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Engineering Manager / Lead Automotive Engineer Wagner Tuning Inc. Kilgore, TX Job Details Full-time $80,000 - $115,000 a year 4 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Health insurance 401(k) Paid time off 401(k) matching Employee discount Gym membership Professional development assistance Opportunities for advancement Flexible schedule Qualifications Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering Communication with suppliers New product introduction engineering projects Project engineering 3D modeling software Performance testing in mechanical engineering Sheet metal fabrication Technical documentation Mechanical Engineering Engineering process optimization Process improvement Project management experience in manufacturing Performance testing 3D modeling for product design Assembly Team development Mechanical drawings Collaboration with product development teams Managing engineering teams Professional development support Automotive engineering Task prioritization Mechanical reverse engineering Decision making Mentoring Design engineering Prototype creation Blueprint creation using CAD software Vendor communication Recruiting Full Job Description WagnerTuning is an internationally established manufacturer of high-performance automotive cooling and performance components, with operations in Germany and the United States. Our product portfolio includes intercoolers, radiators, oil coolers, intake manifolds, intake systems, and other performance components for a wide range of automotive platforms. As we continue to expand our U.S. operations in Kilgore, Texas, we are building a stronger local engineering and manufacturing organization. Our goal is to develop more products directly in the United States while maintaining close cooperation with our engineering and production teams in Germany. Role Description We are looking for an experienced Engineering Manager / Lead Automotive Engineer to help build and develop our engineering department in Kilgore, Texas. This position is intended for someone who combines strong hands-on engineering experience with leadership, organization, and project ownership. You will initially work closely with our existing teams in both the U.S. and Germany to become familiar with our products, development processes, manufacturing methods, suppliers, and internal systems. We understand that learning our products and processes takes time. The position includes a structured onboarding and transition period, allowing you to work alongside our existing team before gradually taking on greater responsibility for projects and the U.S. engineering operation. The long-term goal is for this person to help build, organize, and lead a local engineering team in Texas . Key Responsibilities Lead automotive product development projects from initial concept through production launch Develop new performance products and improve existing products Create and review 3D CAD models, assemblies, prototypes, and manufacturing drawings Use SolidWorks, 3D scanning, measurement equipment, and other development tools Independently manage engineering projects, timelines, priorities, and open technical topics Identify technical problems and develop practical solutions without requiring constant supervision Coordinate prototypes, testing, revisions, and production implementation Work directly with manufacturing, machining, welding, purchasing, and quality teams Communicate directly with suppliers Coordinate technical topics between the U.S. and German engineering teams Support product testing, fitment testing, performance testing, and validation Improve engineering processes and documentation within the U.S. operation Help recruit, train, and mentor additional engineering team members as the department grows Gradually take responsibility for organizing and leading the U.S. engineering department Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant industry experience Strong professional experience in automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, product development, or a related field Automotive industry experience strongly preferred Previous leadership, engineering management, project management, or business management experience is highly valued Strong SolidWorks and 3D CAD experience Experience creating production-ready technical drawings Experience with prototypes, 3D scanning, reverse engineering, and physical product development Strong understanding of manufacturing processes such as: CNC machining Aluminum fabrication Welding Casting Sheet metal Assembly Strong project management and organizational skills Ability to manage several projects simultaneously Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills Comfortable working in a growing company where processes are continuously being developed Strong communication skills Comfortable communicating regularly between teams in Germany and the United States What We Are Looking For We are not simply looking for someone who can operate CAD software. We are looking for someone who can take ownership of an engineering project , understand the technical requirements, communicate with suppliers and production, solve problems independently, and continue moving the project forward. The ideal candidate is someone who: Takes responsibility instead of waiting for constant instructions Can organize their own workload and priorities Communicates proactively when information is missing Follows up with suppliers and internal teams Can make technical decisions based on experience Understands how a design ultimately needs to be manufactured Is comfortable working hands-on when necessary Wants to help build and develop an engineering department Can eventually mentor and lead additional engineers Onboarding & Development Because this position will become an important part of our U.S. engineering operation, we are not expecting someone to understand every Wagner Tuning product or internal process immediately. The selected candidate will receive time to: Learn our existing product portfolio Understand our engineering standards Work with our engineering team in Germany Learn our manufacturing and development processes Become familiar with our suppliers Understand our internal project workflows Work directly with production and existing team members Responsibility will increase as the candidate becomes familiar with the company and our processes. Benefits Competitive compensation based on experience and responsibility Health insurance 401(k) Paid holidays Paid vacation Employee discounts Free in-house gym Career advancement opportunities Opportunity to build and lead a growing engineering team Direct involvement in automotive performance product development International cooperation with our German engineering and manufacturing teams Hands-on involvement from concept through finished product

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$80,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Employee discount Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance

Work Location:

In person