Question
2-5

Pilot Team

12/23/2025

The pilot team member will develop and implement new manufacturing processes and technologies while collaborating with cross-functional teams. They will also analyze production data to optimize workflows and ensure successful project launches.

Working Hours

40 hours/week

Company Size

501-1,000 employees

Language

English

Visa Sponsorship

No

About The Company
Welcome to Futaba Indiana of America (FIA)! We have been proud to be a part of the Knox County, Indiana, business community since 2002. We strive to provide the highest quality parts and services to our partners, and our Team Members are an integral part of that success. Futaba Indiana of America is part of a global network of over twenty manufacturing plants in ten countries on three continents. Headquartered in Japan, Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd. was founded in 1945 and has a rich history of concern for workers, their families, and local communities. As an automotive supplier, we are dedicated to supplying parts to Toyota, focusing on the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI) plant in Princeton, Indiana. We have the privilege of being a part of the Camry, Sienna, Sequoia, Corolla, Avalon, Lexus RX, and the Highlander production. We are immensely proud of our hardworking team members who bring their skills and talents to the various departments and help us achieve our "Quality Product at Lower Cost" goal. We firmly believe in the Kaizen process, which allows us to improve every aspect of our company. At FIA, we understand that quality parts are essential to producing quality vehicles. We are committed to using state-of-the-art computer-controlled robots to weld pressed steel into body and interior parts accurately. Our parts meet the exact standards of Toyota and Futaba North America locations. We take pride in contributing to their outstanding reputation for quality, reliability, and safety.
About the Role

Description

  

Futaba is a leading automotive manufacturing company dedicated to delivering high-quality parts to our customers worldwide. Our commitment to innovation, efficiency and excellence drives us to continually push the boundaries of automotive manufacturing. Therefore, we are looking to expand our newly enhanced pilot team. 

As a valuable member of the pilot team, one will play a crucial role in the development and implementation of new manufacturing processes, technologies, and products. One will work closely with cross-functional teams to pilot new initiatives, optimize production workflows, and ensure the successful launch of new vehicle models. This department would be responsible for all associated KPIs and helping ensure all parties are within project parameters, up to and including the removal of project roadblocks by elevating to management as deemed appropriate for the pilot teams overall project success. 

This position is responsible for strict adherence to FIA company policies, procedures, and performance expectations by managing and coaching staff members, and by leading by example.  



  

· Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to pilot new manufacturing processes and technologies, ensuring seamless integration into existing production lines. 

· Conduct thorough testing and evaluation of prototype components, and manufacturing equipment to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to quality standards on new module launches. 

· Continuously analyze production data and performance metrics to identify opportunities to process optimization, efficiency gains and cost savings. 

· Work closely with engineering, design, procurement, and supply chain teams to communicate pilot findings, provide feedback, and drive alignment on project objectives. 

· Participate in quality audits, inspections, and root cause analyses to identify and resolve manufacturing issues, ensuring the highest level of product quality and customer satisfaction.

· Develop and deliver training materials for production staff on new process, equipment, and best practices. Maintain accurate documentation of pilot activities, results, and lessons learned. 

· Adhere to all safety protocols, guidelines, and regulations to ensure safe working environment for yourself and your team members. Identify and address potential safety hazards proactively with alignment with our Safety Department. 

· Monitor schedules, activities, and follow through from all stakeholders with an emphasis on shop floor conditions daily and provide direction to all project stakeholders as needed to maintain project momentum. 

· Develop and maintain a working management board with all necessary KPI, Action Plans and Progress, etc. updated and available for reporting on a routine basis. 

· Manage employee relations in coordination with related department management, and human resources.

· Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

  

· This position is for one model assignment, after that project is complete you go back to your previous job or equivalent (meaning same rank, however, could be a different location – rotation). 


  

· Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to changing priorities. 

· Proficiency in MS Office Suite and manufacturing software applications.

· Must be willing to take the initiative on new projects.

· Must be able to work the company’s required overtime.

· Must comply with FIA’s Attendance Policy.

· Strong Problem-solving skills and attention to detail. 

· Abnormal Handling and Control Methodologies (5S)

· Standard Work Instruction (SWI)

· Motivation to Learn New Skills

· Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field, or related field, or related work experience and/or the combination of education and work experience.


  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job functions of this position. 

· Work Environment: Work is typically performed in both an office and production environment

· Must be able to use a variety of tools and equipment such as computer terminal for data input, copy machines, calculator and any other equipment related to functional area.

· Must be able to use software includes the use of Windows Operating System, MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access database, etc), and Internet

· Noise Levels: Moderate Noise


  

The physical tasks described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

· Lifting up to 10 pounds – must be able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

· Physical Sight – Able to read and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen.

· Verbal & Written Communications – Able to efficiently present complex matters to audience with little technical knowledge and to executive management.

· Telephone Communications – Able to communicate verbally using a telephone.

· Multitasking – Able to manage multiple work projects simultaneously. 

Key Skills
CommunicationCollaborationInterpersonal SkillsProblem-SolvingAttention to DetailManufacturing SoftwareData AnalysisQuality AuditsTraining DevelopmentSafety ProtocolsProject ManagementKPI ManagementTeam ManagementAdaptabilityInitiativeLearning Motivation
Categories
ManufacturingEngineeringManagement & Leadership
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