Material Utilization Engineer

The Material Utilization Engineer is responsible for collecting, managing and maximizing material across all make stamped components by developing, analyzing, and implementing strategies that improve coil utilization, reduce scrap, optimize blank development, and lower overall manufacturing costs. This position works closely with Die Design/Process/Feasibility, Raw Material Purchasing, and the stamping plants to ensure competitive material utilization performance throughout vehicle program development and production.

The successful candidate will serve as the subject matter expert for material utilization and blank optimization, supporting both new vehicle launches and current production programs while driving continuous improvement initiatives across stamping operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain material utilization databases and reporting tools for Pre-Production and Production
• Collect material, blank and strip layout information from die engineering
• Compile data and prepare specifications - nesting blanks when needed
• Release all material specifications to downstream users per required MRD
• Lead material utilization analysis for all stamped components.
• Identify opportunities for material cost reduction through blank optimization, material selection, and process improvements.
• Support annual cost reduction initiatives through material savings projects.

• Support Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews during vehicle and component development.
• Lead Material Expert Review meetings per required MRD

• Collaborate with die engineering to achieve optimum material utilization while maintaining process robustness.
• Support launch activities and troubleshooting efforts related to blank development

• Lead kaizen activities and problem-solving efforts to improve overall manufacturing efficiency.
• Develop corporate standards and best practices for blank optimization and material utilization.

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Work within the team environment to identify potential issues.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office tools.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Any experience in automotive stamping, die process engineering, die design, manufacturing engineering, or material utilization.
• Experience with blank development, strip layout design, or nesting optimization.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal forming processes and stamping operations.
• Experience supporting vehicle launch programs.
• Knowledge of transfer, tandem, and progressive die processes.
• Experience with CAD systems such as CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks.
• Familiarity with processing coils into blanks
• Sheet Metal Stamping Processes
• Blank Development & Optimization
• Material Utilization Analysis
• Die Design
• CAD and Manufacturing Software