Senior Manager Manufacturing Engineering

Job Overview

The Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the development, optimization, and management of manufacturing processes, ensuring efficient production, quality improvement, and cost reduction. This role involves overseeing engineering teams, managing complex projects, and driving continuous improvement initiatives in manufacturing operations. They are a key Integrated Operations leadership team member responsible for bringing forth a vision for manufacturing operations which includes action to reduce cost, increase speed and eliminate scrap & rework.

Essential Functions

Lead and mentor a team of manufacturing engineers, providing direction, coaching, and performance feedback.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation within the engineering team.

Set departmental goals and objectives in alignment with organizational priorities and track performance against key metrics.

Oversee the design, development, and implementation of manufacturing processes for new and existing products.

Drive process improvements to enhance production efficiency, product quality, and cost-effectiveness.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., production, quality, design) to optimize manufacturing processes and troubleshoot any issues.

Evaluate and implement new technologies, automation, and advanced manufacturing techniques to improve processes.

Lead and manage complex manufacturing projects, from concept through implementation.

Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Coordinate with key stakeholders to ensure alignment on project objectives, resources, and deliverables.

Identify and implement initiatives to reduce manufacturing costs, including waste reduction, cycle time improvement, and resource optimization.

Develop strategies for lean manufacturing and ensure that best practices are implemented across operations.

Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production efficiency, downtime, and defect rates, and drive actions to improve performance.

Ensure that all manufacturing processes comply with regulatory and industry standards.

Collaborate with quality assurance teams to maintain and improve product quality standards.

Lead efforts to address and resolve manufacturing quality issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions as needed.

Oversee the selection, installation, and maintenance of capital equipment, ensuring that machinery and tools meet production requirements.

Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to ensure the timely acquisition of necessary materials and resources.

Develop long-term resource plans and budgets to support manufacturing growth and capacity expansion.

Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations in the manufacturing environment.

Promote a culture of safety and implement initiatives to reduce workplace incidents and hazards.

Qualifications and Competencies

Knowledge of build to print contract manufacturing and translating customer requirements to production.

Proven ability to lead a team of industrial and mechanical engineers in all aspects of manufacturing from material receipt through shipping.

Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment, and tools.

Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Proven track record of driving process improvements and cost reduction initiatives.

Proficiency in manufacturing software, CAD/CAM, and ERP systems.

Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Capable of diagnosing and resolving complex technical and operational issues.

Ability to develop and execute long-term manufacturing strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

Able to adjust to changing priorities, technologies, and manufacturing requirements.

Strong cross-functional collaboration skills to work with different departments (e.g., production, quality, procurement).

Leadership Competencies

Coaches, mentors, engage and develop the team, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and learning opportunities.

Sets performance standards and encourages employee engagement and results through delegation, continuous feedback, goal setting, and performance management.

Education / Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

Experience

10+ Industrial manufacturing experience required; Aerospace manufacturing experience preferred

5+ years of experience in progressive leadership roles

Experience with the Toyota Production System, Six Sigma and Lean methodologies a plus.