DENSO · 13 hours ago
Process Engineer 5
Maryville, TN
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$123K/yr - $154K/yr
10+ years expDENSO is a leading company in autonomous manufacturing, and they are seeking a senior Automation Engineer to architect and develop autonomous manufacturing platforms. This role involves strategic planning, governance, process evaluation, and cross-regional collaboration to enhance manufacturing competitiveness.
AutomotiveManufacturingProduct Design
Responsibilities
Define and evolve NA autonomous manufacturing system architectures, platforms, and technical standards, directly tied to improving NA manufacturing competitiveness
Embed the core principles of Connected (digital integration), Flexible (high-mix, variable-volume systems), and Lean (eliminating waste in cost, time, and resources)
Align strategic technologies & systems with internal global partners toward FY30-35 Manufacturing Strategy
Establish and enforce technical standards policy across all NA affiliates to drive consistency
Guide affiliate planning in aligning technical direction with NA Manufacturing Strategy
Influence affiliate presidents, senior managers, and C-Suite executives (CMO, CSO, NA President/CEO)
Serve as a trusted advisor on competitiveness, investment justification, and cross-BU/affiliate collaboration
Lead systematic evaluations of affiliate processes to identify competitiveness gaps
Drive adoption of standardized practices to maximize productivity across NA operations
Ensure evaluations inform long-term technology and resource allocation
Spearhead horizon scanning for emerging technologies (AI, robotics, AMRs, MES/ERP integration, digital twins)
Guide prioritization of pilots and technology investments aligned with competitiveness targets
Ensure solutions are validated, scalable, and transferable across NA affiliates
Partner with regional/global leaders to ensure alignment with DENSO’s worldwide competitiveness initiatives
Represent NA in global councils, benchmarking activities, and external collaborations with industry, academia, and government
Oversee affiliate tactical planning, ensuring local initiatives strengthen overall NA competitiveness
Actively participate in critical system development, pilot builds, commissioning, and troubleshooting to validate technical approaches and unblock execution
Provide high-level direction and technical standards while enabling E4 engineers and affiliate teams to execute
Report on progress using competitiveness-driven KPIs (labor cost reduction, logistics efficiency, productivity)
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related technical field; Master's preferred
10+ years in manufacturing, logistics, or advanced automation with proven leadership in strategic program development and governance
Ability to travel 10 – 20% within North America
Expertise in automation, robotics, MES/ERP, and digital transformation
Ability to influence affiliate presidents and senior leaders across multiple organizations
Strong track record of defining strategy, establishing governance, and driving competitiveness outcomes
Exceptional portfolio/program management skills, balancing long-term transformation with near-term execution
Preferred
Experience leading regional/corporate-level strategy initiatives in manufacturing competitiveness
Familiarity with AI-driven inspection, autonomous systems, and simulation/digital twin approaches
Knowledge of global manufacturing ecosystems and cross-cultural leadership
Certification in PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, or equivalent
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug plans
401K with 4% Company Match
Vacation/PTO and 13 paid Holidays
Bonus Program
FSA/HSA and Dependent Care Programs
Company provided Life, Disability, ADD and Business Travel Insurance
Various No Cost Wellness & Chronic Condition Management Programs
Various Optional Insurance programs such as legal, identity theft, critical illness, etc.
Tuition Reimbursement
Career Development and Ongoing Training
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Spotlight and Recognition Program
Volunteer Opportunities
Onsite Fitness Center (vary by location)
Cafeteria and food markets (vary by location)
Onsite Health Clinic and Pharmacy (vary by location)
Company
DENSO
Denso is a supplier of advanced automotive technology.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$49.17MKey Investors
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
2022-11-09Post Ipo Debt· $49.17M
2011-01-14IPO
Leadership Team
Akio Shikamura
Senior Executive Director
Akio Tajima
Senior Executive Director
Recent News
acnnewswire.com
2026-02-04
2026-02-03
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