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Associate Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Morganton, NC

Manufacturing Engineer

Newton, NC

$68K - $87K/yr

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

Manufacturing Engineer

Newton, NC · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Associate's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering (or related) * OR equivalent experience (1-3+ years) * Experience in: * Manufacturing processes & fabrication * Tooling and process ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Hickory, NC · On-site

$65K - $84K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer Future Opportunities We're always interested in connecting with talented ... Lead and mentor Process Technicians and hourly associates on assigned projects, fostering a ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Hickory, NC

$65K - $84K/yr

Manufacturing Engineer Future Opportunities We're always interested in connecting with talented ... Lead and mentor Process Technicians and hourly associates on assigned projects, fostering a ...

Weld Manufacturing Engineer

Newton, NC · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

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

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Newton, NC

$102K - $127K/yr

Job Posting Title Manufacturing Engineering Manager Summary Dauch is seeking an experienced Manager ... Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race ...

Engineering Innovation. Precision Plastics. Powering AI. US Conec, Ltd. is a trusted, global ... Technical Associate Degree in a related field * Experience supporting manufacturing, molding, or ...

This role requires a strong mechanical engineering foundation to support product design, manufacturing processes, technical analysis, and commercialization activities. Responsibilities * Serve as ...

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Associate Manufacturing Engineer information

See Morganton, NC salary details

$9

$16

$26

How much do associate manufacturing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate manufacturing engineer in Morganton, NC is $16.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $18.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 cities near Morganton, NC are hiring for Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs? Cities near Morganton, NC with the most Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Morganton, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,663 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

$68K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


American Axle & Manufacturing rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 51 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Posting Title
Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description Summary
Dauch is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Newton, North Carolina. This fully onsite role is responsible for supporting and improving manufacturing processes in a high-volume Tier 1 automotive production environment. This role focuses on process optimization, cost reduction, quality improvement, and supporting new product launches. The Manufacturing Engineer collaborates cross-functionally to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production that meets customer and business requirements.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on experience in automotive manufacturing, with a strong ability to troubleshoot and optimize processes, support production, and drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. This person should have strong communication and excel skills. Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies is preferred.
Job Description:
  • Designs, develops, and optimizes manufacturing processes for efficiency, quality, and cost.
  • Standardizes work methods, process parameters, and documentation.
  • Drives continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen principles.
  • Analyzes production data to identify opportunities for process improvement.
  • Leads manufacturing engineering activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
  • Ensures APQP deliverables are met, including PFMEA, control plans, and process flow diagrams.
  • Collaborates with product engineering, quality, and operations to ensure successful launches.
  • Specifies, procures, and implements manufacturing equipment, tooling, and automation systems.
  • Supports installation, validation, and commissioning of new equipment.
  • Drives innovation through automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Monitors and improves key performance metrics (OEE, cycle time, throughput, and efficiency).
  • Supports cost reduction initiatives, including labor and material optimization.
  • Works closely with maintenance and operations to improve equipment reliability and uptime.
  • Works closely with Quality, Scheduling, and Supply Chain.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related Engineering field.
  • 1-3+ years of Manufacturing Engineering experience in the automotive industry, Tier 1 preferred.
  • Experience in high-volume, just-in-time (JIT) production environments.
  • Exposure to assembly, welding, or automated manufacturing processes.
  • Experience with APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and PPAP processes.
  • Familiarity with automation, robotics, PLCs, or industrial equipment.
  • Proficiency in data analysis and problem-solving tools (e.g., root cause analysis, SPC).
  • CAD experience.

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