Gear Process Engineer

Dana Corp; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Dana is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to design, implement, and optimize automotive manufacturing processes in Fort Wayne. The role involves supporting continuous improvement, resolving shop-floor issues, and coordinating with cross-functional teams to introduce new products and technologies.

The engineer will develop CNC programs for pinion and ring blanking, request vendor quotations, and contribute to cost-saving initiatives while working second or third shifts as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of applicable experience.
• 3+ years of experience in manufacturing or engineering roles.
• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing systems and processes.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve production workflows, layouts, and equipment utilization to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
• Provide technical support to resolve process issues, equipment malfunctions, and quality concerns on the shop floor.
• Apply lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive process improvements and cost savings.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and production teams to introduce new products and ensure successful production launches.

Skills

Automotive manufacturing

Data analysis

Project management

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or 4+ years experience

Job description

Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets - passenger vehicle and commercial truck equipment - Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.

Job Purpose

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production within an automotive environment. This role supports continuous improvement initiatives, resolves production issues, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to introduce new products and technologies. The Manufacturing Engineer ensures that all processes comply with safety, environmental, and industry standards while driving operational excellence.

Develop and maintain CNC programs for pinion and ring blanking, including overseeing and directing cutting tool and work holding selection and design. Will request quotations from vendors, compose RFA's (Request For Appropriation), cost justifications and specify terms/coordinate/participate in machine run-offs. The Process Engineer is also responsible for the ongoing cost savings goals for the facility and must be able to work second or third shifts as required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and improve production workflows, layouts, and utilization of equipment to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Provide technical support to resolve process-related issues, equipment malfunctions, and quality concerns on the shop floor.
• Apply lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to drive process improvements and cost savings.
• Work with engineering, quality, and production teams to integrate new products into manufacturing, including tooling, process validation, and documentation.
• Ensure all manufacturing processes meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation including work instructions, process flows, and engineering change notices.
• Work off shifts and weekends as necessary.
• Develop and update documentation, including process sheets, PFMEA's and Control Plans
• Develop Team Leaders in production departments
• Resolve quality and tooling issues
• Assist in troubleshooting process and machine issues.
• Train and teach the Production Supervisors
• Develop layouts to facilitate Dana's production system.
• Coordinate all Sales Inquiries and Program Launches through APQP. This includes coordinating the manufacture and movement of pre-production material through the production departments
• Develop and maintain Poka-Yoke devices
• Develop and maintain automation solutions for manufacturing

ESTIMATING

• Responsible for timely completion of all estimates
• Obtain quotations for new capital and tooling as needed
• Blackboard or directional estimates as required

BUSINESS UNIT

• Capacity analysis
• Involved in Business Unit manufacturing strategy
• Planning of equipment moves within Ft Wayne and Business Unit

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 4+ years of applicable experience
• 3+ years of experience

Skills

• Strong understanding of automotive manufacturing systems, process engineering, and industrial automation.
• Ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions in a dynamic production environment.
• Capable of managing multiple engineering projects, coordinating resources, and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills to work effectively with production, quality, maintenance, and leadership teams.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.