The Lead Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for leading manufacturing engineering activities to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production operations within an automotive manufacturing environment. This role provides technical leadership for process development, equipment optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives while serving as a key liaison between Manufacturing, Quality, Maintenance, and Program teams. The Lead Manufacturing Engineer drives operational excellence, supports new product launches, and mentors engineering team members.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead manufacturing engineering efforts for assigned production areas, lines, or programs
- Serve as the technical subject matter expert for manufacturing processes, equipment, and tooling
- Drive process improvements related to safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity
- Support new product launches, equipment installations, and production ramp-ups
- Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, including:
- Process flows
- PFMEAs
- Control plans
- Standard work and work instructions
- Troubleshoot complex production and equipment issues to minimize downtime
- Collaborate with Quality Engineering on root cause analysis, corrective actions, and customer issues
- Partner with Maintenance and Controls teams on equipment reliability and automation improvements
- Support APQP and PPAP activities in alignment with customer and internal requirements
- Lead and participate in Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Manufacturing Engineers and technicians
- Support cost reduction and value engineering initiatives
- Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO standards, and internal procedures
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
- 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment
- Proven experience leading projects, processes, or production areas
- Strong knowledge of:
- Automotive manufacturing processes
- PFMEA, Control Plans, APQP, PPAP
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
- Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills
- Comfortable working on the production floor in a fast-paced environment
Pay: $90,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
