Manufacturing Engineer Lead – Machining

General Motors • Buffalo, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer Lead for Machining leads Process and Tooling Engineers and partners with Machining Production Leadership to optimize, implement, and sustain Lean Manufacturing systems. This role provides leadership, technical expertise, and execution across new and mature manufacturing systems to improve safety, quality, throughput, and efficiency in a fast-paced production environment.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 3+ years of machining or assembly process development experience with plant floor exposure.
• Strong understanding of high-volume Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement principles.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting experience with manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and control drawings.
• Strong written, verbal, and technical communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems and ability to learn new manufacturing technologies.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects with autonomy and accountability.
• Willingness to work any shift and non-standard hours as required for equipment installation and support.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional business partners.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated success in Manufacturing Engineering leadership or team-based assignments.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD, Teamcenter, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office, and simulation tools.
• Competency in GD&T and statistical problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience with PFMEAs, CNC machining processes, fastening equipment, and CNC programming.
• Experience in equipment and tooling process development, specification, procurement, and qualification.
• Project and time management experience.
• Experience working in a union or bargaining unit environment.
• Knowledge of BOE, BOP, BOSE, and BOO.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, coach, develop, and evaluate Manufacturing Process and Tooling Engineers.
• Coordinate, prioritize, and ensure timely completion of engineering deliverables.
• Support day-to-day production needs through close collaboration with Production and Maintenance teams.
• Provide technical support for machining operations, including management of significant downtime events.
• Create, maintain, and improve Process Flow Diagrams, Control Plans, and PFMEAs.
• Lead and drive structured problem-solving to identify root cause and implement sustainable technical solutions.
• Analyze data to resolve issues impacting machining performance, quality, or throughput.
• Drive continuous improvement through waste elimination, productivity improvements, and bottleneck reduction.
• Reduce total cost by improving equipment uptime, cycle time, quality, and energy efficiency.
• Support implementation, launch, and optimization of new processes, tooling, and equipment.
• Direct and support the design, integration, installation, launch, and continuous improvement of manufacturing equipment and tooling.
• Manage assigned portions of the plant tooling account.
• Work collaboratively with machine and tool builders on equipment and tooling design and implementation.
• Support change management activities, including production trials.
• Participate in and support Lean Manufacturing initiatives, including GM’s Global Manufacturing System.
• Attend and support TIP, scrap reduction, and other performance review meetings.
• Act as a point of contact for Business Team Management and support achievement of daily BPD goals.
• Prepare and present technical updates and presentations to Plant Staff and GM leadership.
• Seek, share, and contribute lessons learned across plants, departments, and central process teams (BOE/BOP updates).
• Leverage GD&T expertise to ensure equipment, tooling, processes, and verification methods meet design requirements.
• Coordinate project activities with Maintenance and Technical Management.
• Uphold GM safety policies, vision, values, and cultural behaviors.
• Authorize overtime and vacations and provide coverage when required.
• Work collaboratively across all levels of the organization.

Benefits

• GM offers a variety of health and wellbeing benefit programs.
• Benefit options include medical, dental, vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, retirement savings plan, sickness and accident benefits, life insurance, paid vacation & holidays, tuition assistance programs, employee assistance program, GM vehicle discounts and more.
• From day one, we're looking out for your well-being–at work and at home–so you can focus on realizing your ambitions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees