Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager

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For over 24 years, Dakkota Integrated Systems has delivered excellence through precision‑engineered, build‑to‑order vehicle components from cockpits to fascia assemblies. Our award‑winning team combines advanced lean manufacturing, strong product development, and a highly efficient supply chain to meet customer demands with reliability and innovation.

We are seeking a strategic and dynamic Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead our efforts in driving innovation, operational excellence, and scalable manufacturing solutions across advanced programs. This role is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of manufacturing strategies, managing cross‑functional collaboration, and ensuring successful program launches from concept to production.

• Team Leadership & Development:
  Lead, coach, and mentor the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team to ensure strong performance and continuous professional growth. Develop individualized development plans and monitor progress to enhance team capabilities and overall departmental effectiveness.
• Program Coordination & Execution:
  Collaborate with Program Managers to define and communicate program‑specific deliverables, ensuring alignment on timing, quality, and completeness. Track, monitor, and report progress of our tool shops and integrators against key milestones and objectives.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with Product Engineering and Program Management to proactively address manufacturing challenges through innovative assembly methods, tooling, and equipment solutions. Ensure new product and process development meets production feasibility standards, including ergonomics, safety, budget, cost, performance, and quality.
• Costing & Quotation Support:
  Lead manufacturing assessments and cost analysis for new business opportunities. Support quoting activities for engineering changes related to advanced programs.
• Capital & Facility Planning:
  Oversee capital and real estate investments through capacity analysis. Coordinate with site developers, contractors, and facility managers to ensure alignment with program timing and investment targets.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence:
  Champion continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness. Contribute to departmental budgeting and monitor performance against financial targets.
• Performance Management & Compliance:
  Conduct employee performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback. Ensure documentation of all relevant activities and adherence to company safety protocols, including emergency evacuation procedures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in manufacturing and assembly operations within the automotive industry.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant experience with assembly tooling and equipment
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience with maintenance CMMs systems and best practices around MTTR and MTBF.
• Proven experience in launching new manufacturing programs and managing commodity quotations.
• Demonstrated success in facility planning and development, including new building construction and site setup.
• Strong proficiency in motion and time studies, including advanced knowledge of MODAPTs and discrete event simulation software such as Flex Sim.
• Solid mechanical and technical skills, along with strong computer literacy in engineering and business applications.
• Excellent leadership capabilities, organizational skills, and effective communication across all levels of the organization.

• This position requires a typical mix of sitting, standing, and walking, with sufficient mobility to navigate both office and manufacturing plant environments.
• Must be able to perform standard computer‑based work for extended periods.
• Must understand automation safety and lock out tag out procedures (LOTO)
• Travel is required approximately 75% of the time to support tool shop reviews, customer meetings, program launches, plant onsite development, and cross‑functional collaboration.
• A valid driver’s license is required.
• A valid passport is required.

Our success is rooted in meaningful relationships and a culture that feels like family. We champion compassion, respect, and work‑life balance, while supporting each team member’s personal and professional growth. Through ongoing development, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package, we empower our people to thrive both at work and in life.
Explore everything we have to offer at Dakkota Careers!

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

Motor Vehicle Manufacturing