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Associate Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Durham, NC

Manufacturing Engineer

Mebane, NC · On-site

$63K - $81K/yr

Job Posting Title Manufacturing Engineer Summary Dauch is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to ... Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race ...

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Associate Manufacturing Engineer information

See Durham, NC salary details

$11

$20

$32

How much do associate manufacturing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate manufacturing engineer in Durham, NC is $20.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process improvement, and manufacturing methodologies, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, Lean Manufacturing tools, and quality management systems (such as Six Sigma) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient production processes, high product quality, and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate manufacturing engineer during process improvements?

As an Associate Manufacturing Engineer, one of the main challenges is balancing the need for efficiency improvements with maintaining product quality and safety standards. You may encounter resistance to change from production teams who are accustomed to existing processes, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, troubleshooting equipment or workflow issues often demands quick, analytical thinking and adaptability, especially when working under tight production deadlines. Overcoming these challenges offers valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving abilities and gain hands-on experience with lean manufacturing principles.

What is the difference between Associate Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectAssociate Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting manufacturing processes, assisting senior engineersDesign, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes independently
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, production facilities, industrial companiesManufacturing firms, automotive, aerospace, electronics industries

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Manufacturing Engineers typically support and assist in manufacturing processes, while Manufacturing Engineers take on more independent roles in designing and improving production systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common in manufacturing industries.

How much does an associate manufacturing engineer make?

An associate manufacturing engineer typically earns between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often involves working with manufacturing processes, quality control, and production optimization tools.

Is an associate manufacturing engineer entry level?

An associate manufacturing engineer is typically an entry-level position suitable for recent graduates or those with limited industry experience. It often involves learning manufacturing processes, using tools like CAD software, and developing skills necessary for career advancement in engineering roles.

What is an associate manufacturing engineer?

An associate manufacturing engineer is an entry-level professional who supports the design, development, and improvement of manufacturing processes. They often work with production teams, utilize engineering tools, and may require knowledge of quality standards and manufacturing software. This role typically involves learning on the job and gaining experience in a manufacturing environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Durham, NC?

The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Durham, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Durham, NC?

For Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Durham, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Durham, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Durham, NC are:

What cities near Durham, NC are hiring for Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities near Durham, NC with the most Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Durham, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,881 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

$63K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


American Axle & Manufacturing rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

473rd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Posting Title
Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description Summary
Dauch is looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to join our team at our Alamance Manufacturing Facility.
Implements manufacturing techniques, processes, tooling, and machinery to maximize throughput. Establishes control charting of critical features and processes; monitors results and determines machine and process capabilities and performance reliability. Manages the implementation of new processes, selection of equipment to be purchased, and time estimates. Identifies optimal tooling for machining. Resolves issues with design, manufacturability, or build sequences. Ensures production-part acceptance and manufacturing readiness. Participates in adoption of new technologies and processes to achieve greater efficiency. Consults on and oversees selection and implementation of automation and robotics on the assembly line.
Job Description:
  • Develops methods, tooling and techniques to continuously reduce the time and effort involved in setting-up, changing over and operations of manufacturing equipment.
  • Modifies manufacturing processes for safety improvement, quality improvement, cost reduction, or design changes.
  • Achieves financial objectives by assisting in the preparation of the budget, scheduling expenditures, managing project budgets and initiating corrective actions.
  • Manages capital projects, including development of equipment specification, coordination of equipment runoffs, installation of equipment, and management of outside contractors.
  • Updates and maintains equipment drawings for production and equipment, including layouts.
  • Develops engineering solutions for repetitive equipment/process failures.
  • Assist in identification of departmental training requirements and may provide the training for improvement of skill levels.
  • Recommends TPM, PM, Proactive Maintenance and Predictive.
  • Improves the Poke-Yoke preventative quality systems.
  • Manages outside contractors involved in process/equipment improvement.
  • Works closely with all levels of the organization to improve upon manufacturing machinery and process improvements.
  • Participates in Kaizen activities and documents results.
  • Knows significant environmental aspects of the job and the related operational controls.
  • Collates and analyzes data using preset tools, methods, and formats. Involves working independently.
  • Identifies shortcomings in existing processes, systems, and procedures, and use established change management programs to address them.
  • Helps others get the most out of knowledge management systems by offering support and advice.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or other relevant Engineering field, or equivalent experience.
  • 3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on assembly processes. Experience with automation in the automotive industry preferred.
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Experience with Lean Enterprise. engineering solutions and troubleshooting process repairs, engineering standards specification improvement/innovation, and solutions analysis.
  • Strong computer Skills (MS Word, Excel, MS Project, MfgPro, Kronos, CAD).
  • Familiarity with automation, robotics, PLCs, or industrial equipment preferred.

About Dauch:
Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.
Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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About American Axle & Manufacturing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM), based in Detroit, MI, US, is a globally recognized leader in the automotive industry. Established in 1994, the company has built a strong reputation as a premier manufacturer of driveline and drivetrain systems, and related components for light trucks, SUVs, passenger cars, crossover vehicles, and commercial vehicles. With the mission of “Powering the Future of Mobility”, AAM is dedicated to delivering top-tier power transfer solutions that are efficient, safe, and sustainable. Over the decades, AAM's determination to excel has led to the development of groundbreaking innovations, earning accolades for its advanced PowerDense™ and EcoTrac® solutions.

Industry

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1917