Manufacturing Engineering Manager

GKN Automotive•Newton, NC

11d

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will be responsible for leading the design and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, systems, and equipment to meet cost, quality, and performance targets. This role involves specifying process steps, plant layout, and machinery, as well as developing engineering solutions aligned with organizational and regulatory standards. The manager will also contribute to engineering standards development, conduct inspections, and identify corrective actions for safety and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the role includes designing and supervising the installation of civil, mechanical, and electrical systems, and commissioning new equipment. A key aspect is manufacturing process development, including identifying gaps, leading improvement initiatives, and managing CAD systems and Drawing Office activities. The manager will also lead and develop a team, manage departmental budgets, align capital investment requests, and ensure optimal resource utilization. Collaboration with internal clients and cross-functional teams, promotion of HSE policies, and driving innovation and continuous improvement are also core responsibilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
7+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, or process engineering roles.
Proven leadership experience managing technical teams.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, industrial processes, and machinery installation.
Experience with CAD systems, engineering drawings, and industrial layout design.
Demonstrated success leading improvement projects and implementing process standards.
Solid understanding of HSE regulations and compliance requirements.
Strong communication, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree

Responsibilities

Design and continuously improve manufacturing processes, systems, and equipment to meet cost, quality, and performance targets.
Specify process steps, plant layout, and machinery required to achieve world‑class operations.
Develop engineering solutions aligned with organizational and regulatory standards.
Contribute to engineering standards development, ensuring effectiveness and compliance.
Conduct inspections of complex installations and large‑scale engineering works.
Identify and specify corrective actions to ensure safety and regulatory conformity.
Design and supervise installation of civil, mechanical, and electrical systems.
Commission new equipment to meet operational and engineering requirements.
Identify gaps and opportunities in current processes.
Lead improvement initiatives to enhance quality, efficiency, and productivity.
Manage CAD systems and supervise Drawing Office activities to support engineering solutions.
Communicate functional strategy and align the team with organizational goals.
Manage performance, set objectives, conduct reviews, and guide professional development.
Build technical capability within the team through coaching, training, and mentoring.
Develop and manage departmental budgets.
Align capital investment requests with corporate allocation processes.
Ensure optimal use of internal/external resources to support business plans.
Act as a trusted partner to internal clients and cross‑functional teams.
Foster strong relationships with operations, supply chain, quality, program launch, and global engineering teams.
Provide technical guidance to resolve complex engineering challenges.
Promote and enforce HSE policies and safe working practices.
Identify risky behaviors and lead corrective actions.
Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives across all manufacturing engineering activities.
Ensure best practices are deployed consistently across the site.