Engineering Manager

IFab Corporation•Gastonia, NC

About The Position

iFAB Corp. is seeking a results-driven, technically skilled Engineering Manager to lead engineering activities, projects, and process improvements within its manufacturing operations. The role manages engineering projects from concept through implementation, ensuring products and manufacturing processes meet customer specifications, quality standards, and production requirements. The Engineering Manager oversees project planning and delivery, APQP and PPAP activities, new product introduction, process development, equipment installation, and manufacturing engineering changes. The role drives manufacturing process improvements and provides technical support across metal fabrication processes, while ensuring processes are documented, standardized, and maintained. The position also leads and develops engineering personnel and collaborates with Quality, Production, Maintenance, customers, and other stakeholders. It supports compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and customer-specific requirements, as well as audits, engineering reviews, product validation, and corrective actions.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering field.
3–5 years of experience in manufacturing or industrial engineering; metal fabrication, automotive, or related manufacturing experience is preferred.
At least 3 years of experience handling engineering projects, process improvements, or manufacturing operations.
Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in APQP and PPAP methodologies.
Demonstrated experience managing engineering projects, including planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and execution.
Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as metal stamping, forming, welding, machining, and assembly.
Familiarity with PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, MSA, and SPC.
Knowledge of ISO 9001 and/or IATF 16949 quality management systems.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, organizational, and leadership skills.
Excellent communication and cross-functional coordination skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and project management tools.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with Tier 1 automotive suppliers or automotive manufacturing companies.
Experience handling new product launches, customer engineering changes, and manufacturing process validation.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Familiarity with CAD software and manufacturing engineering systems.
Experience working directly with customers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders on engineering projects.

Responsibilities

Lead engineering projects from planning and development through implementation and completion.
Establish project timelines, milestones, resource requirements, and deliverables, ensuring projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
Coordinate cross-functional teams around engineering priorities, project requirements, and production objectives.
Monitor project progress, identify risks, resolve technical issues, and implement corrective actions.
Oversee new product introduction, process development, equipment installation, and manufacturing engineering changes.
Lead and coordinate APQP activities to meet customer requirements and quality expectations.
Oversee PPAP documentation and submissions and ensure compliance with customer-specific requirements.
Ensure required PPAP elements—including Process Flow Diagrams, PFMEAs, Control Plans, dimensional results, and supporting documentation—are complete and accurate.
Collaborate with Quality and Production to address product and process concerns during product launches.
Ensure engineering deliverables meet applicable automotive quality standards and customer approval requirements.
Evaluate manufacturing processes and identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and waste reduction.
Provide technical support for stamping, forming, welding, CNC machining, and assembly processes.
Develop and implement engineering solutions for production challenges, process inefficiencies, and recurring quality issues.
Ensure manufacturing processes are documented, standardized, and maintained.
Provide direction, technical guidance, and support to engineering personnel.
Assign project responsibilities, monitor performance, and ensure timely completion of engineering deliverables.
Promote collaboration and accountability within the engineering team and support employees’ professional and technical development.
Work with Quality to ensure compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and applicable customer-specific requirements.
Support customer audits, engineering reviews, product validation, and corrective action activities.
Review engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation for accuracy and compliance.
Partner with Production, Maintenance, and other departments to meet operational and quality objectives.