Technical Director, Automotive

Job Description

Essex Furukawa strives to push the boundaries of what is possible by creating magnet wire solutions that enable our customers' innovations and exceed expectations. Our team provides products and services to some of the world's leading automotive, energy, and industrial manufacturers. With over a century of experience, Essex Furukawa is leading the charge to power new technologies in electric vehicles, grid modernization, and sustainability.

As the Technical Director, Automotive, you will oversee the technical aspects of product development, manufacturing processes, quality control, and innovation. This role requires a deep understanding of magnet wire technology, including materials, electrical properties, insulation, and manufacturing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the design and development of magnet wire products specifically for automotive applications.
• Ensure products meet stringent automotive industry standards and customer specifications.
• Manage the lifecycle of automotive products from concept to commercialization.
• Develop and implement advanced manufacturing processes tailored for automotive applications to improve efficiency and quality.
• Monitor and analyze production data to identify areas for improvement.
• Implement best practices and new technologies to enhance production capabilities for automotive products.
• Establish and maintain quality control standards and procedures for automotive products.
• Ensure compliance with automotive industry regulations and certifications (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 14001).
• Address and resolve any quality issues or customer complaints related to automotive products.
• Drive research initiatives to explore new materials, technologies, and applications for automotive magnet wire.
• Stay updated with industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes in the automotive sector.
• Collaborate with external partners, such as automotive manufacturers, research institutions, and suppliers, to enhance technical knowledge and capabilities.
• Provide technical support to sales teams and customers in the automotive industry.
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to automotive products and processes.
• Prepare and present technical reports, documentation, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor the technical team, including automotive engineers, scientists, and technicians.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as production, sales, and marketing, to align technical efforts with business objectives.

Education and Experience Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field (Master’s or Ph.D. preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the automotive industry or a related field.
• Proven track record of successful product development and process improvement for automotive applications.
• Experience in a leadership or managerial role.
• Experience in Technical Sales
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of electric motor, generator, transformer, magnet wire technology, materials, new product introduction, testing, and manufacturing processes.
• Magnet Wire experience - Familiarity with NEMA MW-1000 Standard or IEC 60317
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in using technical software and tools related to engineering and manufacturing.
• Familiarity with automotive industry standards and regulations.