Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Department: Manufacturing Engineering

Location: Gastonia, NC

Reports To: Manager of Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance

Employment Type: Full-Time

No visa sponsorship available for this position

About Stabilus

Stabilus is a global leader in motion control solutions — gas springs, dampers, and electromechanical drives — with 8,000+ employees across 45 locations worldwide.

Role Overview

The Senior Manufacturing Engineer develops, and optimizes processes across assembly, machining, painting, material handling, and printing. This role drives continuous improvement, supports APQP product launches, and implements automation to enhance productivity, quality, and cost performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead large scale cost savings initiatives from inception through implementation
• Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for assembly, CNC machining, painting/coating, material handling, and printing operations.
• Lead capital equipment justification, procurement, installation, and qualification..
• Identify and implement automation solutions to improve throughput, reduce waste, and enhance ergonomics on the production floor.
• Lead cross-functional projects from initiation through completion, ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and stakeholder alignment.
• Apply Core Tools (PFMEA, MSA, SPC, PPAP) to ensure product quality and process capability requirements are consistently met.
• Develop and maintain 3D models, engineering drawings, and tooling designs using PTC Creo.
• Lead and support APQP activities, including PFMEA, Control Plans, and Process Flow Diagrams
• Track and report on cost savings projects to support Stabilus US cost reduction targets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Proven project leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams, timelines, and deliverables from concept through completion.
• Minimum 6 years of manufacturing engineering experience in a precision manufacturing or automotive/industrial environment.
• Knowledge of IATF 16949 or ISO 9001 quality management systems.
• Demonstrated experience with APQP and full product launch cycle support.
• Working knowledge of Core Tools: PFMEA, Control Plans, SPC, MSA, and PPAP.
• Hands-on experience with manufacturing automation — robotics, PLCs, vision systems, or automated assembly equipment.
• Proficiency in PTC Creo for 3D modeling, part design, and engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and machining/fabrication processes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present technical findings to cross-functional and leadership teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree -MSEE, MSME, or MSIE.
• Certified Project Management Professional certification (PMP)
• Experience in gas spring, pneumatic, or hydraulic component manufacturing.
• Familiarity with SAP ERP systems for BOM management, work orders, etc..
• Data-driven problem-solving mindset with experience in root cause analysis methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone).
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience with painting and pad printing process.

What We Offer

• Direct impact on production performance across a global manufacturing network
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Professional development and training
• International project exposure

Stabilus is an equal opportunity employer.

With a comprehensive application spectrum, a broad and unique product offer and decades of experience we are the world market leader for gas springs and dampers. Stabilus has been a pioneer and market leader with the state of the art technology in the segment. Stabilus has a global footprint and a broad range of vibration, motion and noise control products which are used for both automotive and industrial applications.