Director of Advanced Manufacturing Engineering & Cost Estimating

About Piston Automotive

Piston Automotive wasn’t just founded to make things. It was founded to make things better. And that begins with building better teams solely dedicated to achieving excellence at every level of execution through a combination of experience, expertise, and a deep seeded passion for what we do. Our assemblies consistently set the standard because our people consistently raise the bar.

Why Piston Automotive?

• Competitive Wages
• Paid Holidays & Vacation
• Medical & Rx Plans
• Dental & Vision Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life & Disability Coverage
• 401K with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Vehicle and Product Discounts

Responsibilities

Strategic & Cross‑Functional Leadership

• Develop and execute the development of future manufacturing strategy for module assembly operations.
• Serve as the technical authority for manufacturability, process feasibility, and cost modeling during RFQs and early program development.
• Partner closely with OEM customers, Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure alignment on design, timing, and launch deliverables.
• Drive standardization and automation of manufacturing processes, equipment, and cost models across Piston Automotive facilities.

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

• Lead the development and industrialization of assembly processes for complex automotive modules, including mechanical assembly, electrical integration, testing, and end‑of‑line validation.
• Direct automation strategy, including robotics, vision systems, error‑proofing, and digital manufacturing tools to improve quality and reduce labor content.
• Evaluate and justify capital equipment investments, ensuring alignment with customer requirements, volume forecasts, and cost targets.
• Ensure seamless transition from prototype builds to pilot and full‑rate production, including run‑at‑rate readiness and customer launch support – particularly for advanced technologies.

Cost Estimating & Cost Engineering

• Own the enterprise cost estimating function for new business pursuits and engineering changes.
• Develop and maintain should‑cost models for labor, materials, tooling and capital – especially as relates to automated processes.
• Assist in cost breakdown reviews with OEMs, supporting commercial teams with defensible, data‑driven cost positions.
• Benchmark competitive manufacturing processes, cycle times, and cost structures to maintain market competitiveness.
• Partner with Supply Chain to validate purchased system costs and identify cost‑down opportunities.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Champion lean manufacturing, standardized work, and waste‑reduction initiatives across module assembly operations.
• Drive continuous improvement in cycle time, labor efficiency, scrap reduction, and process capability.
• Establish KPIs for cost accuracy, launch readiness, process stability, and manufacturing performance.
• Support plant teams in resolving chronic process issues, quality concerns, and customer escalations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build and lead high‑performing teams of manufacturing engineers, industrial engineers, cost estimators, and technical specialists.
• Develop organizational capability in automation, digital manufacturing, and advanced assembly technologies.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement across engineering and cost teams.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred; Master’s degree a plus.
• 10–15+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing engineering, advanced manufacturing, cost estimating, or related leadership roles.
• Proven experience in Tier 1 module assembly environments (e.g., cockpit, front‑end, seating, closures, battery modules).
• Strong track record of leading APQP/PPAP processes and supporting OEM program launches.
• Experience managing capital projects, automation deployments, and high‑volume assembly operations.

Technical Skills

• Deep understanding of automotive assembly processes, testing methods, and quality systems.
• Expertise in cost modeling, should‑cost analysis, and OEM cost‑breakdown methodologies.
• Proficiency with CAD, PLM, ERP, and cost‑estimation tools.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process capability analysis.
• Familiarity with OEM-specific requirements (GM, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota, Honda, etc.) and customer portals.

Leadership & Business Skills

• Strong communication and executive‑level presentation skills, including customer‑facing technical discussions.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive alignment in a matrixed global organization.
• Data‑driven decision‑maker with strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Demonstrated success in building and developing high‑performing engineering teams.