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Challenge Manufacturing Jobs in Rochester, MI (NOW HIRING)

Stellantis

Project Quality Leader

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Knowledge of service and manufacturing processes * Proven launch management exposure * Ability to challenge senior stakeholders * Strong risk assessment and recovery planning capability

Mercor

Vehicle Design Specialist - AI Trainer

Detroit, MI · On-site +1

$1.1K - $1.4K/wk

Manufacturing - Automotive (Mechanical Engineering) Expert Type: Contract Compensation: $1,150-$1 ... Require navigation of multiple apps, files, and stakeholders to challenge frontier AI agents

Stellantis

Senior Product Lead - Jeep Brand

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$119K - $158K/yr

... Challenge assumptions and push teams toward best-in-segment solutions within constraints ... Manufacturing, and Sales on critical product decisions and milestones • Act as the primary ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsChallenge Manufacturing JobsChallenge Manufacturing Jobs in Rochester, MI

Challenge Manufacturing information

See Rochester, MI salary details

$32.7K

$73.5K

$103.6K

How much do challenge manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for challenge manufacturing in Rochester, MI is $73,493.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,400.00 and $81,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Challenge Manufacturing vs Machine Operator?

AspectChallenge ManufacturingMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent, technical certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, assembly linesManufacturing plant, operating machinery
Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing companiesCommonly employed in factories and production facilities
Job FocusAssist in manufacturing processes, quality checksOperate machinery to produce goods

Challenge Manufacturing roles often involve supporting manufacturing processes and quality control, while Machine Operators focus on operating specific machinery. Both roles are essential in manufacturing settings and share similar credentials and work environments, but their job functions differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some typical challenges faced when working at Challenge Manufacturing, and how can new employees effectively address them?

In a manufacturing environment such as Challenge Manufacturing, common challenges include adapting to fast-paced production schedules, learning to operate complex machinery, and maintaining high standards of quality and safety. New employees can effectively address these challenges by actively participating in training programs, asking experienced team members for guidance, and adhering closely to established protocols. Collaboration and clear communication with supervisors and teammates are also crucial for troubleshooting issues quickly and ensuring a smooth workflow.

What is Challenge Manufacturing?

Challenge Manufacturing is a company specializing in metal stamping and assembly for the automotive industry. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Michigan, the company provides components such as chassis, body structures, and assemblies to major automotive manufacturers. Challenge Manufacturing is known for its advanced automation and commitment to quality, employing thousands of people across multiple locations. The company focuses on innovation, safety, and sustainability in its manufacturing processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a manufacturing technician at Challenge Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To excel as a Manufacturing Technician at Challenge Manufacturing, you typically need a background in mechanical aptitude, quality control, and experience with assembly or production processes, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, safety protocols, and systems like ERP or MES is important, and certifications such as OSHA may be required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help individuals stand out in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure efficient production, maintain safety standards, and contribute to continuous improvement and product quality.
What cities near Rochester, MI are hiring for Challenge Manufacturing jobs? Cities near Rochester, MI with the most Challenge Manufacturing job openings:
Challenge Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Challenge Manufacturing job openings in Rochester, MI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,493 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

VCP Technical Operations Manager

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 44 rated automakers

Job description

  • The Technical Manager serves as a key technical leader within the Value Creation Program (VCP) B1 Direct Material Cost Workstream, responsible for identifying, developing, and accelerating Technical cost reduction opportunities across current production vehicle programs.
  • This role leads the generation and execution of technical cost optimization initiatives by partnering closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Program Management, and suppliers. The position is responsible for building and maintaining a robust pipeline of technical ideas that improve cost competitiveness while preserving vehicle performance, quality, durability, safety, and customer satisfaction.
  • A critical component of the role is planning, facilitating, and leading structured idea generation workshops with engineering organizations and suppliers to uncover innovative cost reduction opportunities and accelerate implementation.
  • The ideal candidate combines strong automotive engineering expertise, technical cost management knowledge, workshop facilitation skills, and operational leadership to drive measurable value creation across the Stellantis product portfolio.

Key Responsibilities
Technical Cost Reduction Leadership
  • Drive identification, development, and implementation of engineering-led direct material cost reduction initiatives
  • Lead technical assessments of components, systems, and vehicle architectures to identify value optimization opportunities

Engineering Workshop Leadership
  • Plan, organize, and facilitate technical cost reduction workshops across all engineering functions.
  • Develop structured workshop agendas, methodologies, and deliverables focused on idea generation and rapid opportunity identification
  • Ensure workshops generate high-quality ideas with clear ownership and implementation plans.

Supplier Innovation & Technical Collaboration
  • Lead supplier-focused technical ideation workshops to identify cost reduction opportunities through innovation and supplier expertise
  • Partner with suppliers to challenge current designs, manufacturing methods, and material selections.
  • Facilitate collaborative engineering reviews

Technical Opportunity Development
  • Build and maintain a robust pipeline of technical cost reduction initiatives.
  • Work closely with engineering teams to mature ideas from concept through implementation.
  • Coordinate feasibility reviews, technical validation, testing requirements, and approval activities.
  • Support prioritization of opportunities based on financial impact, technical complexity, implementation timing, and business risk.

Technical Benchmarking & Competitive Analysis
  • Support benchmark studies, teardowns, and competitive assessments
  • Identify best-in-class technical solutions and opportunities for implementation
  • Translate technical findings into actionable value creation opportunities

Ideal candidate
A highly respected automotive engineering professional who understands vehicle design, manufacturing, supplier capabilities, and cost drivers - and who can bring engineers and suppliers together to generate breakthrough technical ideas that deliver measurable direct material cost reductions without compromising vehicle quality, performance, or customer satisfaction
Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or relative discipline.
  • Minimum 7 years of automotive engineering, product development, cost engineering, manufacturing engineering, or technical program management experience.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of automotive systems, components, manufacturing processes, and product development.
  • Excellent technical problem-solving and analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VA/VE).
  • Design-to-Cost or Cost Engineering experience.
  • Supplier technical interface experience.
  • Vehicle benchmarking and teardown experience.
  • Product optimization and feature/content reduction expertise.
  • Advanced degree (MS or MBA).

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