Die Engineer Sr. Lebanon, TN

Position

Die Engineer Sr. — Lebanon, TN

We are seeking a Die Engineer Sr. to join our dynamic team at our Lebanon, TN location. This full‑time, regular/at‑will position offers a mid-career professional an opportunity to drive success in the automotive sector.

• Oversee design, development, and maintenance of die processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure die engineering projects meet quality standards, stay within budget, and are completed on schedule.
• Diagnose and resolve complex die‑related issues, optimize die performance, and contribute to new technologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and professional growth.
• Lead root‑cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Support capital expenditure planning for tooling investments and coordinate customer launches and engineering change implementations.
• Travel up to 25% to suppliers, customers, or other plant locations.

• Advanced knowledge of progressive, transfer, and line die design for metal stamping.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD, CATIA, or Siemens NX.
• Strong understanding of sheet metal forming, material properties, and high‑strength steel.
• Experience with die tryout, validation, and dimensional inspection techniques.
• Knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and automotive quality management systems.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in root‑cause analysis methodologies (e.g., 8D, 5‑Why, Fishbone).
• Project management skills with ability to handle multiple tooling programs.
• Experience with die maintenance planning and preventive maintenance programs.
• Knowledge of press operations, tonnage requirements, and stamping process parameters.
• Ability to evaluate and manage external die suppliers and tooling vendors.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with automotive customer‑specific requirements and IATF 16949 quality standards.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

• 7‑10 years of progressive experience in die engineering within automotive stamping or metal forming.
• Demonstrated experience designing and developing stamping dies for high‑strength structural automotive components.
• Hands‑on experience with die tryout and launch support in a high‑volume automotive environment.
• Proven track record leading die engineering projects from concept through production launch.
• Experience supporting APQP processes (PFMEA, control plans, dimensional validation).
• Prior experience managing die supplier relationships and overseeing external tooling development.
• Experience conducting root‑cause analysis and implementing corrective actions for die‑related quality and production issues.
• Background in developing and maintaining die documentation (design drawings, maintenance records, engineering change orders).
• Experience mentoring and providing technical guidance to junior engineers and skilled trades team members.
• Demonstrated senior technical or management experience in automotive operations.
• Experience supporting capital expenditure planning and budgeting for tooling investments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or closely related field.

• Competitive salary ( 77,200– 143,300 annually).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Paid holidays and holiday bridge schedule.
• Relocation assistance (temporary housing and travel).
• Work‑life balance and long‑term retention.
• Growth opportunities via tuition reimbursement, on‑the‑job training, learning management systems, and internal advancement.
• Learning and development programs for all employees.

AUTOKINITON is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.

AUTOKINITON makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs.