What are the responsibilities and job description for the Weld Manufacturing Engineer position at American Axle & Mfg., Inc.?
Job Posting Title
Weld Manufacturing EngineerJob Description Summary
Dauch is seeking a Weld Manufacturing Engineer to join our team in Newton, North Carolina. This fully onsite role is critical in supporting and improving welding operations in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment. This role focuses on process stability, quality, throughput, and cost efficiency while ensuring compliance with automotive standards. The engineer will play a key role in launching new programs, optimizing existing welding processes, and supporting automated and robotic welding systems.The ideal candidate is a hands-on, solutions-oriented engineer with strong welding and automation expertise, a passion for continuous improvement, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment. This individual is equally comfortable troubleshooting on the plant floor as they are leading process improvements and supporting new program launches. Preferred qualifications include Tier 1 automotive supplier experience, strong knowledge of laser welding processes, and CAD experience (Inventor/Creo).
Job Description:
Develops, implements, and optimizes laser welding processes for production.
Supports daily manufacturing operations by troubleshooting weld-related issues and minimizing downtime.
Establishes and maintains process parameters, work instructions, and standardized operating procedures.
Leads root cause analysis and corrective actions for weld defects, quality issues, and equipment failures.
Supports new product launches, including process design, equipment validation, APQP deliverables, PFMEA, and control plans.
Works closely with Quality to ensure compliance with IATF 16949 and customer-specific requirements.
Analyzes production data (scrap, rework, downtime, cycle time) to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Improves welding efficiency, including cycle time reduction and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).
Assists in specifying, installing, and commissioning new welding equipment, tooling, and automation systems.
Provides technical support and training to operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel.
Collaborates with suppliers, integrators, and customers on weld process-related issues.
All other duties as assigned.
Required Skills and Education
Bachelor's Degree in Welding Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience.
1-2 years of experience in Welding or Manufacturing Engineering in an automotive or high-volume production environment.
Demonstrated experience supporting production welding operations and new program launches.
Hands-on experience with robotic welding systems (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA, or similar).
Understanding of weld quality standards, inspection methods, and destructive/non-destructive testing.
Experience with PLC-controlled equipment and automated production lines.
Knowledge of metallurgy, weld joint design, and fixture/tooling concepts.
Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, and SPC.
Proficiency in problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5 Why, Fishbone).
Ability to analyze and interpret production and quality data.
About Dauch:
Dauch Corporation is a premier Driveline and Metal Forming supplier serving the global automotive industry with a powertrain-agnostic product portfolio that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. The company is headquartered in Detroit, MI, with operations that span 24 countries and more than 175 locations. Formed through the acquisition of Dowlais Group plc and its subsidiaries - GKN Automotive and GKN Powder Metallurgy, Dauch unites deep engineering roots with global manufacturing capabilities and an entrepreneurial spirit to move mobility forward. Visit www.dauch.com to learn more.
Dauch will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. Dauch will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. Dauch is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
AAM will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law.