Equipment Engineering Manager

Snyder Executive Search; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Snyder Executive Search is seeking an Equipment Engineering Manager for a high-growth Tier 1 automotive supplier based in Dayton, Ohio. The role involves leading equipment strategies, facilitating new model launches, and developing advanced manufacturing processes.

This is a hands-on position that requires strong leadership and project management skills, with direct involvement in equipment planning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a technical degree and experience in the automotive manufacturing sector.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5+ years of experience in a tier-1 automotive manufacturing environment.
• Experience in equipment engineering, process development, and project management.
• Strong communication and organization skills, flexibility to travel when needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of equipment engineers supporting new model programs.
• Develop and improve equipment process plans.
• Ensure equipment readiness for new product launches.

Skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or technical degree in engineering

Tools

Automation systems

Welding systems

Assembly systems

Job description

Equipment Engineering Manager

Lead New Model Launches for a Growing Tier 1 Automotive Supplier

A high-growth Tier 1 automotive supplier in the Dayton, Ohio area is seeking an Equipment Engineering Manager to lead equipment strategy, new model launch support, and advanced manufacturing system development.

This is a strong opportunity for a hands‑on engineering leader who enjoys building processes, leading technical teams, and seeing new programs move from concept to production. The company is growing, investing in new equipment, and continuing to support major automotive customers with complex, high-volume manufacturing solutions.

Why This Role Stands Out

This is not a maintenance leadership role or a desk‑only engineering position. This person will be directly involved in new model development, capital equipment planning, welding and assembly process development, equipment installation, and manufacturing launch execution.

The Equipment Engineering Manager will lead a capable technical team and play a key role in making sure the company’s equipment, processes, and launch plans are ready to support continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of equipment engineers supporting new model programs
• Develop, review, and improve welding, assembly, automation, and equipment process plans
• Support new product launches by ensuring equipment readiness, manufacturability, timing, and performance
• Coordinate equipment procurement, supplier communication, installation, runoff, and launch support
• Manage capital equipment budgets, spending, timelines, and project execution
• Partner closely with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and senior leadership
• Drive equipment improvements that support safety, quality, throughput, uptime, and long‑term manufacturing performance
• Support hands‑on troubleshooting, problem solving, and continuous improvement in a fast‑paced plant environment
• Help align engineering priorities with broader business goals, customer requirements, and future growth plans

Ideal Background

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A bachelor’s or technical degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred
• 3 to 5+ years of experience in a tier-1 automotive manufacturing environment
• Experience with equipment engineering, process development, automation, welding, or assembly systems
• Prior leadership experience with engineers, technicians, or technical project teams
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and capital projects
• Comfort working in both office and plant floor environments
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Flexibility to support launches, equipment installations, and occasional travel as needed

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to join a growing automotive supplier that is investing in its future. The right person will have meaningful visibility, real influence over new programs, and the ability to lead technical improvements that directly impact production performance.

For an engineering leader who likes to be close to the action, build capable teams, and drive manufacturing innovation from the plant floor up, this is a very strong opportunity.