot runs and assembly trials to meet various Engineering (ED, DV) and Customer Prototype requirements.

• Develop PLEX ERP System specific BOM for both Mechanical and Electrical components for registration into PLEX to plan for component orders and inventory management. Create component tracker with operational code for registration with PLEX for receiving components at NS Ohio Warehouse

• For Prototype PCBA SMT Process, utilizing Excel Macros & VBA, develop consolidated BOM for each product variation based on Part Number, Specification, Symbols, quantity to meet US based SMT supplier DFM requirements. Perform DFM review with SMT supplier clarifying the Gerber, Conformal Coating requirements utilizing MO drawing.

• Manage supply chain or part shortage issues, and develop contingency plans to recover build timing. The Prototype Specialist shall carefully analyze the Prototype demand schedule & Prototype supply chain logistics towards optimum component planning to balance between urgent order requests and scrap cost optimization.

• Interface with SW & System Engineering Teams to develop Functional test, and SW Flash instructions, and develop “first article acceptance” criteria for PCB A. Provide training for SMT supplier operators related to performing “functional check” inspection procedure.

• Work with SMT supplier to perform 100% PCBA AOI inspection, and functional checks to assure PCBA quality before the planned build event.

• Conduct weekly review meetings with NS Japan - Proto, Business Development, and Engineering teams to monitor tool status, obtaining component quotes, component delivery status, and Optical Jig quotes & timing.

• Develop Control Plan, Prototype Process Plan (PFMEA) including quality control charts (Go/NoGo Visuals) to ensure compliance to Customer / IATF requirements.

• Collaborate with Mechanical Engineering teams to develop process guidelines for HUD Optical Inspections for the Prototypes prior to the DV build phase.

• Provide comprehensive training to Prototype Specialists I &II in the areas of Product overview for each program, Prototype know-how, Prototype processes, PLEX BOM registration, Prototype planning, Component trackers & management, Inventory Management, Component quotes, and Timing development, and build assessment reports.

• Provide mentorship in Prototype Assy Process development, Control Plans, PFMEA in compliance with IATF guidelines, Product functional Inspection reports, and KPI assessment & reporting.

• Conduct Pilot trials to confirm process design, assembly cycle time, confirm functional performance towards ensuring flawless build performance for the DV & Customer builds. Based on process trials, interface with Engineering to explore ways to improve cycle time to enhance daily prototype assembly capacity.

• Ensuring the quality of Prototypes meets all the functional requirements (including Optical functional performance). In the event, there are non-conformances, the Proto Specialist shall respond quickly and take necessary actions to collaborate with Engineering to conduct root-cause analysis towards resolution.

• Monitor trial results and document key takeaways related to proto process incl. cycle time improvements, design issues, inventory challenges, material cost reduction, & supply chain challenges. Inform impacted functions of the issues observed for improvement.

• Maintain Prototype Specific Lessons Learned (L/L) Database.

Education, Experience and Knowledge

Required and/or preferred level of education, knowledge and skills that are necessary.

• Bachelor of Science in Technical, Business, Management or Engineering

• 5 - 8 years of experience in prototype / project or Logistics management; automotive experience at a tier one supplier preferred.
• Bilingual Communication (English, Japanese) preferred.
• Ability to schedule tasks among numerous suppliers.
• Requires well-developed communication, interpersonal and planning skills to work effectively with customers and cross functional teams.
• Advanced Excel Skills including programming.
• Working knowledge of Visual Basics Programing
• Requires excellent negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Requires an ability to think ahead and plan for key Prototype activities at the inception of development phase.
• Problem analysis and resolution at both a strategic and functional level.
• Ability to read & understand Bills of Material (BOM), Assembly Drawings, and EOL functional acceptance criteria

• Observation, understanding, and execution of applicable company ISO/IATF certification standards related to the role and impact on the overall organization, PLEX ERP system Inventory Control, Process Routing; MS Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint & Project

• Adaptation/Flexibility : Includes keeping an open mind regarding new ideas and ways of doing things. Willing to consider alternative interpretations or ways of looking at the situation. Demonstrating flexibility.
• Initiative/Results Driven : Includes setting high standards of performance for self and others. Striving to accomplish goals even if it means personal sacrifice. Putting the goals of the organization above own goals.
• Judgment/Decision Making : Includes making decisions and takes actions that have beneficial impact. Effectively evaluating information in order to come up with sound conclusions and recommendations.
• Resource Management : Includes setting clear objectives to guide action for self or others to accomplish goals. Organizing or adjusting information, people and materials to meet those goals.
• Team Work : Includes encouraging and supporting the ideas and effort of others. Finding ways to help the team or group perform effectively.

Additional Information

Work Hours

Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5pm

Hybrid Schedule (3-4 days in the office, 1-2 days remote)

Off-hours as needed.

10 % international and/or domestic. 

If domestic travel is necessary, valid drivers’ license is required.

If international travel is necessary, valid passport is required.

NA

DISCLAIMER

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

N.S. International, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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