Automotive Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ABOUT THE ROLE

Amsted Automotive Group, Piston Pin Business Unit, is looking for a Director of Engineering to provide hands-on leadership driving manufacturing process design, standardization, and continuous improvement. Owns product application engineering, program management, and APQP execution while developing talent, building high-performing teams, and delivering measurable gains in quality and efficiency. Shapes engineering strategy and fosters accountability and operational excellence.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing engineering team; drive accountability and continuous technical excellence.  
• Standardize manufacturing processes across all piston pin facilities to eliminate defects and maximize efficiency. 
• Foster a culture of data-driven problem solving and continuous improvement.  
• Ensure full compliance with internal standards and external requirements (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).  
• Partner with Quality to resolve process nonconformances and implement robust corrective/preventive actions.  
• Own business unit APQP, PPAP, and FMEA processes to ensure product and manufacturing process integrity.  
• Drive process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, global capacity, reduce cost, and eliminate waste. 
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies to increase throughput and reduce variation. 
• Leverage key operating metrics to identify trends, diagnose issues, and drive performance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and assess applicability to future operations.  
• Communicate clearly with senior leadership on progress, risks, and strategic opportunities. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED

• Leadership and team development: Demonstrated ability to build, lead, mentor, and reorganize teams to improve performance
• Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required; advanced engineering degree and/or MBA preferred. 
• Automotive engineering experience: 10–15 years of automotive engineering management experience, preferably in cold forming, heat treating, CNC machining, centerless grinding, metals forming, machining, fabrication, or related manufacturing processes. 
• Quality systems and core tools: Experience with AIAG and IATF tools, including implementation in an automotive manufacturing environment.
• Problem solving and analytics: Strong disciplined critical-thinking skills with an analytical DMAIC approach; experience using statistical process capability methods and tools such as Minitab or other SPC analysis programs. 
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. 
• Results orientation: Proven history of driving continuous improvement and financial improvement projects that deliver measurable business impact
• Leadership and integrity: Highest ethical standards, with strong communication skills and the ability to motivate, lead, and develop individuals to perform at their best. 
• Engineering career progression: Demonstrated career growth in engineering, including experience in manufacturing operations, manufacturing or product design engineering, and/or quality engineering. 
• Continuous improvement and business impact: Proven history of executing continuous improvement projects related to manufacturing cost control, cost of quality, and product/process standardization, with clear ownership of projects that delivered measurable fiscal impact. 
• Team building and performance: Demonstrated ability to build teams that achieve stretch results. 
• Manufacturing process expertise: Familiarity with high-precision metal manufacturing processes such as cold forming, heat treating, CNC machining, centerless grinding, metals forming, machining, or fabrication in a manufacturing environment, not assembly-only operations. 
• Automotive quality systems: Thorough understanding of the automotive business environment and related quality systems, including ISO/TS standards, APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and formal corrective action processes. 
• Customer and technical communication: Strong customer communication skills, including the ability to deliver technical presentations in support of process execution and business development.
•  Leadership and travel: Experience managing in a multi-plant business environment and leading teams where English is not the primary language; willingness and ability to travel to all business unit locations, with expected travel of approximately 50% in the first year and 30% in following years.
• Language capability: Multilingual fluency preferred, specifically Spanish or Italian. 

WHAT ELSE YOU'LL NEED TO KNOW

• This role will require periods of international travel
• Candidates must be comfortable getting dirty and working in loud environments

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

We create a supportive environment where employees thrive! With a range of benefits designed to enhance your health, well-being, and financial security, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Join us and experience the exceptional perks that make Amsted Automotive a great place to work!

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

• Medical Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Prescription Drug Benefits
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Telehealth
• Onsite health screenings
• Mental health resources
• Employee Assistance Program that includes counseling and support services for mental health, family support, financial advice, legal guidance, and more

FINANCIAL BENEFITS

• Competitive Salaries
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Annual Bonus Opportunity
• 401k with Company Match
• Health Savings Account with Company Contribution
• Life and Disability Insurance

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

• Parental Leave
• 14 Annual Company Paid Holidays

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Training Programs
• Education Expense Reimbursement
• Career Advancement Opportunities

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Pet Insurance and Discount Program
• Legal Insurance
• Employee Discounts
• Recognition and Rewards
• Community Involvement
• Workplace Giving Matching Gift Program