Senior Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

About the Team

The Manufacturing Engineering team is responsible for developing, implementing, and continuously improving machining processes to ensure product quality, operational efficiency, and cost competitiveness. The team works closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, and Continuous Improvement functions to support daily operations and strategic manufacturing initiatives. By applying engineering expertise, problem-solving methodologies, and lean manufacturing principles, the team drives process stability, productivity, and compliance with customer and industry requirements.

What you can look forward to as Senior Manufacturing Engineer:

• Develop, implement, evaluate, and optimize machining manufacturing processes to ensure product functionality, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, ZF Production System, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Support production operations by identifying process improvements, reducing waste, and increasing productivity.
• Coordinate engineering changes, process validations, and documentation updates in compliance with quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Production, Quality, Maintenance, Safety, and Supply Chain.
• Apply and maintain Automotive Core Tools, including APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, and PPAP, to support robust manufacturing processes.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, environmental, and occupational health and safety management systems.
• Participate in special projects focused on process innovation, capacity expansion, operational excellence, and cost reduction.

Your Profile as Senior Manufacturing Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering or a related technical field.
• Several years of experience in manufacturing engineering, preferably within automotive or high-volume production environments.
• Advanced knowledge of Automotive Core Tools (APQP, FMEA, MSA, SPC, PPAP) and APQP 3rd. Edition requirements.
• Strong understanding of IATF 16949:2016, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 management systems.
• Experience with machining processes, process control plans, and manufacturing process optimization.
• Knowledge of risk assessment, workplace safety requirements, emergency response procedures, and behavioral-based safety practices.
• Proven problem-solving, analytical thinking, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Schedule availability to rotate shifts. 

Why you should choose ZF in Santa Rosa?

• Opportunity to work in a global technology company serving the automotive industry.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and world-class engineering practices.
• Career development opportunities through technical and leadership training programs.
• Participation in continuous improvement and innovation projects with global impact.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment focused on teamwork and operational excellence.
• Strong commitment to employee health, safety, quality, and environmental sustainability.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional growth within an international organization.