American Axle & Manufacturing

Driveline components and metal forming supplier

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Engineering LeadershipConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeNewton, NC, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related Engineering field is required.
At least 8 years of manufacturing engineering experience in the automotive industry; Tier 1 experience is preferred.
Experience leading a team of Engineers is required.
Experience with Advanced Product Quality Planning, Production Part Approval Process, Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, and control plans is required.
Proficiency with computer-aided design and manufacturing simulation tools is required.
Knowledge of automation, robotics, programmable logic controllers, and Industry 4.0 technologies is required.

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a team of Manufacturing Engineers and technical staff.
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Provide technical guidance and support to production and engineering teams.
Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and cost.
Standardize work methods, process parameters, and documentation.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles.
Analyze production data to identify opportunities for process improvement.
Lead manufacturing engineering activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
Ensure Advanced Product Quality Planning deliverables are met, including Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, control plans, and process flow diagrams.
Collaborate with product engineering, quality, and operations to ensure successful launches.
Specify, procure, and implement manufacturing equipment, tooling, and automation systems.
Support installation, validation, and commissioning of new equipment.
Drive innovation through automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies within assembly manufacturing processes.
Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO standards, and customer requirements.
Support internal and external audits and corrective action processes.
Partner with quality teams to reduce defects, scrap, and rework.
Monitor and improve key performance metrics, including overall equipment effectiveness, cycle time, throughput, and efficiency.
Support cost reduction initiatives, including labor and material optimization.
Work closely with maintenance and operations to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification is preferred.
Tier 1 automotive manufacturing experience is preferred.

Job Posting Title

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Job Description Summary

Dauch is seeking an experienced Manager Manufacturing Engineering to join our team in Newton, North Carolina. This fully onsite role is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes in a high-volume Tier 1 automotive environment. This individual will ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production while supporting new program launches, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction. This person leads a team of manufacturing engineers and collaborates cross-functionally to achieve business and production goals.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Engineering leader with 8+ years of experience in Tier 1 automotive manufacturing, including proven success leading teams in high-volume, just-in-time environments. They bring deep expertise in process development, automation, and assembly or fabrication operations, along with a strong track record of driving continuous improvement, successful program launches, and operational excellence. Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification is preferred.

Job Description:

Leadership & Team Development

Leads, coaches, and develops a team of Manufacturing Engineers and technical staff.
Fosters a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Provides technical guidance and support to production and engineering teams.

Process Development & Optimization

Designs, develops, and optimizes manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and cost.
Standardizes work methods, process parameters, and documentation.
Drives continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles.
Analyzes production data to identify opportunities for process improvement.

Program Launch & Engineering Support

Leads manufacturing engineering activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
Ensures APQP deliverables are met, including PFMEA, control plans, and process flow diagrams.
Collaborates with product engineering, quality, and operations to ensure successful launches.

Equipment & Automation

Specifies, procures, and implements manufacturing equipment, tooling, and automation systems.
Supports installation, validation, and commissioning of new equipment.
Drives innovation through automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies within assembly manufacturing processes.

Quality & Compliance

Ensures compliance with IATF 16949, ISO standards, and customer requirements.
Supports internal and external audits and corrective action processes.
Partners with quality teams to reduce defects, scrap, and rework.

Operational Excellence

Monitors and improves key performance metrics (OEE, cycle time, throughput, and efficiency).
Supports cost reduction initiatives, including labor and material optimization.
Works closely with maintenance and operations to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related Engineering field.
8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering within the automotive industry, Tier 1 preferred.
Experience leading a team of Engineers.
Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and control plans.
Proficiency with CAD and manufacturing simulation tools.
Knowledge of automation, robotics, PLCs, and Industry 4.0 technologies.

About Dauch:

Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.

Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail [email protected]. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

About the Company

American Axle & Manufacturing

Driveline components and metal forming supplier

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) is a global Tier 1 supplier that designs, engineers, and manufactures driveline and metal forming components for vehicles. Its products include axles, driveshafts, transmission parts, and forged or cast metal components used in the powertrain. AAM serves major OEMs by integrating these parts into new vehicles and also sells OE-quality replacement parts in the aftermarket. Its focus on both traditional internal combustion drivetrains and electric/hybrid powertrains helps manufacturers bring vehicles to market and support aftersales with reliable, integrated solutions.

Company size: 5,001-10,000
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Detroit, MI
Founded: 1994

Recently Posted Jobs

Explore more opportunities at American Axle & Manufacturing

See more jobs