Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager - Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

Lead Engineering, Drive Innovation, Shape the Future

We"re seeking an Engineering Manager to lead a high-performing engineering organization supporting advanced manufacturing operations in a regulated industry. This role combines people leadership, manufacturing engineering, automation strategy, and continuous improvement to drive operational excellence across the business.

As a key leader, you"ll oversee Manufacturing Engineering, Automation, and Tool Room functions while partnering closely with Operations, Quality, and Commercial teams to improve performance, reduce costs, and support business growth. This is an opportunity to build and develop talented teams, influence facility-wide initiatives, and lead meaningful transformation through Lean principles, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

If you"re passionate about developing people, improving processes, and driving operational results, we"d love to hear from you.

What You"ll Do

• Lead and develop a team of engineers, technicians, and technical leaders across manufacturing engineering, automation, and tool room operations.
• Drive engineering strategies that improve quality, productivity, capacity, and cost performance.
• Champion operational excellence initiatives using Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Lead cross-functional Kaizen events, root cause investigations, and value stream mapping activities.
• Develop and implement standard work, visual management systems, and KPI dashboards to improve operational performance.
• Partner with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and other departments to execute strategic initiatives and solve complex manufacturing challenges.
• Develop automation strategies that enhance efficiency, repeatability, and scalability across manufacturing processes.
• Support capital equipment planning, facility expansion projects, and manufacturing capacity initiatives.
• Collaborate with New Product Introduction (NPI) teams to ensure successful product launches and manufacturing readiness.
• Serve as a technical resource for customers, supporting Design for Manufacturability (DFM) discussions and technology-driven solutions.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Monitor compliance with quality systems, standard work, regulatory requirements, and company policies.
• Manage departmental budgets, resource planning, and strategic priorities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor"s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of engineering leadership or engineering management experience.
• Experience leading engineers, technicians, or technical teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in manufacturing engineering, process development, and operations support.
• Experience driving continuous improvement initiatives and operational excellence programs.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing principles and hands-on experience applying Lean tools.
• Experience leading root cause analysis and implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Experience establishing and using KPIs to drive performance improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in medical device manufacturing or another regulated industry.
• Experience supporting machining, precision manufacturing, automation, or advanced manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of ISO-regulated quality systems.
• Experience with automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) programs.
• LEAN, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM systems and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience managing capital equipment projects and facility expansions.
• MBA or advanced technical degree.
• Customer-facing experience supporting technical discussions and manufacturing solutions.

Why Join Us?

• Lead a highly visible engineering organization with direct impact on business performance.
• Influence manufacturing strategy, automation initiatives, and operational excellence programs.
• Partner with senior leadership on growth, expansion, and transformation initiatives.
• Develop and mentor a talented team of engineers and technical professionals.
• Work in a modern manufacturing environment with ongoing investments in technology, equipment, and process improvements.
• Make a meaningful impact on quality, efficiency, customer satisfaction, and business growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Big Lake, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

Health & Insurance Benefits: - Medical plans = company contributes a generous portion of the premium cost. - Dental plan = employer‑supported. - Voluntary vision plan = low‑cost, employee‑elected. - Basic Life Insurance = 100% employer‑paid. - Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) = 100% employer‑paid. - Short‑term disability = 100% employer‑paid. - Long‑term disability = 100% employer‑paid. - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) = 100% employer‑paid. Retirement & Savings: - Retirement contributions (details referenced in the summary, plan documents hold the specifics). Spending Accounts: - Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Dependent Care FSA

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Big Lake,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.