PROJECT ENGINEER SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL & PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Forward Engineering is a Global Engineering and Consulting Firm based in Munich, Germany with offices and representation in Japan, China and the USA, that specialize in enabling the sustainable cost-effective inclusion of fiber reinforced polymers and composites in serial mass-produced mobility applications. From concept development through series production validation of polymer intensive multi-material designs; FE supports OEMs and Tier Suppliers to enable the realization of sustainable functional lightweight solutions of increased value beyond lighter weight.

Forward Engineering North America, LLC (FENA), Headquartered in Detroit (Oak Park), Michigan is seeking a professional with the right blend of technical and consultative skills to support our growth in the North American market. This person will be responsible for supporting the development of sustainable materials and products for clients across industries and applications. This person will interact with key accounts in the region and the FE Engineering Team globally on a daily basis.

Travel will be primarily in the Detroit Metro Area. However, key account workshops may require one- or two-day trips monthly. Presentations at, and support of, targeted trade events will also require travel to interesting destinations in North America, and abroad, based on the Marketing Planning Calendar. At least one trip annually to FE Munich Headquarters is anticipated for Training and Planning Workshops.

YOUR FUNCTIONS

• The selected candidate’s responsibilities will include planning, support and implementation of development projects from the concept phase to series application in the areas of Design for Recycling, Design for Sustainability, Design for Circularity.
• Implementation of life cycle assessments, sustainability assessment over the entire life cycle/ several life cycles to derive sustainability strategies in product development
• Support the development of new and innovative solutions to complex automotive and mobility challenges such as Vehicle End of Life resource recovery to support industries drive to a more circular economy.
• Material and process evaluation, global material and technology scouting
• Work with local and global teams of internal and external engineers, and end users, to advance the development of new products from concept to pre-production validation.
• Translate customer’s requirements to actionable scopes of work and manage complex projects. Coordinating project support, establishing & maintaining project schedule in MS project, tracking & meeting program milestones & to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Participation in research projects in support of bio-based and sustainable materials development, efficient manufacturing processes, advanced joining and assembly technologies as well as End of Life resource recovery
• Sustainable Product Development is a Global Discipline. Technical requirements and expertise come from every region of the world. FE NA team members work directly with FE engineers and partners in Germany, Japan, China and the US and collaborate with partners and clients in Europe, Asia and North America.
• This role reports to the Operations Manager, and is responsible for planning, executing and evaluating projects including estimating manpower requirements, determining schedule, and projecting budget
• The Project Engineer is accountable for project results and is empowered to drive the project and draw on the resources required to be successful.

YOUR PROFILE

• >4 years’ experience working with Materials and Manufacturing
• >3 years’ experience in managing development projects or equivalent
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering
• Specialty in Automotive, Materials and/or Manufacturing Engineering
• Experience in the areas of Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Product Declaration and/or Design for Sustainability
• Experience in project management, product development, material technology
• Excellent Listening, Written and Oral Communication Skills
• Proficient computer skills including analyzing data, creating presentations and organizing complex projects
• Goal and Solution oriented with a drive to collaborate with and motivate project teams
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Ability to manage your time effectively, organizing tasks each day to complete work on time, prioritize, and communicate to colleagues and supervisor.
• Flexibility, willingness to adapt to requirements unique to a small organization
• Software Proficiency: MS Suite including Excel, PPT, Project.
• Business fluent language skills in German, Japanese or Chinese a plus

THE FORWARD OFFER TO YOU

• Opportunity to work on the most challenging applications in the automotive and future mobility industries
• A global team of industry leading experts in a positive and collaborative environment
• Ownership of challenging tasks that drive meaningful results in an innovative environment
• An organization that is focused on delivering valuable solutions and sustainable growth to our clients
• A flat, client focused structure supporting nimble and responsive decision-making processes
• Direct participation in the organization’s strategic and business planning activities
• Individual, attractive opportunities for your personal development in a growing global business