Automotive Process Optimization Engineer

GKN Automotive
Newton, NC

Automotive Process Optimization Engineer

A day in this role

You start at the line, walking the process to see how parts flow, where quality checks occur, and where cycle times slip. You pull production data, run quick analyses, and identify the top two constraints to tackle. By mid-morning, you lead a brief stand-up with production, quality, and maintenance to align on corrective actions. After lunch, you model a fixture change in CAD, validate options with a process simulation, and meet with product design to refine a feature for manufacturability. You close the day by updating work instructions, locking in process controls, and noting cost and scrap reductions for the weekly review.

About us

We design and build advanced automotive components for global markets, advancing performance, safety, and sustainability. Our culture values excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We invest in cutting-edge technology and empower engineers to shape the future of mobility through rigor and innovation.

What you will do

  • Develop, implement, and refine manufacturing processes to achieve safety, quality, and throughput targets.
  • Use root cause methods to troubleshoot process issues and deploy robust corrective and preventive actions.
  • Support new product introductions, ensuring manufacturability from prototype to full-scale launch.
  • Apply CAD and process simulation to design tooling, fixtures, and layouts that improve flow and ergonomics.
  • Maintain process documentation, control plans, and standard work; ensure audit readiness.
  • Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives that reduce cost, scrap, and variability.
  • Partner with design, production, and quality teams to align on requirements and acceptance criteria.

Who should apply

Open to recent graduates in engineering and professionals with up to 3 years of experience in manufacturing. If you are energized by automotive innovation and a fast-moving environment where precision matters, we would like to hear from you.

Required qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
  • Proven capability to analyze production data and improve processes.
  • Strong communication skills and a problem-solving mindset.

Preferred qualifications

  • Background in automotive manufacturing processes and applicable standards.
  • Proficiency with CAD and process simulation tools.
  • Knowledge of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma practices.
  • Project leadership experience driving cross-functional initiatives.
  • Up to 3 years in a manufacturing engineering role.

What sets you up for success

Hands-on, detail-oriented, and proactive. You are adaptable and collaborative, with a drive to deliver operational excellence in a high-performance manufacturing setting.

Posted 2025-10-24

Recommended Jobs

Back End Developer (contract)

Anatta Design
North Carolina

Who is Anatta? We are a passionate and unique group of people creating meaningful eCommerce solutions for the health and wellness brands we support. We do things a little differently, which is why we…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-14

Director of Spend Management

Accentuate Staffing
Raleigh, NC

Accentuate Staffing is recruiting for a Director of Spend Management to join our client in Raleigh, NC. This role will lead the company’s operating expense and strategic sourcing functions, driving o…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-22

Coastal Carolina Welcoming Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeons - Low Call

Enterprise Medical Recruiting
North Carolina

Expanding practice in Greenville, North Carolina, is looking to add two fellowship-trained Adult Reconstruction-Orthopedic Surgeons to their group. Job Features ~ Generous compensation plus bo…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-15

Ops Supervisor - Station-1

Federal Express Corporation
Concord, NC

This is a frontline supervisor position that supports the FedEx Safety Above All Culture and manages specific day-to-day operations and an assigned staff. Responsible for ensuring safe and efficient p…

View Details
Posted 2025-10-09

Medical Billing Specialist

First Choice Community Health Centers
Lillington, NC

Why Join First Choice Community Health Centers Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Harnett County offers a unique blend of small-town charm and convenient access to big-city amenities. Located…

View Details
Posted 2025-09-10

To Go Specialist

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen
Greenville, NC

For this position, pay will be variable by location - plus tips. Our To Go Specialists are food experts who love to recommend their favs to guests who want to eat at home, work or anywhere …

View Details
Posted 2025-10-29

BARTENDER

Compass Group
Charlotte, NC

  Position Title: Bartender (Part-Time) at Paper Mill Pub Pay Range : $10.00 to $10.00  We Make Applying Easy! Want to apply to this job via text messaging? Text JOB to 75000  and search …

View Details
Posted 2025-10-09