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