Manufacturing Engineering Manager

American Axle & Mfg., Inc.; Newton (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Dauch Corporation in Newton, North Carolina is actively seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead a team responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving high-volume automotive manufacturing processes onsite.

The role focuses on visible cost reductions, quality improvements, and successful program launches while coordinating with product engineering, quality, and operations teams to meet APQP milestones and optimize equipment and automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in 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.

Responsibilities

• Leads a team of Manufacturing Engineers and technical staff.
• Develops, implements, and optimizes manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Drives continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen.
• 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.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

Lean/Six Sigma mindset

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD

Manufacturing simulation tools

Automation & robotics

PLCs/Industry 4.0

Job description

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.

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 [e-mail]. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.