Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Dauch is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to join our team in Newton, North Carolina. This fully onsite role leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes in a high-volume Tier 1 automotive environment, ensuring efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production while supporting new program launches and operational excellence.
About the Role
This hands-on leadership position oversees a team of manufacturing engineers and collaborates cross-functionally to achieve business and production goals. The ideal candidate has 8+ years of experience in Tier 1 automotive manufacturing, including proven success leading teams in high-volume, just-in-time environments, with deep expertise in process development, automation, and assembly or fabrication operations.
Responsibilities
- Leads, coaches, and develops a team of Manufacturing Engineers and technical staff, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provides technical guidance and support to production and engineering teams.
- 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.
- Leads manufacturing engineering activities for new product launches and engineering changes, ensuring APQP deliverables (PFMEA, control plans, process flow diagrams) are met.
- Collaborates with product engineering, quality, and operations to ensure successful program launches.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- 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.
Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification is preferred.
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. Headquartered in Detroit, MI, Dauch operates in 24 countries across more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries—GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy—Dauch combines deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to advance mobility.
www.dauch.com