Assistant Manufacturing Engineering Manager (OCF)

Long Description

With presence in more than 20 countries, Gestamp is a leading international group specializing in the design, development, and manufacture of metal automotive components. Our commitment to innovation drives us to create safer, lighter vehicles that minimize energy consumption and reduce environmental impact.

Leads all Manufacturing Engineering functions for assembly operations, including robotic welding, automation, assembly systems, program management, plant engineering, and continuous improvement. Oversees staffing, scheduling, planning, and execution of engineering activities to ensure process standardization, cost control, quality compliance, and successful program launches that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering for assembly operations, including robotic welding, assembly systems, tooling, automation, and material handling.
• Own Engineering Change Management, CIP, Plant Engineering, plant layouts, weld integrity, engineering PMs, and capital planning.
• Develop engineering schedules for both plants and monitor performance against KPIs, timelines, and program milestones.Drive process standardization and implementation of best practices.
  Oversee automation systems, robotics, conveyors, fixtures, and material handling equipment.
• Manage manufacturing engineers and technicians.
• Lead hiring, coaching, performance management, succession planning, and disciplinary actions.
• Serve as the primary accountability point for engineering performance across both facilities.
• Lead Lean and CIP initiatives.
• Approve and perform RCAs and corrective/preventive actions.
• Participate in LPAs and internal/external audits (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, VDA 6.3, customer audits).
• Develop and manage engineering budgets.
• Approve process specifications, equipment standards, and design guidelines.
• Track and improve KPIs, including OEE, cost, scrap, customer claims, uptime, launch readiness, and engineering efficiency.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering; MS or MBA preferred. 10+ years in Manufacturing Engineering management in automotive assembly; Tier 1 experience required.
• Strong background in robotic welding, assembly systems, tooling, automation, and high‑volume automated manufacturing.
• In‑depth Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement expertise.
• Welding technique and defect‑analysis experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated stable career progression in leading manufacturing organizations.
• Broader manufacturing experience (Operations, Materials, Quality, OEM—domestic or transplant) preferred.
• Experience managing maintenance in automated environments.
• Extensive exposure to Lean methodologies.