What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Manufacturing Engineer - Automotive Product Development position at Crawford Thomas Recruiting?
Manufacturing (Design) Engineer – Automotive Product Development
Salary: $100,000–$140,000 Base Annual Bonus
About The Role
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing (Design) Engineer to take full ownership of automotive components from initial concept through end-of-life.
This role blends theoretical engineering expertise with real-world manufacturing execution. You will rapidly prototype, design, source, and implement parts, tooling, and fixtures that support high-quality, efficient vehicle production.
This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy working across design, prototyping, and the production floor—bringing ideas from concept to reality.
What You’ll Do Product Development & Lifecycle Management
Own products from concept through production, ramp-up, and end-of-life
Rapidly prototype components and assemblies
Design parts, tooling, fixtures, and templates for manufacturability and cost
Source materials and manufacturing services from qualified suppliers
Lead production implementation, equipment qualification, and operator training
Engineering & Problem Solving
Apply first-principles engineering to complex manufacturing challenges
Analyze and optimize processes for quality, safety, and efficiency
Develop innovative tooling and assembly solutions
Create and maintain specifications, work instructions, and drawings
Hands-On Manufacturing Support
Build prototypes and troubleshoot using hand tools and design systems
Support equipment operation and maintenance needs
Work directly on the production floor
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Quality Engineering on inspection and compliance
Work with Operations to improve flow, uptime, and throughput
Communicate technical concepts clearly across teams
What We’re Looking For Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field
Strong knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes
First-principles problem-solving ability
Mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand tools
Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative design
Knowledge of tooling, fixtures, and templates
Ability to read and create engineering drawings
Strong project management and prioritization skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in automotive manufacturing environments
Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks preferred)
Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
Familiarity with ISO/TS 16949, APQP, and PPAP
Supplier development experience
Machining, welding, or fabrication experience
Key Competencies
Systems-level thinking and holistic problem solving
Hands-on, shop-floor mindset
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
Excellent collaboration and communication
High ownership and accountability
Adaptability in fast-paced environments
Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and safety
Why Join Us
This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and product development—bringing innovative automotive components from concept to production.
You will have direct ownership, visibility, and impact across the entire lifecycle.
Interested?
Apply today to help shape the next generation of automotive products through hands-on engineering excellence.
,
Salary: $100,000–$140,000 Base Annual Bonus
About The Role
We are seeking a hands-on Manufacturing (Design) Engineer to take full ownership of automotive components from initial concept through end-of-life.
This role blends theoretical engineering expertise with real-world manufacturing execution. You will rapidly prototype, design, source, and implement parts, tooling, and fixtures that support high-quality, efficient vehicle production.
This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy working across design, prototyping, and the production floor—bringing ideas from concept to reality.
What You’ll Do Product Development & Lifecycle Management
Own products from concept through production, ramp-up, and end-of-life
Rapidly prototype components and assemblies
Design parts, tooling, fixtures, and templates for manufacturability and cost
Source materials and manufacturing services from qualified suppliers
Lead production implementation, equipment qualification, and operator training
Engineering & Problem Solving
Apply first-principles engineering to complex manufacturing challenges
Analyze and optimize processes for quality, safety, and efficiency
Develop innovative tooling and assembly solutions
Create and maintain specifications, work instructions, and drawings
Hands-On Manufacturing Support
Build prototypes and troubleshoot using hand tools and design systems
Support equipment operation and maintenance needs
Work directly on the production floor
Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Quality Engineering on inspection and compliance
Work with Operations to improve flow, uptime, and throughput
Communicate technical concepts clearly across teams
What We’re Looking For Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or related Engineering field
Strong knowledge of automotive manufacturing processes
First-principles problem-solving ability
Mechanical aptitude and proficiency with hand tools
Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative design
Knowledge of tooling, fixtures, and templates
Ability to read and create engineering drawings
Strong project management and prioritization skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in automotive manufacturing environments
Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks preferred)
Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement
Familiarity with ISO/TS 16949, APQP, and PPAP
Supplier development experience
Machining, welding, or fabrication experience
Key Competencies
Systems-level thinking and holistic problem solving
Hands-on, shop-floor mindset
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
Excellent collaboration and communication
High ownership and accountability
Adaptability in fast-paced environments
Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and safety
Why Join Us
This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and product development—bringing innovative automotive components from concept to production.
You will have direct ownership, visibility, and impact across the entire lifecycle.
Interested?
Apply today to help shape the next generation of automotive products through hands-on engineering excellence.
,
Salary : $100,000 - $140,000