Lead Project Engineer

Company Overview

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operate collectively as a “Bridgestone West” strategic region. This region services the strategic business needs of teams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. BSAM and BSEMEA are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Corporation, globally headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

Engineering & Science

This position is responsible for providing technical leadership and targeted support for advanced material testing and method development (e.g., wear, traction, durability); and project management for the Bridgestone Americas Material Laboratories (MTLB), located at the Americas Technology Center in Akron, OH. The Lead Project Engineer position focuses on designing, communicating, and implementing technical and operational plans for advanced test method development, release, and refinement. A Lead Professional position is a recognized subject matter expert in a job area, typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Problems faced are difficult and often complex. This position requires the ability to influence others to accept practices and approaches, and the ability to communicate and influence executive leadership on a periodic basis.

• Leads large projects or processes of complex scope, with limited oversight from manager.
• Coaches, reviews and delegates work to less experienced professionals.
• Assists in the development of operational plans and implements for areas of assigned responsibilities.
• Drives the exploration of new methods, technologies, and equipment.
• Develops and implements digital tools to support test method data processing and laboratory operations.
• Researches potential new technologies, products and test methods by developing, testing and validating theories on the physical and/or chemical properties of materials and ingredients under various conditions.
• Devises test methods and evaluates laboratory test equipment and processes.  May also assist in the development of technical specifications.
• Makes recommendations concerning acquisition and use of new technologies and testing equipment to support business needs.
• Works with internal customers to understand their testing needs and work collaboratively to create new test methods.
• Maintains and troubleshoots existing equipment and validate testing protocols.
• Creates and manages institutional knowledge.
• May participate in intellectual property evaluations and development of patent applications.
• Prepares project plans, project controls and specifications, schedules, cost estimates, production, transportation, installation, testing and/or commissioning of new project deliverables.
• Monitors progress and performance against the project plan; takes action to resolve operational problems and minimize delays.
• Identifies, develops, and gathers the resources necessary to complete the project.
• May include preparing engineering standards, designs and work specifications; developing project schedules, budgets and forecasts; and selecting materials, equipment, project staff, and external contractors.
• Supports relationships through strong communication and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Identifies and supports continuous improvement/automation activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A basic knowledge of tire and rubber chemistry, properties, formulation, testing, and production; polymers; and/or field failure analysis experience.
• At least 3 years of experience working in an industrial or academic laboratory setting managing technical projects and actively contributing to cross-functional team initiatives.
• Advanced degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills (PowerPivot, VBA, SQL).
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and statistical applications, with prior Six Sigma and FEMA experience is a plus.
• Experience in project management.
• Advanced IT knowledge (Python/MATLAB computer programing, macro knowledge).
• Familiarity with lab safety protocols, including LOTO.
• Knowledge of Quality systems.
• Ability to perform basic mechanical and/or electrical maintenance.

Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years of experience; or equivalent work experience.

A demonstrated fundamental technical understanding of physical testing techniques, instrumentation, and theory, and their application for solving problems.

At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be

We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they bring their whole self to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. We are building a team as diverse as the world we serve. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.

What we offer

At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
• A diverse and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.