OverviewThe
Tire and Wheel Engineer is responsible for the end-to-end readiness, execution, and stabilization of the Tire and Wheel process at Piston Automotive Canada in Mississauga. This position requires strong system thinking, the ability to manage high automation and product complexity, and close coordination across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Quality, Materials, and IT. The role is not about firefighting-it is about designing and holding a robust system that protects the customer and the plant.
Responsibilities- Own Tire and Wheel launch readiness across layout, work content, flow and recovery.
- Ensure APQP, Process Book, PFMEA, and Control Plans are fully aligned and executable.
- Translate learnings from build, simulations, and benchmarking (e.g., KTP) into concrete process decisions.
- Manage Tire and Wheel product mix and complexity, including point-of-use storage and picking accuracy.
- Ensure scrap, rework, and exceptions do not disrupt broadcast flow to Ford.
- Establish and enforce clear rework strategy, limits, and disposition processes.
- Serve as the technical owner for Tire & Wheel equipment and automation.
- Ensure critical quality decisions (e.g., conicity, TPMS) are system-driven, not judgment-based.
- Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to:
- Improve diagnostics and recovery time
- Define preventive maintenance and reliability strategies
- Identify and validate critical spare parts for launch and SOP
- Lead response to Tire & Wheel quality issues, hotshots, and urgent customer requests.
- Ensure clear ownership, response timing, and escalation paths.
- Support MPA alignment related to:
- Containment and sorting responsibility
- Scrap and rework cost ownership
- Response time expectations and data sharing
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications- Strong understanding of assembly requirements for all Automated manufacturing Systems and equipment-intensive processes.
- Experience managing high-mix, broadcast-driven operations.
- Ability to design processes that force the right decisions through systems and controls.
- Structured problem-solving mindset (APQP, PFMEA, root cause analysis).
- Ability to anticipate risk and act proactively.
- Comfortable leading cross-functional discussions and driving alignment.
- Clear, disciplined decision-making under launch pressure.
Preferred Qualifications- Automotive manufacturing experience, ideally with Tire & Wheel, chassis, or highly automated assembly.
- Experience in (FPV, CPV, SOP).
- Experience working with OEM customers in a broadcast environment.
