Director of Manufacturing Engineering - Connection Systems North America

Aptiv Manufacturing Engineering Leadership Opportunity

Aptiv is a global technology company that develops safer, greener, and more connected solutions that enable the future of mobility. We have a presence in 50 countries and have approximately 22,200 scientists, engineers and technicians focused on developing market relevant product solutions for our customers.

Aptiv's full system solutions portfolio enables us to solve some of our customers' toughest challenges. With both the brain and nervous system of the vehicle, we are uniquely positioned to envision the future and to bring it to life.

Intelligent Systems (IS) provides the software sensing and compute required by today's vehicles to improve safety, security, comfort and convenience. Products include sensing and perception systems, electronic control units, multi-domain controllers, vehicle connectivity systems, cloud-native software platforms, application software, autonomous driving technologies and end-to-end DevOps tools.

Engineered Components (EC) is a leading provider of harsh environment electrical system connection and protection solutions to global customers across multiple industries, including, but not limited to automotive, commercial vehicle and aerospace & defense. EC's Connection Systems business is an industry leader serving automotive and commercial vehicle OEM's globally.

At Aptiv, we understand the full electrical architecture of today's vehicles, which gives us the expertise to design the most robust and innovative solutions, while optimizing the cost and performance in ways no one else can.

Connection Systems Product Portfolio - critical components which are highly engineered to meet "automotive grade" requirements:

• Low Voltage Connectors: Low voltage connectors, Terminals, Mechatronics packaging (MePa), Pin Headers
• High Voltage Connectors: HV connectors and inlets
• High Performance Interconnects: High-speed cable assemblies, safety restraint/airbag connectors
• Electronic assemblies: Hard-wired electrical centers, prompted circuit board (PCB) electrical centers, solid state electrical centers, media modules, wireless device chargers. On-glass connectors

Reporting to the Director of Engineering, Americas CS, the Director of Manufacturing Engineering leads all manufacturing engineering activities for North America. This role drives strategic planning for world-class processes (stamping, assembly, molding), establishes standardized Bills of Process, provides input to quote customers, and oversees product launches to meet cost, timing, and quality goals. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with proven leadership, commercial acumen, and the ability to deliver results through large teams.

Central Responsibilities for Americas CS Head of Manufacturing Engineering

• Strategy & Centers of Excellence: Define and refine manufacturing process strategy; establish CoEs for molding, stamping, component assembly and electronic assembly.
• Business Pursuit & Planning: Lead forward planning, NA Capex, and process excellence; provide timely inputs to commercial quotes; manage tactical plans and capital/expense control.
• Project Launch: Ensure successful manufacturing process launches meeting cost, quality, and performance targets.
• Prototypes: Oversee development and construction of prototypes.
• Manufacturing Strategy: Support initiatives for world-class manufacturing processes and optimized value streams.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate with Product Engineering, Product Management, Finance, Quality, and Operations to drive profitable revenue growth.
• Talent Development: Recruit, coach, and develop team members; manage performance and career progression; execute organizational strategy and transformation
• Continuous Improvement: Develop criteria to determine priority improvement areas; work with ops to improve performance

Key Measurements

• Define and meet KPIs and cost standards for world-class stamping, molding, and assembly processes.
• Define and meet KPIs for accurate, competitive quoting to maximize business win rates.
• Achieve KPIs for on-time, on-budget project delivery at required quality and performance levels.

Experience

• 1015+ years in fast-paced, B2B manufacturing (preferably automotive) with expertise in complex, global operations and customer relationships.
• Prior experience in one or more key manufacturing processes - high speed precision metal stamping, plastic molding, PCBA and electronic assemblies - is a desired.
• Proven regional leadership experience in quality and manufacturing. Global experience highly desired.
• Hands-on experience leading transformational projects and change
• Education: Bachelor's in Engineering preferred; Master's highly desired.
• Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt).

Competencies:

• Business Acumen: Strong customer and business focus; ability to develop strategies and deliver on commitments.
• Strategic Mindset: Drives continuous improvement and best practices; sets clear strategic direction and vision.
• Execution & Results: Achieves goals aligned with company values; highly motivated, energetic, and effective under pressure.
• Leadership: Inspires trust, communicates vision, and builds high-performing, accountable teams.
• Influence & Relationships: Builds credibility and collaborates across all functions and levels.
• Resilience: Embraces challenges as opportunities for growth.

Aptiv is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.