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Associate Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Morganton, NC

... 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 ...

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

Electrical Controls Engineer

Newton, NC · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of hands-on experience in a fast-paced manufacturing ... Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race ...

Overview US Conec is seeking a Metrology Engineer to support the development, validation, and ... Technical Associate Degree in a related field * Experience supporting manufacturing, molding, or ...

... hourly associates and 2-3 Operations Coordinators with a focus on safety, performance, and ... Engineering, Technology, Business or Physical sciences centered-degree * 2-3 years previous ...

... hourly associates and 2-3 Operations Coordinators with a focus on safety, performance, and ... Engineering, Technology, Business or Physical sciences centered-degree * 2-3 years previous ...

... hourly associates and 2-3 Operations Coordinators with a focus on safety, performance, and ... Engineering, Technology, Business or Physical sciences centered-degree * 2-3 years previous ...

Material Handler

Newton, NC · On-site

$14.75 - $17.75/hr

... 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

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 20, 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 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 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, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,663 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Plant Manager - Century Upholstery #2

Century Furniture

Hickory, NC

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Century Furniture rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 52 rated furniture manufacturers


Job description

Position Summary

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading all operations within Century Furniture Plant #2, a premium upholstery manufacturing facility dedicated to craftsmanship, quality, and customer satisfaction. This role provides leadership across safety, production, quality, delivery, cost management, and workforce development while supporting the company’s commitment to bench-made upholstery excellence.

This position requires a strong operational leader who understands both the technical and human side of high-end upholstery manufacturing. The successful candidate will lead and develop a skilled production team while implementing modern manufacturing systems, continuous improvement initiatives, and disciplined operational processes that strengthen performance without compromising the craftsmanship and detail that distinguish Century Furniture products.

Key Responsibilities

Operational & Strategic Leadership

  • Lead daily plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets, including operating profit margin and on time delivery adherence.
  • Develop and execute production plans aligned with sales demand and capacity
  • Drive on-time order fulfillment and throughput performance; monitor KPIs including labor efficiency, rework, and productivity.
  • Partner with the VP of Manufacturing to ensure a seamless leadership transition.

Manufacturing Excellence & Continuous Improvement

  • Lead Continuous Improvement initiatives to improve workflow, reduce waste, and increase throughput.
  • Manage the development and maintenance of bill of materials, labor standards, and capacity planning tools across all departments.
  • Ensure BOM and routing accuracy aligned with actual production processes to support ERP data integrity.
  • Identify bottlenecks and implement sustainable process improvements; shift "heavy lifting" from individuals to scalable departmental systems.
  • Manage plant budget and cost structure in alignment with corporate targets; analyze gross margin drivers including labor efficiency and material utilization.

Quality & Product Integrity

  • Reduce external claims and decrease rework/scrap through technical root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
  • Partner with Product Development and Engineering to support new product launches.

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and company safety standards; lead plant safety initiatives and foster a safety-first culture.
  • Partner with Human Resources to ensure compliance with employment law, company policies, and workforce best practices.

People Leadership & Culture

  • Lead, coach, and develop the plant leadership team; build bench strength and succession plans for key roles.
  • Foster a culture of accountability and operational ownership.
  • Lead with urgency, visibility, and consistent floor presence.
  • Drive disciplined execution across all departments.
  • Partner cross-functionally with Human Resources, Finance, Sales, and Product Development to align plant performance with corporate financial goals and brand standards.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of leadership experience in upholstery or furniture manufacturing; 7+ years preferred for candidates with a technical or engineering background.
  • Strong knowledge of upholstery construction, materials, and production flow.
  • Demonstrated experience implementing continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Expertise in labor standards development, BOM integrity, and capacity planning.
  • Experience leading 100+ associates in a manufacturing environment.
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Business Operations preferred; equivalent experience considered.

Competencies

  • Operational Discipline
  • Change Leadership
  • Continuous Improvement Mindset
  • Financial Acumen
  • Talent Development
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration

Physical Requirements

The physical demands and work environment expectations described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

  • Prolonged periods of sitting and performing repetitive tasks, including but not limited to computer and telephone usage
  • Must be able to work in noisy environments
  • Frequently lifting/carrying objects up to 10 lbs.; on occasion up to 25 lbs.

What Century Furniture employees say

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