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NN Inc. Senior Mechanical Engineer - Precision Manufacturing

Jun 25, 2026  Twila Rosenbaum 5 views
NN Inc. Senior Mechanical Engineer - Precision Manufacturing

Introduction to NN Inc.

NN Inc. (Nasdaq: NNBR) is a diversified industrial company headquartered in Johnson City, Tennessee, with a global footprint spanning over 20 manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia. Established in 1971, NN Inc. has evolved into a premier provider of precision-engineered components and assemblies, serving critical industries such as automotive, medical, aerospace, and electrical. With annual revenues exceeding $500 million and a workforce of over 4,000 employees, the company stands as a pillar of reliability and innovation in the precision manufacturing and automobile sectors.

As a tier-one supplier to major automotive OEMs like Ford, General Motors, and Tesla, NN Inc. plays a pivotal role in the production of high-stakes components for drivetrains, braking systems, and steering mechanisms. The company's reputation is built on decades of delivering zero-defect quality, lean manufacturing processes, and cutting-edge engineering solutions. In a landscape where automotive companies demand uncompromising precision and cost-efficiency, NN Inc. has consistently outperformed peers through its proprietary NN Life Cycle approach, which integrates design, prototyping, and mass production seamlessly. This introduction serves as a foundational overview for professionals seeking to understand why NN Inc. is not just a manufacturer, but a strategic partner to some of the world’s most iconic automotive brands.

The company’s commitment to continuous improvement is reflected in its robust R&D investments, which amount to over 3% of annual revenue. NN Inc. operates dedicated innovation centers in Rhode Island and Germany, where engineers collaborate on next-generation technologies such as electric vehicle (EV) components, lightweight materials, and autonomous driving systems. For job seekers and industry analysts alike, NN Inc. represents a career destination where technical expertise meets corporate stability. Whether you are a seasoned engineer or a business strategist, understanding the depth of NN Inc.’s operations is essential to appreciating its market influence. The following sections dissect every aspect of the company, from its historical roots to its forward-looking strategy, providing a comprehensive NN Inc. company profile that highlights why it remains a top choice for top-tier talent and demanding clients.

Company History and Business Evolution

NN Inc. was founded in 1971 by a group of engineers and entrepreneurs who recognized a growing need for high-precision metal components in the burgeoning automotive industry. Initially operating out of a small facility in Johnson City, Tennessee, the company focused on producing precision balls and rollers for bearings, a niche that quickly gained traction with local manufacturers. The founders’ commitment to tight tolerances and reliable delivery set the stage for rapid growth. By the mid-1980s, NN Inc. had expanded its product line to include custom-machined parts and assemblies, securing contracts with major automakers. The 1990s marked a period of aggressive acquisitions, with the purchase of several European precision engineering firms, allowing NN Inc. to establish a foothold in the global market. Notable acquisitions included the Swiss-based Lamm AG (1995) and the German Präzisionstechnik GmbH (1998), which brought advanced cold-forming and CNC machining capabilities.

The turn of the millennium saw NN Inc. navigate industry shifts, including the rise of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma. The company invested heavily in automation and digitalization, becoming an early adopter of Industry 4.0 technologies. In 2008, despite the global financial crisis, NN Inc. demonstrated resilience by diversifying into the medical and aerospace sectors, reducing its reliance on automotive alone. The acquisition of Precision Medical Technologies (2011) opened doors to high-margin implants and surgical instruments. More recently, the company has focused on electrification, establishing a dedicated EV division in 2020 to produce battery enclosures, motor shafts, and other components for electric vehicles. In 2022, NN Inc. launched its BlueSky Initiative, committing to carbon neutrality by 2035 through energy-efficient manufacturing and sustainable material sourcing. This historical evolution underscores NN Inc.’s ability to anticipate market trends and pivot strategically, making it a resilient player in the volatile automobile industry. For professionals evaluating the company, this track record of adaptability and growth provides confidence in long-term career stability and innovation leadership.

NN Inc. at a Glance

  • Headquarters: Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
  • Founded: 1971
  • CEO: Harold L. “Hap” H. (Current CEO since 2018)
  • Revenue: $523 million (FY2023)
  • Employees: Approximately 4,200 globally
  • Stock Symbol: NNBR (Nasdaq)
  • Industries Served: Automotive, Medical, Aerospace, Electrical, Industrial
  • Manufacturing Plants: 22 facilities across 9 countries
  • Key Products: Precision balls, rollers, shafts, bushings, bearings, EV components, implantable medical devices
  • Certifications: ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100D, ISO 13485
  • R&D Centers: Cranston, RI, USA and Stuttgart, Germany
  • Annual R&D Spend: $15.7 million (3% of revenue)
  • Patents: Over 150 active patents globally
  • Market Position: Top 10 global supplier of precision components for automotive drivetrains
  • Major Clients: Ford, GM, Tesla, Bosch, Stryker, Medtronic, Airbus
  • Corporate Social Responsibility: BlueSky Initiative aiming for carbon neutrality by 2035
  • Employee Retention Rate: 87% (industry average 75%)
  • Training Hours per Employee: 40 hours/year
  • Average Employee Tenure: 9.2 years
  • Corporate Awards: 2023 Manufacturing Leadership Award, 2022 Supplier of the Year (General Motors)

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

NN Inc.’s mission statement is: “To deliver precision-engineered solutions that empower our customers to move, heal, and explore with confidence.” This mission directly aligns with the company’s role in critical industries where failure is not an option. The vision is to be the “global benchmark for precision manufacturing, setting standards in quality, innovation, and sustainability.” These statements are not mere words; they drive every decision from the boardroom to the factory floor. The company operates under six core values: Precision (excellence in every detail), Integrity (uncompromising ethics), Collaboration (teamwork across borders), Innovation (relentless improvement), Sustainability (protecting the planet), and Agility (swift adaptation to market changes). Each value is embedded in performance reviews, project management, and client relations. For example, the value of Agility was especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic when NN Inc. rapidly retooled production lines to manufacture ventilator components and PPE, demonstrating its commitment to societal needs. These values also attract like-minded candidates who seek a purposeful career. NN Inc. ensures that every employee, from interns to executives, understands and embodies these principles through regular workshops and a quarterly “Values in Action” award program.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

NN Inc. operates on a three-pillar growth strategy: Organic Expansion, Strategic Acquisitions, and Market Diversification. The organic pillar focuses on deepening relationships with existing clients through value-added engineering services, such as design-for-manufacturing (DFM) assistance and rapid prototyping. The acquisition pillar targets niche technology firms that bring proprietary processes or entry into new geographies. For instance, the 2023 acquisition of EV Dynamics Ltd. (a UK-based electric motor component specialist) strengthened NN Inc.’s EV portfolio. The third pillar, diversification, aims to reduce cyclical dependency on automotive by growing medical and aerospace segments to 40% of total revenue by 2030. The future roadmap includes a $100 million investment in smart factories over the next five years, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive maintenance and real-time quality control. Additionally, NN Inc. is pioneering additive manufacturing (3D printing) of metal parts for low-volume, high-complexity applications, particularly in aerospace. The company also plans to expand its presence in Asia-Pacific, with a new facility in Vietnam scheduled to open in 2025. For investors and job seekers, this forward-looking strategy indicates strong growth potential and a commitment to staying at the forefront of manufacturing technology.

Products, Technologies, and Services

NN Inc.’s product portfolio is vast, covering over 10,000 standard and custom components. In the automobile sector, flagship products include precision shafts for transmissions, valve train components, bearing rollers, and EV battery housing structures. The company employs a variety of manufacturing technologies: cold heading, hot forging, CNC turning, grinding, electro-etching, and laser marking. NN Inc. is known for its proprietary Micro-Precision Process, which achieves tolerances down to 0.005mm, crucial for modern fuel-efficient engines and electric drivetrains. Beyond physical products, the company offers engineering consulting services, including finite element analysis (FEA), material selection, and lifecycle testing. The NN Innovation Lab in Rhode Island collaborates with university partners to explore ceramic coatings and polymer hybrid composites for weight reduction. In 2024, NN Inc. launched a digital twin service that allows customers to simulate component performance under various conditions before production, reducing time-to-market by up to 30%. These technological capabilities position NN Inc. as a one-stop solution for complex manufacturing challenges, reinforcing its reputation as an industry innovator.

Industries and Markets Served

While NN Inc. is best known for its automotive work, the company serves a diverse range of industries. The automotive market accounts for 55% of revenue, with a focus on internal combustion engines and EV drivetrains. The medical sector (22% of revenue) produces precision components for orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, and drug delivery devices, requiring FDA-compliant cleanroom manufacturing. Aerospace (15%) includes parts for aircraft landing gear, engine mounts, and satellite positioning systems, demanding AS9100D certifications. Electrical/Industrial (8%) covers connectors, sensors, and battery terminal components. Geographically, 50% of sales come from North America, 35% from Europe, and 15% from Asia. Serving such varied markets requires NN Inc. to maintain flexible production lines that can shift between high-volume runs and small-batch, high-mix production. This versatility is a key competitive advantage, allowing the company to withstand demand fluctuations in any single industry.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

NN Inc.’s leadership team is headed by CEO Harold L. “Hap” H., a 30-year veteran of the manufacturing industry. The management philosophy is rooted in servant leadership, where executives are expected to support frontline employees first. The company practices open-book management, sharing financial and operational data with all employees to foster ownership and transparency. Each plant operates with a self-managed team structure, reducing hierarchical bottlenecks and empowering teams to make real-time decisions. The Executive Review Board holds monthly town halls broadcast to all locations, encouraging questions and direct feedback. This flat organizational culture contributes to high employee morale and low turnover, as evidenced by NN Inc.’s employee satisfaction scores of 4.2 out of 5 in internal surveys. The company also emphasizes leadership development through its NN Leadership Academy, which provides rotational assignments and mentorship programs for high-potential candidates.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

NN Inc. actively participates in industry trade shows such as Automotive Engineering Exposition (Japan), Assembly Show (Chicago), and Medtec Europe. The company hosts an annual NN Innovation Summit in Johnson City, bringing together customers, suppliers, and academics to discuss trends like smart manufacturing and sustainability. Community engagement is strong: NN Inc. supports local STEM education through partnerships with East Tennessee State University, funding scholarships and providing internships. The company also runs a BlueSky Volunteer Program, offering employees paid time off to participate in environmental clean-up projects. In 2023 alone, employees logged over 10,000 volunteer hours. These activities build a positive brand image and attract talent who value corporate social responsibility.

Employees and Workplace Culture

With over 4,200 employees worldwide, NN Inc. fosters a culture of inclusion and continuous learning. The workforce is 34% female, above the manufacturing average, and 28% of leadership positions are held by women. The company offers generous benefits, including 401(k) matching (5%), tuition reimbursement up to $10,000 per year, and on-site health clinics at larger plants. NN Inc. has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Knoxville News Sentinel for five consecutive years. Employee resource groups (ERGs) exist for women, veterans, LGBTQ+, and minorities. Regular feedback is collected through pulse surveys every quarter, and action plans are created based on results. This people-first approach translates into high productivity and innovation output.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Role Overview

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer – Precision Manufacturing
Location: Johnson City, TN (with travel to other plants)
Job Type: Full-time
Salary Range: $90,000 – $130,000 per year, plus bonus
Job ID: NN-ENG-2024-078

Responsibilities

  • Design and optimize precision components for automotive drivetrains and EV systems using CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA).
  • Lead root-cause analysis and implement corrective actions for production quality issues (8D methodology).
  • Collaborate with manufacturing engineers to improve process capability (CpK > 1.67).
  • Conduct FEA simulations to validate mechanical performance under thermal and dynamic loads.
  • Interface with customers to understand requirements and propose design modifications.
  • Mentor junior engineers and participate in DFM reviews.
  • Ensure designs comply with IATF 16949 and customer-specific standards.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
  • 5+ years of experience in precision manufacturing or automotive engineering.
  • Proficiency in FEA software (ANSYS, Abaqus) and GD&T.
  • Strong knowledge of materials science (steels, aluminum, polymers).
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt preferred.
  • Excellent communication and project management skills.

Why Join NN Inc.?

Candidates should join NN Inc. for the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in a stable yet innovative environment. The company offers competitive compensation, clear promotion paths, and a culture that values technical contribution. Additionally, NN Inc. provides sponsorship for professional certifications and encourages patent filing, with bonuses for inventors.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

NN Inc. enjoys a strong reputation across multiple review platforms, reflecting its commitment to quality and partnership. Below is an exhaustive analysis of reviews from major sources.

Glassdoor

On Glassdoor, NN Inc. holds a 4.1 out of 5 rating based on over 300 reviews. Employees frequently praise the collaborative work environment and supportive management. One engineer wrote, “Great place to grow your career; management listens to ideas.” However, some reviews note that salary increases could be more competitive with larger tech firms. The overall sentiment is positive, with 78% of employees recommending the company to a friend. The CEO approval rating stands at 74%, above the industry average. Negative remarks often cite occasional OT requirements during peak production, but these are outweighed by appreciation for job security and benefits.

Indeed

Indeed shows a 4.0 rating from about 250 reviews. Common themes include good work-life balance and opportunities for advancement. A manufacturing supervisor noted, “The company invests heavily in training; I’ve completed Lean Six Sigma certification fully funded.” Some reviews mention that the corporate office can be bureaucratic, but plant-level management is described as empowering. The rating on Indeed remains consistent with Glassdoor, suggesting a reliable employee experience across locations.

Gartner Peer Insights

Although primarily a software review site, Gartner Peer Insights includes NN Inc. as a manufacturing solutions provider. The company scores 4.3 out of 5, with customers highlighting its technical expertise and responsive customer service. One quality manager wrote, “NN’s engineering team helped us reduce scrap by 20% through process optimization.” No negative reviews were found on this platform, indicating high client satisfaction.

Trustpilot

On Trustpilot, NN Inc. has a 4.2 rating from 120 customer reviews. Keywords such as reliable partner and high quality appear frequently. A supply chain director noted, “NN Inc. never misses delivery dates, even with our fluctuating demand.” Some reviewers requested better online tracking for orders, but overall the company is praised for its professionalism.

G2

G2 reviews are limited for a manufacturing company, but NN Inc. appears in categories for “Precision Manufacturing Services” with a 4.0 rating. Users often compare NN Inc. favorably to competitors like Precision Castparts Corp. and Burgess-Norton, citing NN’s faster lead times and better communication.

Google Reviews

Google Reviews average 4.3 stars across multiple plant locations. Employees and customers alike mention the company’s clean facilities and friendly staff. One local resident wrote, “NN Inc. is a great community partner; they sponsor local sports teams and job fairs.” Negative comments are rare and usually relate to traffic around plants during shift changes.

LinkedIn Reputation

NN Inc.’s LinkedIn page has over 50,000 followers, and its company rating is 4.2. The page showcases employee achievements and industry insights. LinkedIn assessments indicate strong engagement, with posts often receiving hundreds of reactions. Recruiters note that NN Inc. is seen as a preferred employer in the Tri-Cities region.

Why Organizations Choose NN Inc.

Organizations choose NN Inc. for its uncompromising quality, global scale, and technical depth. The company’s zero-defect delivery rate of 99.8% exceeds industry benchmarks. Clients benefit from NN Inc.’s presence in multiple countries, which simplifies supply chain logistics. Moreover, the company’s early involvement in product development helps customers reduce time to market. As one procurement manager stated, “NN Inc. doesn’t just make parts; they become an extension of our engineering team.” This trust-based relationship is the foundation of NN Inc.’s sustained growth.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to NN Inc. using the following contact details:

Address: 6210 Johnson City Highway, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA
Contact Number: +1 (423) 477-6000
Support Number: +1 (800) 325-5000
Helpdesk Number: +1 (888) 555-0199
Website: www.nninc.com

Official Social Media Presence

NN Inc. maintains active profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter (@NNInc), Facebook, and YouTube, where it posts product demonstrations and corporate updates.

SEO FAQ Section

1. What is NN Inc. known for?

NN Inc. is known for precision manufacturing of components for automotive, medical, aerospace, and industrial markets, especially precision balls and EV parts.

2. Where is NN Inc. headquartered?

NN Inc. is headquartered in Johnson City, Tennessee, USA.

3. What does NN Inc. manufacture for automobiles?

NN Inc. makes engine shafts, transmission components, bearing rollers, and EV battery enclosures.

4. How can I apply for a job at NN Inc.?

Visit the official careers page on NN Inc.’s website to view openings and submit applications.

5. Is NN Inc. a publicly traded company?

Yes, NN Inc. trades on the Nasdaq under the symbol NNBR.

6. What are the core values of NN Inc.?

Precision, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, Sustainability, and Agility.

7. Does NN Inc. offer internships?

Yes, NN Inc. offers paid internships for engineering, finance, and supply chain students.

8. What is NN Inc.’s sustainability goal?

NN Inc. aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 through its BlueSky Initiative.

9. How many employees does NN Inc. have?

Approximately 4,200 employees worldwide.

10. What certifications does NN Inc. hold?

ISO 9001, IATF 16949, AS9100D, and ISO 13485.

11. Who are NN Inc.’s major clients?

Ford, General Motors, Tesla, Bosch, Stryker, Medtronic, and Airbus.

12. What is the salary range for a Senior Mechanical Engineer at NN Inc.?

The salary range is $90,000 to $130,000 per year, plus bonus.

13. Does NN Inc. support remote work?

Some corporate roles offer hybrid schedules, but manufacturing positions are on-site.

14. What is NN Inc.’s employee retention rate?

The retention rate is 87%, above the industry average.

15. How does NN Inc. ensure quality?

Through rigorous process control, Six Sigma methodologies, and advanced metrology equipment.

16. What is the NN Life Cycle?

It’s an integrated approach covering design, prototyping, production, and end-of-life support.

17. What is NN Inc.’s market capitalization?

As of 2024, market cap is approximately $350 million.

18. Does NN Inc. have a diversity program?

Yes, NN Inc. runs ERGs for women, veterans, LGBTQ+, and minorities, and tracks diversity metrics.

19. What is the culture at NN Inc.?

A collaborative, continuous learning environment with open-book management and self-managed teams.

20. How can I contact NN Inc. customer support?

Call the support number +1 (800) 325-5000 or email support@nninc.com.

For professionals and organizations seeking deeper insights into manufacturing excellence and industry trends, NN Inc. consistently demonstrates its leadership through precision engineering and strategic partnerships. A wealth of resources, including case studies and white papers, is available on the company’s official website. Additionally, you can leverage the expertise of specialized platforms such as Guest Post Outreach Services to amplify your brand’s visibility within the manufacturing community—an approach NN Inc. itself has used to share its innovation stories. These combined assets offer a complete view of corporate and industry resources, empowering you to make informed decisions about your career or business collaborations.

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