Procurement Tool & Die Principal Engineer (102161)

Job Purpose

Strategic Leader of technical judgement on supplier new model part tooling. High-level of technical expertise required to ensure tooling construction development can meet tooling (weld/ jig, stamping) specification and new model cost targets. Provide technical leadership and expertise to buyers and design.
Utilize engineering knowledge and background to assess supplier candidates, as well as select and evaluate Global and North American supplier tooling investment proposals on future Honda new models.
Monitor progress and performance against the new model projects, plan versus actual. Resolve supplier tooling investment problems and minimize delays. Coordinate with other areas in the organization to secure specialized resources and contributions for new model start-up readiness. Support investment meetings and prepare reports to communicate the status of the investment to Procurement Leadership.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead and execute strategic direction to determine most efficient process and tool construction for supplier tooling configuration (weld jigs, stamping dies) for all New Model Development while evaluating 3D data from design, considering production volumes and part specification requirements; understand capacity analytics (cycle time, OEE, etc.) & apply appropriate countermeasures.
• Creating cost estimates for the tooling and jigs
• Lead strategic investment reduction projects, developing revisions to existing cost calculation tables
• Lead supplier’s process design and tool/jig construction methods, creating cost estimates for the tooling and jigs.
• Develop and recommend opportunities to reduce cost relating tooling; negotiate cost ensuring best practice is utilized to achieve Honda’s cost target
• Lead Technical Evaluation meetings between supplier and design
• Determine and evaluate impact of design changes to exclusive investment during new model development
• Provide technical support throughout tool trials and crisis activity at suppliers, as needed
• Lead and report department new model tooling status to ensure readiness for Mass Production start-up and/or supplier characteristic change points
• Mentor associate with team on technical know-how and fostering development

Qualifications, Experience, and Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or equivalent relevant experience required
• 8+ years’ experience
• Ability to evaluate tooling cost and negotiate based on logic, Catia and Microsoft proficient, manage supplier relationships, work in teams to build consensus, solve problems, Understand the multiple ways to make tools (volume, quality level, difficulty of part, etc.)
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal

Working Conditions

• Domestic and International (avg length of 1-2 weeks) travel may be requested (15-25%)
• Willingness to work overtime due to the cyclical business needs of our NM schedule
• Open office environment with moderate level of noise and activity
• Hybrid work environment (80% io-office)
• Regular occurrence of communicating and presenting information in groups and to Honda management for evaluation purposes.