Senior Automotive Engineer Metal Stamping Base Salary to 160kyear Detroit MI

Position Overview

Location: Detroit, MI • Our client, a national leader in automotive stamping, is seeking a Director of Sales and Engineering to oversee all strategic leadership in Sales, Product Engineering, and Program Management functions. In this role, you will develop and execute the company's commercial, engineering, and program strategies to drive revenue growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This position sits on the Executive Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping the overall business strategy and long-term planning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all sales activities including quoting, contract negotiation, and customer relationship management.
• Oversee Account Management teams to ensure responsiveness, accuracy, and proactive customer engagement.
• Forecast sales performance and ensure alignment with corporate goals.
• Oversee all product design and development activities from concept through production launch.
• Drive design-to-cost initiatives, DFMEA/PFMEA reviews, and APQP compliance throughout the engineering lifecycle.
• Ensure proper execution and communication of design changes, validation plans, and technical documentation.
• Oversee all program launch activities, ensuring milestones are achieved on time, within budget, and at target quality levels.
• Serve as an escalation point for customer or internal concerns.
• Manage robust program management systems and metrics.
• Own departmental budgets, forecasts, and capital planning for sales, engineering, and program management.
• Monitor key performance indicators.
• Lead cost recovery and change management initiatives with customers and suppliers.
• Build, develop, and mentor high-performing teams across Sales, Engineering, and Program Management.
• Champion a culture of customer focus, technical excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Stay current with industry trends, technology shifts, and customer vehicle program developments.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, industry conferences, and key events.

Required Qualifications:

• Four-year college degree, preferably in Engineering.
• 10+ years of Sales and Engineering leadership experience.
• Experience in automotive stamping is required.
• Knowledgeable in APQP and PPAP processes.
• Experience with all steps of the engineering life cycle.
• Background working with OEMs and Tier 1 customers.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasts, and capital planning.
• 5+ years of hands-on management experience.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Base salary up to $190,000 per year, plus an annual bonus and vehicle allowance.
• Benefits: Comprehensive health benefits and 401k with a company match.