Equipment Engineering Manager
Lead New Model Launches for a Growing Tier 1 Automotive Supplier
A high-growth Tier 1 automotive supplier in the Dayton, Ohio area is seeking an Equipment Engineering Manager to lead equipment strategy, new model launch support, and advanced manufacturing system development.
This is a strong opportunity for a hands-on engineering leader who enjoys building processes, leading technical teams, and seeing new programs move from concept to production. The company is growing, investing in new equipment, and continuing to support major automotive customers with complex, high-volume manufacturing solutions.
Why This Role Stands Out
This is not a maintenance leadership role or a desk-only engineering position. This person will be directly involved in new model development, capital equipment planning, welding and assembly process development, equipment installation, and manufacturing launch execution.
The Equipment Engineering Manager will lead a capable technical team and play a key role in making sure the company’s equipment, processes, and launch plans are ready to support continued growth.
Key Responsibilities
The Equipment Engineering Manager will:
Lead, coach, and develop a team of equipment engineers supporting new model programs
Develop, review, and improve welding, assembly, automation, and equipment process plans
Support new product launches by ensuring equipment readiness, manufacturability, timing, and performance
Coordinate equipment procurement, supplier communication, installation, runoff, and launch support
Manage capital equipment budgets, spending, timelines, and project execution
Partner closely with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and senior leadership
Drive equipment improvements that support safety, quality, throughput, uptime, and long-term manufacturing performance
Support hands-on troubleshooting, problem solving, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced plant environment
Help align engineering priorities with broader business goals, customer requirements, and future growth plans
Ideal Background
The ideal candidate will bring:
A bachelor’s or technical degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical field preferred
3 to 5+ years of experience in a tier-1 automotive manufacturing environment
Experience with equipment engineering, process development, automation, welding, or assembly systems
Prior leadership experience with engineers, technicians, or technical project teams
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and capital projects
Comfort working in both office and plant floor environments
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
Flexibility to support launches, equipment installations, and occasional travel as needed
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to join a growing automotive supplier that is investing in its future. The right person will have meaningful visibility, real influence over new programs, and the ability to lead technical improvements that directly impact production performance.
For an engineering leader who likes to be close to the action, build capable teams, and drive manufacturing innovation from the plant floor up, this is a very strong opportunity.