Manufacturing Engineering Manager

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of safe, lean, and cost-effective manufacturing processes. This position oversees the Manufacturing Engineering function, maintenance programs, capital investments, productivity initiatives, and technical projects to support operational efficiency, product quality, safety, and business objectives.

The role partners with Operations and other internal and external functions to identify improvement opportunities, reduce process deviations and unplanned waste, optimize manufacturing equipment, and ensure the successful execution of new product introductions and product or process transfers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Manufacturing Engineering team, including manufacturing, industrial, test equipment, maintenance, and process engineering personnel.

• Define and implement safe, lean, reliable, and cost-effective manufacturing processes.

• Establish the resources, responsibilities, and technical capabilities required within the Manufacturing Engineering function.

• Develop and execute engineering plans to achieve operational targets and key performance indicators established in coordination with the Operations Director.

• Monitor engineering performance and provide regular status and KPI reporting.

• Lead continuous improvement and Operational Excellence initiatives focused on productivity, waste reduction, cost improvement, and process optimization.

• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce equipment downtime and improve manufacturing flow through Lean methodologies, including SMED.

• Manage capital investment projects and plant appropriation requests, including project justification, return on investment, savings, depreciation, and cost analysis.

• Ensure engineering and capital projects are completed according to established objectives and timelines.

• Manage manufacturing equipment assets, maintenance expenses, spare parts, tools, setups, and external technical services.

• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and promote effective equipment maintenance practices.

• Lead and support New Product Introduction, Engineering Change Notice, and product or process transfer activities.

• Supervise product costing activities for new and existing products.

• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Safety, and other functions on process improvement and problem-solving initiatives.

• Identify and address manufacturing and equipment safety concerns.

• Ensure engineering activities comply with company policies, quality system requirements, and applicable safety practices.

• Support the professional development of the engineering team by identifying technical and training needs.

• Promote accountability, teamwork, discipline, and a hands-on approach within the department.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electromechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering discipline.

• Master’s degree is preferred.

• Minimum of five years of experience in a similar manufacturing engineering position.

• Previous experience leading or managing a technical team is preferred.

• Demonstrated experience applying Lean manufacturing principles.

• Experience with product or manufacturing process transfers.

• Experience supporting New Product Introduction and Engineering Change Notice processes.

• Experience in electric motor manufacturing is preferred.

• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, maintenance, and workplace safety practices.

• Strong analytical and structured problem-solving capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputs

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical documents, specifications, and material data sheets.

• Ability to translate manufacturing concepts into technical requirements and specifications for external suppliers.

• Working knowledge of project financial concepts, including return on investment, savings, depreciation, and costing.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, CAD software, Minitab, or similar engineering and analytical tools.

• Knowledge of capital project administration, preventive maintenance, productivity improvement, and equipment asset management.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.