Job Description

NA Process Engineer, Autonomous Manufacturing – Tactical Planning & Execution 

Job Level: E4 

Job Type: Individual Contributor 

FLSA Status: Exempt 

Reports To: Senior Manager or Director, Process Engineering (NA Autonomous Manufacturing Strategy) 

Job Summary:

The E4 Process Engineer – Autonomous Manufacturing Tactical Planning & Execution is responsible for developing and executing tactical initiatives that support DENSO North America’s Autonomous Manufacturing Strategy. This role focuses on driving execution across manufacturing affiliates to improve NA manufacturing competitiveness through the principles of Connected, Flexible, and Lean. The E4 collaborates closely with the E5 strategist and affiliate teams, ensuring governance policies are implemented, processes are evaluated, and new technologies are piloted, validated, and standardized for broad adoption. Travel across North America is expected (10–20%). 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Tactical Planning & Execution 

• Develop and manage year-over-year tactical plans to support the long-term Autonomous Manufacturing roadmap. 

• Translate strategic direction set by leaders into executable actions at affiliate sites. 

• Ensure tactical initiatives contribute to competitiveness goals in productivity, cost, and lead-time reduction. 

Process Evaluation & Gap Identification 

• Conduct process studies and validations at affiliate plants. 

• Identify competitiveness gaps and propose corrective measures to align with governance standards. 

• Document and share findings to inform continuous improvement and standardization. 

Governance Policy Implementation 

• Support rollout of governance policies by training affiliate teams on requirements and processes. 

• Ensure consistent application of policies across diverse manufacturing environments. 

• Provide feedback to E5 leadership on policy effectiveness and site challenges. 

Technology Development & Standardization 

• Pilot emerging technologies such as AI-based vision inspection, robotics, AMRs, and MES/ERP integration. 

• Validate and standardize manufacturing & supply chain automation solutions across affiliates. 

• Ensure interoperability, scalability, and reusability of new technologies. 

Cross-BU & Affiliate Support 

• Provide execution and technical support across multiple business units and affiliates. 

• Collaborate with affiliate engineering teams to align tactical plans with regional competitiveness objectives. 

• Act as a liaison between affiliate operations and the NA strategy team. 

Continuous Improvement 

• Use lean methodologies to eliminate waste and strengthen competitiveness. 

• Monitor post-implementation performance to ensure ROI, productivity, and standardization goals are achieved. 

• Recommend adjustments to tactical execution based on performance data. 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field; Master’s preferred. 

Experience: 8+ years in manufacturing, logistics, or advanced automation with proven leadership in strategic program development and governance. 

Technical & Leadership Skills: 

• Strong knowledge of automation technologies, robotics, and digital integration. 

• Ability to manage tactical projects with cross-functional teams. 

• Proven skills in process evaluation, standardization, and validation. 

• Effective communicator across diverse stakeholders (affiliate engineers, managers, NA leadership). 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity with AI-based vision inspection and autonomous manufacturing technologies. 

• Experience supporting multi-site rollouts of standardized processes or systems. 

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or higher certification. 

• Demonstrated interest in innovation and applied R&D within manufacturing environments. 

Work Environment & Travel Requirements 

• Role is primarily based in an office environment with dedicated time in factory environment; some exposure to automation equipment and logistics systems. 

• Travel required: ~10–20% within North America. 

• Physical requirements include standing, walking, occasional lifting, and navigating shop floor environments.