Engineering Manager

AUTOKINITON is a Michigan-based automotive company delivering operational excellence, high-quality execution, and customer service. We offer 100% vertical integration capabilities such as end-to-end engineering, manufacturing, and in-house logistics.

We’re proud of our Tier 1 supplier legacy for manufacturing propulsion-agnostic, structural automotive components, and assemblies around the globe.

• Support the Company’s mission, vision, values and goals in performance of daily activities
• Responsible for performance feedback and leadership of all direct reports including mentoring, coaching, counseling and corrective action when situations dictate
• Provide direction and leadership consistent with company and department business plan goals
• Responsible for leading all engineering activities
• Direct and drive the utilization of problem‑solving methods for related corporate and customer issues
• Provide active leadership role in meeting / exceeding customer expectations in all related areas
• Utilize teamwork to develop company and department synergy
• Provide input into quoting and business development activities (ex. pricing, program management, plant capacity, etc.)
• Direct engineering department process improvements and corrective actions
• Provide leadership essential to maintaining safety as a fundamental priority in department-based activities
• Responsible for ensuring the entire team has the necessary training, tools and materials to properly perform their roles safely and efficiently
• Maintain a positive working relationship with all levels of the organization
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping throughout the work area

• Provide key input into the development of the corporate and department strategic business plan and identify and track key measurable to support corporate and department business plan goals
• Develop and drive the development of departmental strategic goals and identify and track key measurable to support the department goals
• Track, monitor and implement required improvement activities related to business plan, goals, issues, etc.
• Assist, as required, corporate and department activities to achieve customer cost reductions goals
• Develop, drive and support corporate and department activities towards achieving customer awards and Quality registrations (ex. TS 16949, ISO 14001, etc.)
• Interface with customers and suppliers as appropriate
• Oversee department‑manning levels to assure compliance and improvements to the budget
• Responsible for overall coordination and communication of engineering goals
• Ensure accountability and discipline within the engineering department
• Responsible for following all internal and OSHA required procedures in performing daily activities and hold direct reports accountable for enforcement
• Assure all safety devices are properly in place and utilized, and to verify individual usage of personal protective equipment by the entire work team
• Adherence to all company policies & procedures (ex. Quality Policy Manual, Associate Handbook, Level II Procedures, etc.)

• Demonstrated experience in applying lean manufacturing concepts
• Proven leadership ability and excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to interpret financial and performance data
• Vision and ability to translate progressive operating techniques into applications and results.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to read and write in English and to perform mathematical computations

• Ability to mentor and teach the team in effective problem‑solving methods.
• Knowledge of standard quality practices.
• Ability to work well with others in a team environment
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities in a fast‑paced environment
• Computer literacy and good knowledge of Microsoft Office

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent experience in Engineering or Engineering cross discipline. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum eight (8) years’ experience in an automotive/metals/assembly environment, and two (2) years of management experience.
• Possess knowledge of plant department functions.