Engineering Manager

Autoneum is a global leader in acoustic and thermal management for light and commercial vehicles, developing and producing multifunctional, lightweight, and sustainable components and systems for interior floor, interior trim, engine bay, and underbody. Customers include nearly all automobile manufacturers in Europe, North & South America, Asia, and Africa.

About the role

The Engineering Manager will lead and oversee the engineering department within our manufacturing facility, ensuring efficient operation of all engineering activities, including NPI, Capex allocation, process improvement, and project management. This role collaborates closely with other departments to drive continuous improvement and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the engineering team through coaching, training, and performance management.
• Develop and execute engineering strategies to improve manufacturing efficiency, quality, and cost performance.
• Manage new program launches from business award through Start of Production (SOP), ensuring milestones are achieved.
• Oversee engineering projects, including budgeting, scheduling, capital justification, resource allocation, and implementation.
• Direct capital equipment and facility improvement projects within approved budgets.
• Ensure all equipment is commissioned, validated, and approved prior to production start-up.
• Maintain and annually review plant equipment asset inventories.
• Develop, maintain, and improve plant process standards, operating procedures, and process parameters.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, and other departments to resolve production and process issues.
• Support the development and annual review of preventive and total productive maintenance programs.
• Conduct Layered Process Audits and drive corrective actions as required.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, quality, IATF/TS 16949, and ISO 14001 requirements.
• Align engineering improvement initiatives and project workloads with plant goals, objectives, and budgets.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to support continuous improvement.
• Participate in plant-wide communications, launch activities, and process improvement initiatives.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of the organization to ensure timely resolution of issues and achievement of business objectives.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to team members.
• Travel to other Autoneum locations as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related field).
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills with experience using PDCA and A3 methodologies.
• Proficiency with engineering software, manufacturing systems, and technical tools.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing safety regulations, quality systems, and industry standards.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering or business administration.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Experience with industrial automation and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Skills

Language Ability

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents and reports.
• Ability to write clear reports, procedures, and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and communicate with employees and management.

Math Ability

• Strong math skills with the ability to interpret data and perform complex calculations.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to define problems, analyze data, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret technical instructions and apply sound judgment.
• Strong critical thinking and structured problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage both abstract concepts and practical operational challenges.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Project and AutoCAD.
• Experience with engineering, manufacturing, and business systems.
• Minitab experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, moving equipment, temperature variations, and industrial materials.
• Ability to frequently walk throughout the facility, including production, warehouse, and office areas.
• Ability to stand for extended periods while observing operations and conducting floor audits.
• Ability to occasionally climb stairs, ladders, platforms, and access elevated work areas.
• Ability to occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel throughout the facility and respond to operational issues as needed.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes, and other required safety gear.
• Ability to visually inspect equipment, processes, and products, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.