Product Engineer/Product Manager

Job Overview As a key interface between the company and clients, this role requires a comprehensive understanding of customer technical, quality, and delivery requirements for automotive exterior components (e.g., bumpers, grilles, spoilers), accurately translating them into internal inputs, coordinating cross-departmental resources to drive project execution, and ensuring efficient responses to client feedback. The position demands project management skills, product design experience, process technology expertise, and excellent communication and coordination abilities to guarantee customer satisfaction and achieve project objectives.Key ResponsibilitiesCustomer Requirement ManagementCollect and analyze customer technical specifications (e.g., CAD models, drawings, quality standards) and delivery requirements, organizing internal feasibility reviews.Lead technical meetings with clients, address inquiries, and manage closed-loop processes for requirement changes.Project ManagementCollaborate with the project management department to develop project plans (APQP process) and monitor milestone deliverables.Product Design SupportParticipate in design reviews, providing feasibility-based optimization suggestions aligned with customer needs.Collaborate with design teams on 3D data verification, tolerance analysis, and CAE simulation validation to ensure designs meet functional and aesthetic requirements.Process Technology SupportEvaluate feasibility of critical processes (e.g., injection molding, joining technologies, welding techniques, coating) and assist in resolving process anomalies during pre-development stages.Drive process parameter optimization and yield improvement.Communication & CoordinationRegularly update clients on project progress (e.g., phase review reports, 8D problem-solving reports) to maintain trust.Establish internal information-sharing mechanisms (e.g., cross-departmental meetings, collaboration platforms) to ensure transparency and rapid response.Problem Resolution & ClosureLead root cause analysis of customer complaints (e.g., dimensional deviations, cosmetic defects) and implement corrective actions.Document lessons learned to optimize internal processes (e.g., design guidelines, process standards).QualificationsEducationBachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related fields.Experience5+ years in the automotive exterior components industry, with experience in at least two of the following: project management, product design, or process technology.Familiarity with automotive industry standards and tools (e.g., IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP).SkillsTechnical SkillsProficiency in 3D design software (e.g., CATIA, UG).Knowledge of process parameters and defect resolution for injection molding, joining/welding technologies, and coating.Competence in project management tools (e.g., MS Project, JIRA) for cost and timeline control.General SkillsStrong cross-cultural communication skills for precise technical information exchange.Resilience in high-pressure environments, adept at multitasking and conflict resolution.LanguageNative proficiency in Japanese is preferred. English proficiency is required for workplace communication.