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. Â
- Standardize manufacturing processes across all piston pin facilities to eliminate defects and maximize efficiency.Â
- Foster a culture of data-driven problem solving and continuous improvement. Â
- Ensure full compliance with internal standards and external requirements (IATF 16949, ISO 9001). Â
- Partner with Quality to resolve process nonconformances and implement robust corrective/preventive actions. Â
- Own business unit APQP, PPAP, and FMEA processes to ensure product and manufacturing process integrity. Â
- Drive process optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, global capacity, reduce cost, and eliminate waste.Â
- Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and other CI methodologies to increase throughput and reduce variation.Â
- Leverage key operating metrics to identify trends, diagnose issues, and drive performance.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and assess applicability to future operations. Â
- Communicate clearly with senior leadership on progress, risks, and strategic opportunities.Â
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED
- Leadership and team development:Â Demonstrated ability to build, lead, mentor, and reorganize teams to improve performance
- Education:Â Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or a related field required; advanced engineering degree and/or MBA preferred.Â
- 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.Â
- Quality systems and core tools:Â Experience with AIAG and IATF tools, including implementation in an automotive manufacturing environment.
- Problem solving and analytics:Â 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.Â
- Communication:Â Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization.Â
- Results orientation:Â Proven history of driving continuous improvement and financial improvement projects that deliver measurable business impact
- Leadership and integrity:Â Highest ethical standards, with strong communication skills and the ability to motivate, lead, and develop individuals to perform at their best.Â
- Engineering career progression:Â Demonstrated career growth in engineering, including experience in manufacturing operations, manufacturing or product design engineering, and/or quality engineering.Â
- Continuous improvement and business impact:Â 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.Â
- Team building and performance:Â Demonstrated ability to build teams that achieve stretch results.Â
- Manufacturing process expertise:Â 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.Â
- Automotive quality systems:Â Thorough understanding of the automotive business environment and related quality systems, including ISO/TS standards, APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, and formal corrective action processes.Â
- Customer and technical communication: Strong customer communication skills, including the ability to deliver technical presentations in support of process execution and business development.
- Â 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:Â Multilingual fluency preferred, specifically Spanish or Italian.Â
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