Automotive Manufacturing Engineer - Lean & Automation

AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing; Georgia; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Dauch Corporation in Newton, North Carolina, seeks an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join our onsite team. This role focuses on optimizing high‑volume automotive processes, driving cost reductions, quality improvements, and supporting new product launches.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience in automotive manufacturing, strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills, and familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 1–3+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in automotive, Tier 1 preferred.
• Experience in high-volume, just-in-time production environments.
• Exposure to assembly, welding, or automated manufacturing processes.
• Experience with APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and PPAP processes.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, PLCs, or industrial equipment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and problem-solving tools (root cause analysis, SPC).
• CAD experience.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Works closely with Quality, Scheduling, and Supply Chain.
• All other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Data analysis

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CAD

PLCs

Job description

Dauch Corporation in Newton, North Carolina, seeks an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join our onsite team. This role focuses on optimizing high‑volume automotive processes, driving cost reductions, quality improvements, and supporting new product launches.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience in automotive manufacturing, strong troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills, and familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methods.