Millie Eubanks Smith
Job title: Assembly Production Engineer
Location: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi
Number of years worked in your current department: 3 months
Number of years with the company: 1 year, 3 years co-op included
On how she got started in manufacturing:
“I believe my affinity for math and growing up on a farm played a large role in my decision to pursue engineering and manufacturing. Being around my dad and my papaw while they worked on tractors, old farm trucks, etc., contributed to my curiosity on how things are made, work and function. During college, I co-oped with Quality Functional group, Paint Production Engineering (PE), and Stamping PE, which allowed me to relate my book knowledge to hands-on projects. Through those co-op opportunities, I slowly fell in love with manufacturing. I landed a full-time maintenance engineering position in stamping a little over a year ago, and I love it.”
On what she enjoys the most about working in assembly:
“I’m consistently challenged, for the betterment of myself, of course. I enjoy problem-solving, and in my everyday work, I get to do just that while growing my skill set. There is always something to be done, and helping people to get home safely is why I do my job. Without those who work on the process, I wouldn’t have my job, so I am very thankful they show up. It’s my responsibility to ensure they have the best opportunity to enjoy their work while completing it safely.”
On how her role in assembly works in conjunction with other departments within manufacturing:
“In assembly, we are the customer of all other shops and have the potential to impact safety and quality. As a production engineer, we must consider how the part or car was received and how it will be delivered to our customer, ensuring that safety and quality meet the respective standards.”