Innovation Project Engineer
- Process 3.6 3.6 out of 5 stars Columbus, IN Faurecia 4,303 reviews Forvia, a sustainable mobility technology leader We pioneer technology for mobility experience that matter to people. Your mission, roles and responsibilities The Innovation Project Engineer
- Process drives the development of advanced manufacturing and automation solutions that turn innovation into scalable, high‑impact industrial reality. Working closely with Product Line Manager and the Innovation Project Engineer
- Product, the role ensures product and process concepts mature together.
By applying lean manufacturing, automation knowledge, DFMA, and PFMEA, to reduce manufacturing risk and improve industrial performance. The role delivers technically mature, validated process solutions ready for apply to acquisitions and production programs. Main Missions of the
Role:
Innovation Project Planning & Process Execution Translate product line strategy and manufacturing needs into structured, executable process innovation work plans. Lead hands‑on execution of manufacturing, automation, and process innovation projects from concept to acquisition readiness. Own process engineering scope, deliverables, and technical progression across assigned innovation & automation projects. Science‑Based Process Engineering & Development Define and mature innovative manufacturing and automation concepts using data-driven analysis, concept simulation, experimentation to drive decision making. Lead process concept development, iteration, and convergence to meet performance, cost, quality. Use measured data, pilots, MVP, and engineering fundamentals to guide process architecture and technology selection. Automation & Advanced Manufacturing Solutions Identify and develop value‑adding automation and advanced manufacturing solutions that improve efficiency, consistency, flexibility, and total cost of ownership. Evaluate and integrate equipment concepts, automation technologies, controls strategies, and digital enablers where clear operational benefit exists. Ensure automation solutions are robust, maintainable, scalable, and aligned with production and operational constraints. Manufacturing Risk & Validation Identify, assess, and mitigate manufacturing and industrial risks through structured application of PFMEA and process risk analysis. Define and execute process pilots, concept demonstrations / trials, and validation activities to confirm assumptions and reduce uncertainty. Ensure innovative process solutions achieve appropriate levels of maturity, robustness, and repeatability prior to acquisition targeting or industrial deployment. DFMA & Industrial Feasibility Apply Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles to influence and recommend product design improvements that enhance manufacturability, automation potential, and cost efficiency. Work closely with the Innovation Project Engineer
- Product to ensure product and process concepts mature together as an integrated solution.
Collaborate with manufacturing engineering, operations, and quality to ensure new process buy-in. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Technology Transfer Partner with the Product Line Manager to align process innovation priorities with product strategy and business objectives. Act as the process and manufacturing execution lead within cross‑functional innovation teams, supporting reviews, alignment, and decision making. Deliver mature, well‑documented process solutions to enable smooth transfer into acquisition phases and downstream customer programs. Your profile and competencies to succeed The ideal candidate will have/be: Minimum of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering Minimum 5 years in a commercial or light vehicle product development or project management role Minimum 3 years in a customer facing role as program manager or commercial/sales experience Lead cross-functional teams in a highly collaborative environment Knowledge of manufacturing and assembly processes Knowledge of product development processes Working Knowledge of marketing, costing, and sale Strong written and oral communication skills Project Management Skills Results oriented & customer focused Teamwork & collaboration Strong business acumen What we can do for you At Forvia, you will find an engaging and dynamic environment where you can contribute to the development of sustainable mobility leading technologies. We are the seventh-largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in more than 40 countries which makes a lot of opportunity for career development. We welcome energetic and agile people who can thrive in a fast-changing environment. People who share our strong values. Team players with a collaborative mindset and a passion to deliver high standards for our clients. Lifelong learners. High performers. Globally minded people who aspire to work in a transforming industry, where excellence, speed, and quality count. We cultivate a learning environment, dedicating tools and resources to ensure we remain at the forefront of mobility. Our people enjoy an average of more than 22 hours of online and in-person training within FORVIA University (five campuses around the world) We offer a multicultural environment that values diversity and international collaboration. We believe that diversity is a strength. To create an inclusive culture where all forms of diversity create real value for the company, we have adopted gender diversity targets and inclusion action plans. Achieving CO2 Net Zero as a pioneer of the automotive industry is a priority: In June 2022, Forvia became the first global automotive group to be certified with the new SBTI Net-Zero Standard (the most ambitious standard of SBTi), aligned with the ambition of the 2015 Paris Agreement of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Three principles guide our action:
use less, use better and use longer, with a focus on recyclability and circular economy. Why join us FORVIA is an automotive technology group at the heart of smarter and more sustainable mobility. We bring together expertise in electronics, clean mobility, lighting, interiors, seating, and lifecycle solutions to drive change in the automotive industry. With a history stretching back more than a century, we are the 7th largest global automotive supplier, employing more than 157,000 people in 43 countries. You'll find our technology in around 1 out of 2 vehicles produced anywhere in the world. In June 2022, we became the 1st global automotive group to be certified with the SBTI Net-Zero Standard. We have committed to reach CO2 Net Zero by no later than 2045. As technological innovation and the need for sustainability transform the automotive industry, we are ideally positioned to deliver solutions that will enhance the lives of road-users everywhere.
