Manufacturing Engineer - Lean Manufacturing (Automotive / Drivetrain)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing Engineer to lead process development, continuous improvement, and production optimization in a high-performance manufacturing environment. This role is central to driving safety, quality, throughput, and cost reduction across complex mechanical assembly and remanufacturing operations.

The ideal candidate has deep shop-floor experience and a proven track record in Lean Manufacturing, process redesign, and quality systems such as IATF 16949. You will partner closely with operations, quality, maintenance, and program engineering teams to improve manufacturing systems and deliver measurable business impact.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Process Ownership

• Own and improve assigned manufacturing processes and component workflows
• Evaluate workstation-level operations and implement process redesigns to improve efficiency, safety, and quality
• Translate customer requirements into robust, cost-effective manufacturing methods

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Drive Lean initiatives, including one-piece flow, waste reduction, and WIP reduction
• Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective actions for production issues
• Improve throughput, yield, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
• Support Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and operational excellence systems

Engineering Design & Development

• Design and improve tooling, fixtures, gauges, presses, and material handling systems
• Develop manufacturing BOMs and process flow documentation
• Create and update clear, visual work instructions for operators

Quality Systems & Compliance

• Develop and maintain PFMEA, Control Plans, and process validation documentation
• Support PPAP submissions and new product launch approvals
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 standards

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work directly with shop floor operators and supervisors to implement improvements
• Collaborate with Program Engineering and Quality Engineering teams on launch readiness
• Interface with customers on engineering requirements and process validation
• Support capital planning and manufacturing layout optimization

Leadership & Mentorship

• Mentor production and engineering staff on process best practices
• Support training initiatives and knowledge transfer across teams
• Provide regular updates to engineering leadership on project status and KPIs

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Technology, or Physical Science
• 5–10 years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in a production environment
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing principles and implementation
• Experience with complex mechanical assemblies (5+ years preferred)
• Hands-on experience working on the shop floor in manufacturing operations
• Proven experience with:
• PFMEA and Control Plans
• PPAP / APQP processes
• Root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Process improvement and redesign initiatives
• Strong understanding of:
• Engineering mechanics
• Hydraulics, pneumatics, and mechanical systems
• Tooling, fixtures, presses, and gauges
• Manufacturing process flow optimization
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical documents
• Strong analytical and statistical problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• High urgency mindset with the ability to drive results in fast-paced environments

Preferred Experience

• Automotive, drivetrain, powertrain, or remanufacturing industry experience
• Experience with internal combustion engines or automatic transmission systems
• AutoCAD (ACAD) or similar design tool experience
• Supervisory or team leadership experience in manufacturing environments
• Capital equipment planning, budgeting, or plant layout experience
• Experience presenting technical solutions to customers and leadership teams
• Background in aerospace, heavy equipment, or industrial OEM environments with comparable complexity