Plant Engineering Manager

Company Description

Since its spin-off in September 2025 AUMOVIO continues the business of the former Continental group sector Automotive as an independent company. The technology and electronics company offers a wide-ranging portfolio that makes mobility safe, exciting, connected, and autonomous. This includes sensor solutions, displays, braking and comfort systems as well as comprehensive expertise in software, architecture platforms, and assistance systems for software-defined vehicles. In the fiscal year 2024 the business areas, which now belong to AUMOVIO, generated sales of 19.6 billion Euro. The company is headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany and has about 87.000 employees in more than 100 locations worldwide.

Job Description

The Industrial Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a high‑performance engineering organization within a 24/7 automotive manufacturing environment. This role oversees automation, process engineering, testing, maintenance, and new product introduction (NPI) to ensure operational excellence across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and innovation. The manager sets the strategic direction for industrial engineering, drives continuous improvement, and ensures technical readiness for new technologies and production launches.

The expected annual salary range for this role is $120,000 - $150,000 a year depending on experience. This position is also eligible for a variable incentive program.

Strategic Leadership and Operational Excellence

Develop and execute the Industrial Engineering strategy that meets plant targets for efficiency, cost, quality, and innovation

Establish and monitor internal KPIs for engineering performance

Lead organizational change to optimize processes, systems, and technologies

Evaluate and implement new technologies to improve automation, process capability, and equipment reliability

Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement

Drive Lean principles across all shifts in a 24/7 operation, including Kaizen, standardized work, SMED, and waste elimination

Responsible for continuous improvement and implementation of LEAN principles to include leading root cause problem-solving efforts for scrap reduction, yield improvement, and defect elimination.

Utilizes and reinforces Lean Automation techniques for automation development

Incorporates Simple / Robust into equipment design for highest equipment reliability

Provides lessons learned input to design / development through Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews

Provides new product build support through tooling development and procurement

Introduces process programs and process parameters to support manufacturing operations

Champion Total Productive Maintenance Program (TPM) to increase equipment reliability and OEE metrics

New Product Launch and Industrialization

Oversee tooling development, automated assembly system procurement, and process validation for new product launches

Ensure technical readiness of production equipment prior to Start of Production (SOP) and support process changes post‑SOP

Use Design of Experiments (DOE), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), control plans, and other engineering tools to ensure robust product and process development

Documentation and Compliance

Ensure accurate documentation of processes, P‑FMEA, control plans, parameter sheets, work instructions, and training materials

Maintain adherence to customer, internal, and regulatory requirements for audits and inspections

Promote standardization across all shifts to maintain consistent operating conditions

Continuous Improvement

Contribute to the continuous improvement of the management system and quality manual with set up and optimization of procedures and policies

Define, implement and monitor cost improvement projects

Define strategic development direction of the Industrial Engineering department including the future roadmap of the plant

Ensure technical availability of production equipment during launch phase prior to SOP

Support technical changes in production following SOP

Leadership and Talent Management

Lead leaders and teams within engineering, maintenance, and facilities ensuring alignment to company behaviors and performance standards

Build organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and skill development

Foster a culture of safety, collaboration, accountability, and innovation in a 24/7 environment

Project and Financial Management

▪ Manage capital projects, budgets, and engineering resources for optimal ROI

▪ Ensure timely delivery of project gates, milestones, and customer requirements

▪ Track key financial KPIs including cycle times, depreciation, and staffing requirements

▪ Protect confidentiality of project data

Qualifications

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or other relevant engineering degree.

Minimum 7 years of manufacturing engineering experience within a high‑volume manufacturing environment

Minimum 5 years in roles with leadership responsibility, directly and indirectly leading other leaders (multi‑layer leadership)

AUMOVIO may offer visa support for internal candidates.

AUMOVIO may offer relocation assistance for this opportunity.

Physical Requirements

Must wear company-provided ESD safety-toed shoes, smock, and other PPE in required areas

Sitting or standing for 8+ hours, reaching, and using hands/fingers to operate a computer and other office equipment

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate any required computer keyboard, mouse, and other technical instruments

Must be able to support off‑shift or weekend operations in a 24/7 production environment

Additional Ways To Stand Out

Masters degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical or related Engineering discipline

Professional certification in Continuous Improvement or Lean methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean Practitioner, Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt)

5+ years of experience specifically within the automotive manufacturing industry

Demonstrated cross‑functional experience in Quality, Operations, Engineering, and/or Project Management

Experience leading teams in a 24/7 operational environment is strongly preferred

Experience collaborating with or supporting international teams, suppliers, or global engineering groups

Experience with global manufacturing standards or multi‑site coordination is desirable

Experience working in and reporting within a global matrix organization

Experience leading or contributing to projects related to product development, production launch, industrialization, or quality management

Hands‑on experience with manufacturing processes including Lean production systems, Industrial Engineering methodologies, and quality improvement tools

Experience managing capital equipment procurement, automation integration, or validation activities may be considered a strong asset

8+ years of leadership experience overseeing leaders, technicians, and cross‑functional teams in a complex manufacturing environment

Additional Information

Ready to take your career to the next level? The future of mobility isn’t just anyone’s job. Make it yours! Join AUMOVIO. Own What’s Next.