Automotive Manufacturing Engineer

Overview

Zing Recruiting, in partnership with a prominent client in Smithville, TN is seeking a skilled Manufacturing Engineer to join their team. The Manufacturing Engineer supports new program launches from contract award through Start of Production (SOP). The engineer drives manufacturing improvements, supports Engineering Change Instructions (ECIs), leads machine/tooling documentation, troubleshoots issues, optimizes processes, and collaborates with cross functional groups to reduce cost and improve efficiency.

Hands on, on the plant floor and heavily involved in process development, industrial engineering support, documentation, and installation of production equipment.

• Direct Hire
• Designing/building machines, creating and updating manufacturing documentation (PFMEA, process flows, standard times, capacity studies), leading trials/run-offs, coordinating new product launches, supporting continuous improvement/KAIZEN, and working with CAD/ERP/MES systems.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline
• 5+ years in manufacturing or automotive engineering
• Strong experience supporting new model launches and production line installations
• Background creating PFMEAs, process plans, process flows, cycle times, capacity studies, and line documentation
• Proven success implementing ECIs, troubleshooting issues, and supporting continuous improvement
• Hands-on experience with machine design, build, run-offs, tooling, fixtures, and line validation
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with Industrial Engineering, Quality, Tooling, Program Management, and Design Engineering
• Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines simultaneously
• Experience with CAD, ERP, MES, or similar integrated systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
• Excellent documentation, communication, and organizational abilities
• Hands-on, plant-floor-focused engineer who enjoys being in the process
• Able to train others and support process rollout across multiple sites
• Thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced automotive environment
• Experience reducing capital cost by designing or modifying machinery in-house
• Strong understanding of Lean, Kaizen, and continuous improvement
• Prior Tier-1 automotive experience (seating, windows, structural metals, mechanisms)

Zing is an Equal Opportunity Employer!

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