Gear Process Engineer

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.

About the role

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.
• Request quotations from vendors, compose RFAs (Request For Appropriation), cost justifications, and specify terms/coordinate/participate in machine run-offs.
• Responsible for the ongoing cost savings goals for the facility and must be able to work second or third shifts as required.

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, PFMEAs, 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, including 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.
• Responsible for timely completion of all estimates.
• Obtain quotations for new capital and tooling as needed.
• Provide blackboard or directional estimates as required.
• Perform capacity analysis for the Business Unit.
• Involved in Business Unit manufacturing strategy.
• Plan equipment moves within Ft Wayne and the Business Unit.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or 4+ years of applicable experience.
• 3+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing or a related field.

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.