Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Dauch is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Newton, North Carolina. This fully onsite role is responsible for supporting and improving manufacturing processes in a high-volume Tier 1 automotive production environment. This role focuses on process optimization, cost reduction, quality improvement, and supporting new product launches. The Manufacturing Engineer collaborates cross-functionally to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production that meets customer and business requirements.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience in automotive manufacturing, strong ability to troubleshoot and optimize processes, support production, and drive continuous improvement in a fast‑paced, high-volume environment. They should have strong communication and executive skills. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.

• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Standardize work methods, process parameters, and documentation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles.
• Analyze production data to identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Lead manufacturing engineering activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
• Ensure APQP deliverables are met, including PFMEA, control plans, and process flow diagrams.
• Collaborate with product engineering, quality, and operations to ensure successful launches.
• Specify, procure, and implement manufacturing equipment, tooling, and automation systems.
• Support installation, validation, and commissioning of new equipment.
• Drive innovation through automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics (OEE, cycle time, throughput, and efficiency).
• Support cost reduction initiatives, including labor and material optimization.
• Work closely with maintenance and operations to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
• Work closely with Quality, Scheduling, and Supply Chain.
• Undertake all other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related Engineering field.
• 1–3+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in the automotive industry, Tier 1 preferred.
• Experience in high-volume, just-in-time (JIT) production environments.
• Exposure to assembly, welding, or automated manufacturing processes.
• Experience with APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and PPAP processes.
• Familiarity with automation, robotics, PLCs, or industrial equipment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and problem‑solving tools (root‑cause analysis, SPC).
• CAD experience.

As a leading global Tier 1 Automotive and Mobility Supplier, AAM designs, engineers and manufactures Driveline and Metal Forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles.

AAM will not discriminate against any associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law.

For the disabled job seeker:
We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail  AAM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.