Toyota’s Jaime Moore on engineering transformation: Agile teams, early collaboration, and the impact of digital tools

We spoke with Jaime Moore, Senior Principal Engineer at Toyota North America, during the Automotive Evolution NA conference 2024. She shared insights on the shifting responsibilities of automotive engineers, noting a growing need to balance component-focused work with broader, system-level innovation.

“Engineers now have to adopt a flexible mindset,” Moore explained, underscoring Toyota’s emphasis on role rotation and cross-department collaboration. This approach, she noted, allows engineers to stay adaptable and maintain a competitive edge in the fast-paced industry.

A major theme of Moore’s discussion was the shift towards early supplier and manufacturer engagement. “With limited time, you don’t have time to make mistakes,” she said, stressing the value of front-loading collaboration to ensure smooth production.

Jaime also highlighted the integration of digital tools like AI and digital twins, which are revolutionizing coordination between R&D and manufacturing teams. “We’re focusing on transferable skills so you can set yourself up for innovation,” she added, emphasising the growing importance of a flexible, tech-literate workforce in the automotive industry.

Here are some more key takeaways from the discussion:

• Engineers are now required to work beyond their traditional component-focused roles, adopting a broader skill set that includes collaboration across departments and familiarity with complex software and emerging technologies.
• Jaime emphasised the value of engaging suppliers and manufacturers early in the development process. By involving all key stakeholders from the beginning, Toyota aims to streamline production, minimise errors, and reduce costs.
• The adoption of digital twins and AI in manufacturing is revolutionising how Toyota’s teams coordinate, predict challenges, and optimise production. However, Jaime noted that these tools require skilled professionals to interpret and leverage their potential fully.