Mercedes-Benz: Building Exceptional Vehicles… and Careers!

The best chapters in Alabama’s automotive success story are yet to come. The Mercedes-Benz automobile of the future will be different; greener, more efficient, safer, and even more fascinating. 

Only one thing will never change – It will wear a star.

The vehicles we manufacture are the finished results of our skilled workforce, and we're hiring even more. We are looking for Specialists and Team Members to join us in crafting a wide variety of vehicles from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV to our all-electric electric vehicle, the EQS SUV and EQE SUV. Our Tuscaloosa County site is home to the production of Mercedes’ luxury SUV models, including electric vehicles. Just down the road in Bibb County, MBUSI has launched the production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries. Our two campuses are among the most advanced automotive manufacturing facilities in the world, with over 6 million square feet combined. 

MBUSI offers an excellent total rewards package including competitive compensation, health and life insurance, 401(k) matching program and defined contribution retirement plan, annual bonuses, tuition assistance, and paid holidays. Further on-site MBUSI resources such as childcare, medical center and fitness center are available for all to utilize. 

Our Team Members share a common goal to be the best luxury auto manufacturer in North America. MBUSI is committed to excellence and actively promotes positive team culture, teamwork, safety, quality, and continuous improvement. 

Mercedes-Benz, U.S. International, Inc. takes pride in being an Equal Employment Opportunities workplace.  Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. is committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, age, ethnic origin, and any other characteristics classified under applicable Local and Federal laws.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to join us in electrifying the future!

Purpose of the Position:

The Torque Tool Lead Planner is responsible for the planning, implementation, and lifecycle management of torque tooling within a defined vehicle assembly shop. As part of the Equipment Planning team in Assembly Series Planning, the role ensures that the correct torque tooling solutions are defined, procured, and implemented in accordance with Mercedes-Benz standards, project requirements, and production strategies.

The position defines torque tooling concepts, manages tool procurement and supplier relations, and leads the realization and implementation of tooling solutions from planning through commissioning readiness. Acting as the single technical interface to project stakeholders and internal customers, the Torque Tool Planner ensures that tooling solutions are delivered to the right location at the right time to support project milestones and production targets.

Under general supervision, the role leads torque studies required for torque release and ensures compliance with fastening strategies, tooling standards, and process requirements. The position also supports the analysis, prioritization, investigation, and resolution of product and process concerns related to fastening systems throughout the product lifecycle.

Working cross-functionally with product engineering, manufacturing, quality, suppliers, and commissioning teams, the Torque Tool Planner ensures robust fastening processes, high product quality, and the reliable industrialization of assembly operations.

Essential Functions: 

1. Project Management & Planning
- Plan and manage torque tooling activities for new vehicle programs, engineering changes, and process updates within the assigned assembly shop.
- Support engineering change coordination meetings and evaluate impacts on torque tooling and fastening processes.
- Coordinate project planning activities including design reviews, production startup planning, and stakeholder alignment.
- Ensure plant training requirements are incorporated into tooling specifications.
- Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations in collaboration with IPS (procurement).
- Create purchase requisitions and support the supplier nomination and awarding process, including technical justifications.
- Manage project milestones, timelines, and documentation to ensure on-time delivery of torque tooling solutions.
- Maintain proper budget planning, controlling and reporting

2. Strategy & Technical Governance
- Develop and maintain torque tooling strategies aligned with Mercedes-Benz global fastening strategies and plant objectives.
- Work with management and cross-functional stakeholders to define targets and long-term strategies considering current and future product requirements.
- Represent the torque tooling function within the assembly shop and ensure alignment with global Mercedes-Benz standards and technical roadmaps.
- Communicate project progress, milestones, risks, and opportunities to stakeholders and leadership.
- Maintain expertise in Mercedes-Benz torque standards and ensure correct application within plant operations.

3. Tooling Planning & Implementation
- Define torque tooling concepts and ensure the correct tools are implemented at the right location and time according to project requirements.
- Develop and maintain joint tool lists based on project inputs and process planner requirements.
- Plan and execute procurement of torque tools in alignment with project milestones and supplier delivery timelines.
- Coordinate closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support tool upgrades, technical modifications, and issue resolution.
- Lead the realization team responsible for tooling implementation and act as the primary technical interface to project stakeholders.
- Ensure correct implementation of engineering changes affecting torque tooling.

4. Validation & Industrialization
- Ensure compliance with digital torque data traceability requirements and integration with plant manufacturing systems.
- Lead and support torque tool reliability check including capability studies for A- and B-rank fasteners.
- Coordinate validation activities to ensure fastening systems comply with Mercedes-Benz RD requirements and plant process requirements.
- Support management of torque-related quality systems including QS-Torque and maintain accurate documentation for tooling verification.
- Ensure implementation and monitoring of Central Process Archive (CEPRA) requirements.
- Ensure adherence to product safety requirements and torque documentation standards.
- Ensure all documentation and validation activities are completed according to project timelines.

5. Production Support & Lifecycle Management
- Monitor torque tooling performance during production and engineering change implementation.
- Ensure standards are met concerning torque tools calibration and maintenance periods, and available according to production schedules.
- Support production teams in troubleshooting, problem solving, and error-proofing fastening processes.
- Collaborate with engineering, quality, maintenance and manufacturing teams to ensure robust fastening processes ad continuous improvement.
- Maintain communication with global technical organizations (TOC), other plants, and SAK to stay aligned with new technologies and best practices.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement and standardization of torque tooling processes across plants.
- Coordinate the handover of torque tooling systems to production and maintenance after successful implementation and validation.

Perform safe work practices and participate in trainings and safety programs in a positive and proactive way by following safety rules, procedures, regulations, standards and laws.  Report all unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, and injuries to supervisor or Human Resources.
Work safely 100% of the time.

Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: Education, Experience and Necessary Skills all must be met in order to qualify for position.

Education: 

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering or related area or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:   

A minimum of three (3) years' of relevant professional experience in the following area(s):Experience in an engineering role in a manufacturing environment in Quality, Series Planning, Supplier Quality Engineering, Process Engineering, Maintenance Engineering or QRD

Necessary Skills, Certifications, etc.:  

Technical & Analytical Skills
- Working knowledge of CAD systems and the ability to interpret technical drawings and assembly documentation.
- Profound understanding of manufacturing equipment, tools, and fixtures used in assembly environments.
- Knowledge of torque-controlled fastening systems, DC tools, and tightening strategies used in automotive assembly
- Working knowledge of process capability, statistics, and mathematical analysis to evaluate fastening processes and support data-driven decision making.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Project.

Project Management & Organizational Skills
- Experience in project management, including planning, scheduling, prioritization, risk assessment, and cost/budget management.
- Strong time management skills with the ability to define goals, manage multiple priorities, and break down complex tasks into structured action plans.
- Experience leading or participating in structured problem-solving activities within cross-functional teams.

Communication & Collaboration
- Strong problem-solving capabilities in a cross-functional and fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Effective communication skills with the ability to clearly convey technical information and provide training to others when required.
- Ability to work effectively within a team environment while taking ownership and accountability for assigned responsibilities.

Work Approach & Flexibility
- Flexibility and adaptability to support MBUSI operational needs and changing project demands.
- Demonstrated initiative, motivation to excel, and willingness to assume responsibility for assigned tasks and deliver results.

Preferred Skills:

Technical Systems & Tools
- Working knowledge of Mercedes-Benz manufacturing and engineering systems, including PLUS (Produktionsleit- und Steuerungssystem), Manufacturing Reporting System (MRS), Central Process Archive (CEPRA), ToolsNet, QS-Torque, DIALOG, IPM, TorqueNet, and torque controller programming software.
- Experience with enterprise and engineering systems such as SAP and Engineering Client.
- Familiarity with optimization and planning tools, including time management and project management software.

Industry & Company Experience
- Previous experience working with Mercedes-Benz or within Mercedes-Benz production environments, particularly in torque tooling, fastening systems, or assembly equipment planning.

Process Improvement
- Six Sigma certification or experience applying structured process improvement methodologies.

Communication & Language Skills
- Strong ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, both verbally and in written form.
- German language skills are considered an advantage.

Sponsorship is Not Available.