Job Description: Engineering Manager (Potential for Operational Role) Location: Fort Worth, TX (On-site) Position Overview Company is seeking a hands-on Engineering & Operations Manager to lead the integration of product engineering, manufacturing operations, and integrated manufacturing execution. This role is responsible for ensuring that products are engineered accurately, produced efficiently, and delivered/installed seamlessly for customers in the retail industry. This leader will serve as the conduit between engineering design, production, supply chain, and field operations, driving continuous improvement in quality, cost, and delivery. Key Responsibilities Engineering & Product Execution
Lead engineering efforts for transitioning new designs from one site to another (Program transfers)
Translate customizations into manufacturable designs and BOMs
Partner with global/parent engineering teams on product improvements and new innovations
Standardize drawings, configurations, and engineering documentation, while evolving to industry best practices
Ensure compliance with industry safety and compliance standards
Manufacturing & Operations Alignment
Engage in day-to-day manufacturing operations, including fabrication, assembly, and QA
Collaborate on continuous improvements and quality/reliability enhancements
Implement lean manufacturing principles to reduce waste and improve margins
Partner with supply chain on supplier qualification to ensure material availability and vendor performance
Oversee project lifecycle from order intake through installation and closeout
Coordinate with sales and customers on project scope, timelines, and execution
Ensure projects are completed on time, on budget, and to quality standards
Cross-Functional Leadership
Act as the primary liaison between Engineering, Sales, Operations, and Field Services
Build scalable processes as the company grows geographically and by product line
Develop and mentor a small but high-performing technical team and hold Team accountable
Continuous Improvement & Strategy
Identify opportunities to improve product design for manufacturability
Support new product introduction (NPI) and testing
Contribute to operational strategy
Qualifications Required
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or similar)
7–12+ years of experience in manufacturing, engineering, or operations leadership
Experience in custom manufacturing, industrial products, or refrigeration/HVAC systems
Strong understanding of CAD, BOMs, and production processes
Proven experience managing both shop floor operations and project execution
Ability to operate in a hands-on, player-coach role
Preferred
Experience with program transitions, New Product Introduction and BOM structures
Familiarity with lean / Six Sigma methodologies
ERP system experience (Sage, NetSuite, or similar)
Key Competencies
Strong problem-solving and systems thinking
Ability to balance engineering precision with operational speed
High ownership mentality in a small/mid-sized company environment
Customer-first mindset with field awareness
Data-driven decision making
Success Metrics
On-time project delivery and installation completion
Reduction in manufacturing defects and rework
Improved production throughput and labor efficiency
Gross margin improvement via cost control and process optimization