Manufacturing Engineer

Aptiv; Garden Grove (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aptiv is seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to bridge Design Engineering and Operations, translating designs into efficient, repeatable production processes. You will design workflows, create tools and fixtures, and lead continuous improvement on a high-mix/low-volume floor.

The role reports to the Engineering Manager and requires hands-on leadership, tool design, and process optimization across manufacturing teams, with a strong emphasis on DFM and Lean initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 3–5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in mil/aero, space, or medical device industry.
• Experience in cable and harness assembly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary technical support for the production team, leading troubleshooting for manufacturing processes.
• Design, develop, and implement tools, fixtures, and production aids to improve quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Create and maintain manufacturing work instructions, process sheets, and production routers in the ERP system.
• Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with engineering to optimize designs for production.
• Manage the NPI process from prototype to full production from an operations perspective.
• Lead Lean/Kaizen events to optimize workflow and reduce waste.
• Partner with Quality to conduct RCCA investigations for manufacturing issues.
• Define and validate process times and labor standards to support estimating and planning.
• Provide training on new processes and equipment to production leads and assemblers.

Skills

Lean / Kaizen

DFM

Reading drawings

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Syspro

Job description

We always do the right thing, the right way.

Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer

Reports To: Engineering Manager

Job Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $90,000 - $120,000 per year plus 10% AIP

Summary: At Aptiv, we inspire the world's most innovative teams by doing the right thing, the right way. As our Manufacturing Engineer, you will be the primary technical "hands-on" expert for the production floor. You will be the critical link between the Design Engineering team and Operations, responsible for translating engineering designs into efficient, repeatable, and high-quality manufacturing processes. You will design the production workflow, develop tools and fixtures, create work instructions, and lead continuous improvement initiatives. You'll enjoy working in a fun, collaborative, and fast-paced (high-mix/low-volume) "GSD" (Get Stuff Done) manufacturing operation.

This position reports to the Engineering Manager.

Leadership & Core Responsibilities:

• Act as the primary technical support for the production team, leading all troubleshooting and problem-solving for manufacturing processes.
• Design, develop, and implement tools, fixtures, and production aids to improve quality, safety, and efficiency.
• Create and maintain detailed manufacturing work instructions, process sheets, and production routers in the ERP system.
• Lead Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with engineering to ensure new designs are optimized for production.
• Manage the NPI (New Product Introduction) process from an operations perspective, ensuring a smooth transition from prototype to full production.
• Lead continuous improvement (Lean/Kaizen) events to optimize production workflow, reduce waste, and improve product-build efficiency.
• Partner with the Quality team to conduct Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) investigations for any manufacturing-related issues.
• Define and validate manufacturing process times and labor standards to support the estimating and planning teams.
• Provide technical advice and training to production leads and assemblers on new processes and equipment.
• Comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering is required.
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident) due to ITAR regulations.
• 3-5 years of manufacturing engineering experience in the mil/aero, space, or medical device industry.
• Experience in cable and harness assembly is highly preferred.
• Proven experience designing tools, fixtures, and production aids.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Experience leading Lean/Kaizen events and driving continuous improvement.
• Must be able to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Proficiency with an MRP/ERP system (Syspro preferred) and CAD software (SolidWorks/AutoCAD).
• Must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Certifications & Competencies:

Systems Proficiency: Google Workspace / ADP / Syspro / QMS / CAD Software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) / Smartviews / Salesforce / Planful / AwardCo.

Core Competencies: Strong communication, sound judgment, teamwork, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Compensation, Benefits & Legal:

Total Rewards & Compensation: The pay range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000 per year plus 10% AIP. Exact compensation will depend on experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. For benefits and career opportunities, visit https://www.aptiv.com/careers.

EEO Statement

Aptiv is an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities). We adhere to all federal, state, and local laws governing non-discrimination and strictly prohibit workplace harassment of any kind.

In addition to federal law requirements, this company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.

This company expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.