Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Automotive Product Development

Crawford Thomas Recruiting

Buford, GA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP), Analysis Skills, Automotive Engineering, Automotive Industry, Automotive Manufacturing, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Cross-Functional, Detail Oriented, Engineering Drawing, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Establish Priorities, Hand Tools, ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Identify Issues, Lean Manufacturing, Machine Tool, Machining, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Operational Improvement, Operational Support, Problem Solving Skills, Process Analysis, Process Improvement, Product Development, Product Lifecycle, Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Production Support, Project/Program Management, Prototyping, Quality Engineering, Rapid Prototyping, Root Cause Analysis, Safety/Work Safety, SolidWorks, TS 16949, Technical/Engineering Design, Welding
LOCATION
Buford, GA
POSTED
1 day ago
Manufacturing (Design) Engineer - Automotive Product Development

Salary:
$100,000 - $140,000 base + annual bonus
Fully onsite | Monday-Friday

Job Summary:

We're hiring a hands-on Manufacturing (Design) Engineer to own automotive components from concept through end-of-life.

This role turns engineering ideas into:
• Production-ready components
• Efficient manufacturing processes
• High-quality vehicle builds

You'll design, prototype, source, and implement parts, tooling, and fixtures that support vehicle production.

This is not a desk-only role - it's hands-on engineering from design to the production floor.

Job Responsibilities:

Product Development & Lifecycle
• Own products from concept through production, ramp-up & end-of-life
• Rapidly prototype components and assemblies
• Design parts, tooling, fixtures & templates for manufacturability and cost
• Source materials and manufacturing services from qualified suppliers
• Lead production implementation, equipment qualification & operator training

Engineering & Problem Solving
• Apply first-principles engineering to complex manufacturing challenges
• Analyze and optimize processes for quality, safety & efficiency
• Develop innovative tooling and assembly solutions
• Create and maintain specifications, drawings & work instructions

Hands-On Manufacturing Support
• Build prototypes and troubleshoot using hand tools & design systems
• Support equipment operation and maintenance needs
• Work directly on the production floor
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions

Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with Quality Engineering on inspection and compliance
• Work with Operations to improve flow, uptime & throughput
• Communicate technical concepts clearly across teams

Qualifications:

Required:
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field
• Strong knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes
• First-principles problem-solving ability
• Mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand tools
• Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative design
• Knowledge of tooling, fixtures & templates
• Ability to read and create engineering drawings
• Strong project management and prioritization skills

Preferred:
• Automotive manufacturing experience
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred)
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement knowledge
• Familiarity with ISO/TS 16949, APQP & PPAP
• Supplier development experience
• Machining, welding, or fabrication background

Key Competencies:
• Systems-level thinking and holistic problem solving
• Hands-on, shop-floor mindset
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent collaboration and communication
• High ownership and accountability
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments
• Detail-oriented with focus on quality and safety

About the Opportunity:

Work at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and product development-bringing innovative automotive components from concept to production.

This role offers full lifecycle ownership, hands-on engineering work, and direct impact on vehicle manufacturing.

About the Company

C

Crawford Thomas Recruiting