Senior Manufacturing Engineer

AAM - American Axle & Manufacturing; Mebane (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Dauch Corporation in Mebane, NC seeks a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead development, implementation, and continuous improvement of assembly processes and production systems. You will drive safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets while mentoring engineers and coordinating cross-functional teams for successful product launches.

The role requires strong project management, analytical, and communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of manufacturing experience focused on assembly.
• Experience leading a team of Engineers.
• Experience with APQP/PPAP and PFMEA.
• IATF 16949 quality systems knowledge.
• CAD software proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA.
• Strong CAPEX management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops, implements, and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve productivity, quality, safety, and cost performance.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and waste reduction.
• Oversees process capability studies and drives improvements to meet quality requirements.
• Develops and maintains standard work instructions and process specifications.
• Leads manufacturing engineering activities for new product introductions and launches.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to support successful launches.
• Performs PFMEA reviews and supports Control Plan development.
• Develops production layouts, equipment specs, tooling needs, and process flow diagrams.
• Supports prototype/pilot builds and readiness for production launch.
• Provides technical leadership and mentoring to junior engineers and technicians.
• Partners with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EH&S teams.

Skills

Team leadership

Project management

APQP

PPAP

PFMEA

Control Plans

MSA

IATF 16949

CAPEX management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field or equivalent experience

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description Summary

Dauch is looking for a Senior Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Mebane, NC at our Alamance Manufacturing Facility.

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems to support safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives. This role provides technical leadership for new product launches, process optimization, automation initiatives, and capital projects while driving operational excellence across automotive manufacturing operations. The Senior Manufacturing Engineer collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure efficient production processes, compliance with customer requirements, and achievement of plant performance goals.

The ideal candidate has strong project management and organizational skills, as well as excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. This person should have proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Job Description:

• Develops, implements, and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve productivity, quality, safety, and cost performance.
• Analyzes manufacturing operations to identify process inefficiencies and implement corrective actions.
• Leads continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and waste reduction methodologies.
• Conducts process capability studies and drives improvements to meet customer and internal quality requirements.
• Develops and maintains standard work instructions, manufacturing documentation, and process specifications.
• Leads manufacturing engineering activities for new product introductions and program launches.
• Collaborates with Product Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production teams to support successful launches.
• Conducts PFMEA reviews and support Control Plan development.
• Develops production layouts, equipment specifications, tooling requirements, and process flow diagrams.
• Supports prototype and pilot builds and ensure readiness for production launch.
• Provides technical leadership and mentoring to Manufacturing Engineers and Engineering Technicians.
• Partners with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and Environmental Health & Safety teams.
• Leads cross-functional teams in solving complex manufacturing and process-related issues.
• Supports workforce training and process development initiatives.
• All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field or equivalent experience.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in a manufacturing environment, with a focus on assembly.
• Experience leading a team of Engineers.
• APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and MSA.
• IATF 16949 quality management systems.
• CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, or equivalent).
• Strong CAPEX management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Knowledge of robotics, automation, vision systems, and PLC-controlled manufacturing equipment.
• Experience with Industrial engineering principles and time studies.
• Manufacturing execution systems (MES) and ERP systems.

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.