Director Engineering / SME - Press Operations, Maintenance & Repair

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled Technical Stamping Press Expert to serve as the organization's subject matter expert (SME) for stamping press equipment, tooling systems, and metal forming processes. This role is focused on providing deep technical expertise to improve press reliability, optimize production performance, troubleshoot complex equipment issues, and support new manufacturing initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have extensive hands-on experience with mechanical, hydraulic, and servo stamping presses and possess a strong background in press controls, die protection systems, automation, maintenance strategies, and process optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the company's technical authority on stamping press operations, equipment performance, and process improvement.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis of complex stamping press, tooling, and automation issues.
• Evaluate, optimize, and standardize press setups to improve uptime, productivity, and part quality.
• Provide technical guidance on mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and servo-driven press systems.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on new press installations, equipment upgrades, and capital projects.
• Support tooling and die development by ensuring compatibility with press capabilities and production requirements.
• Develop and implement preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to maximize equipment reliability.
• Analyze production, downtime, and quality data to identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Assist maintenance teams with diagnosing recurring failures and implementing long-term corrective actions.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies related to stamping presses, die protection, sensors, automation, and controls.
• Create technical standards, procedures, and best practices for press operation and maintenance.
• Train operators, setup personnel, maintenance technicians, and engineers on stamping press technologies and troubleshooting methods.
• Support safety initiatives and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and industry standards.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience working with metal stamping press equipment in a manufacturing environment.
• Expert-level knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, and servo stamping presses.
• Strong understanding of press controls, PLCs, feeders, straighteners, coil handling equipment, and press automation systems.
• Experience troubleshooting electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, and controls-related issues.
• Advanced knowledge of metal stamping processes, die design principles, and tooling applications.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, electrical schematics, hydraulic diagrams, and press specifications.
• Experience leading process improvement, equipment optimization, and reliability initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to provide technical leadership across multiple departments.
• Ability to travel 50% of the time to Michigan and Ramos Arizpe Mexico

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience with major press manufacturers such as AIDA, Minster, Komatsu, Fagor, Schuler, or Blow.
• Knowledge of press monitoring systems, and predictive maintenance technologies.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Reliability Engineering certification.
• Experience supporting high-volume automotive, appliance, or industrial manufacturing operations.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Key Competencies

• Stamping Press Subject Matter Expertise
• Equipment Reliability & Maintenance Strategy
• Advanced Troubleshooting
• Process Optimization
• Press Controls & Automation
• Root Cause Analysis
• Technical Leadership
• Continuous Improvement
• Project Management
• Safety and Compliance

Success in This Role

The Technical Stamping Press Expert will be recognized as the go-to resource for all press-related technical challenges, driving improvements in equipment uptime, production efficiency, quality, and overall manufacturing capability while supporting the long-term growth of the organization.

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