Senior Automotive Engineer Metal Stamping Detroit MI

Position Overview

Director of Sales and Engineering – Automotive Stamping
Compensation: up to 190k/year
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 achieve revenue growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction. This position sits on the Executive Leadership Team and plays a key role in 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 all design changes, validation plans, and technical documentation are properly executed and communicated
• Oversee all program launch activities, ensuring milestones are achieved on time, within budget, and meet quality standards
• 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 KPIs
• Lead cost recovery and change management initiatives with customers and suppliers
• Build, develop, and mentor high-performing teams in 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 & Engineering Leadership
• Experience in Automotive Stamping, required
• Knowledgeable in APQP & 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: up to 190k/year base salary plus an annual bonus and vehicle allowance
• Benefits: Comprehensive health benefits and 401k with a company match