Job DescriptionPOSITION: Die Engineer Sr. | Lebanon, TN
AUTOKINITON is a leading force in the automotive industry, renowned for our expertise in producing high-strength structural components and precision stamping assemblies. Our commitment to quality, safety, and innovation has made us a pivotal partner to the world's top auto manufacturers. We are currently seeking a Die Engineer Sr. to join our dynamic team at our Lebanon, TN location. This full-time, regular/at-will position is an excellent opportunity for a mid-career professional with a passion for driving success in the automotive sector. As a Die Engineer Sr., you will play a critical role in maintaining our reputation for operational excellence and continuous improvement. Your responsibilities will include overseeing the design, development, and maintenance of die processes and equipment. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that die engineering projects meet quality standards and are completed within budget and on schedule. You will also be responsible for troubleshooting and resolving complex die-related issues, optimizing die performance, and contributing to the development of new technologies and methodologies. In addition to technical expertise, you will mentor junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and professional growth. At AUTOKINITON, we value collaboration, integrity, and shared success. We offer competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, relocation assistance, and a supportive environment that promotes work-life balance. Our associates have access to growth opportunities, tuition reimbursement programs, and extensive learning and development resources.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Senior Die Engineer will serve as the technical authority for all die-related engineering activities at the Lebanon facility. This individual will lead the design and development of progressive, transfer, and line dies for metal stamping operations, ensuring that all tooling meets quality, safety, and production efficiency standards. The Senior Die Engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, program management, and maintenance to drive continuous improvement initiatives and resolve complex tooling challenges.
Key responsibilities include
- Conducting thorough die tryout and validation processes to ensure dimensional accuracy and part quality compliance with customer specifications.
- The Senior Die Engineer will develop and maintain detailed die documentation including die design drawings, die history records, maintenance schedules, and engineering change orders.
- This role requires active participation in APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) processes, including PFMEA development, control plan creation, and launch support activities.
- The Senior Die Engineer will provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior die engineers and skilled trades personnel, fostering a culture of learning and development aligned with AUTOKINITON's values.
- This individual will also be responsible for evaluating and sourcing tooling from external die suppliers, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery of new and modified tooling within budget constraints.
Additional responsibilities include leading root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for die-related quality escapes and production downtime events, implementing robust die repair and preventive maintenance programs, and supporting capital expenditure planning for tooling investments. The Senior Die Engineer will also support customer launches and engineering change implementations, coordinating die modifications and validations to meet program timing requirements. Travel of up to 25% may be required to support supplier visits, customer facilities, and other AUTOKINITON plant locations.
This is a Regular/At-Will, full-time position with an annual salary range of $77,200 to $143,300, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
WHY YOU WILL ENJOY WORKING HERE:
Competitive Wages and Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company contribution match, and up to 15 paid holidays annually, thanks to our generous holiday and holiday bridge schedule.
Relocation Assistance: Our company offers comprehensive relocation assistance, including coverage for temporary housing and travel costs for our Skilled Trades and Salaried positions.
Work-Life Balance: Many of our Associates have stayed with us for 25+ years! It takes a good work-life balance to make it that far. We support your personal and professional priorities as they impact your well-being.
Growth Opportunities: Take your career to the next level through tuition reimbursement programs, on-the-job training, learning management systems, and advancement opportunities from within our organization.
Learning and Development: We empower all our Associates - from entry-level to senior-level - with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their current roles and beyond at AUTOKINITON.
Required Skills- Advanced knowledge of progressive, transfer, and line die design and engineering for metal stamping operations
- Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD, CATIA, or Siemens NX for die design and modification
- Strong understanding of sheet metal forming processes, material properties, and high-strength steel applications
- Experience with die tryout, validation, and dimensional inspection techniques
- Develop and maintain detailed die documentation including die design, drawings, die history records, maintenance schedules and engineering change orders
- Knowledge of APQP, PFMEA, control plans, and automotive quality management systems
- Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications
- Proficiency in root cause analysis methodologies such as 8D, 5-Why, and Fishbone analysis
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tooling programs simultaneously
- Experience with die maintenance planning, preventive maintenance programs, and die history documentation
- Knowledge of press operations, tonnage requirements, and stamping process parameters
- Ability to evaluate and manage external die suppliers and tooling vendors
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills to guide junior engineers and skilled trades personnel
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies
- Familiarity with automotive customer-specific requirements and IATF 16949 quality standards
- Ability to travel up to 25% to support supplier visits, customer facilities, and other plant locations
Required Experience- 7 to 10 years of progressive experience in die engineering within the automotive stamping or metal forming industry
- Demonstrated experience designing and developing stamping dies for high-strength structural automotive components
- Hands-on experience with die tryout and launch support activities in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment
- Proven track record of leading die engineering projects from concept through production launch
- Experience supporting APQP processes including PFMEA development, control plan creation, and dimensional validation
- Prior experience managing die supplier relationships and overseeing external tooling development and delivery
- Experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing corrective actions for die-related quality and production issues
- Background in developing and maintaining die documentation including design drawings, maintenance records, and engineering change orders
- Experience mentoring and providing technical guidance to junior engineers and skilled trades team members
- Demonstrated experience working in a management-level or senior technical role within an automotive operations environment
- Experience supporting capital expenditure planning and budgeting for tooling investments
- Bachelor's degree (4-year degree) in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field required
