Engineering Manager - Industrial - Agawam, MA

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads engineering and production optimisation efforts to deliver best-in-class safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on execution across capital projects, continuous improvement initiatives, and team development.

Client Details

Our client is a highly respected, mid-to-large scale manufacturing organisation with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and operational discipline. They operate within a precision-engineered product environment and maintain a culture centered on accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.

The organization places a strong emphasis on Lean manufacturing principles, employee development, and maintaining a safe, collaborative, and performance-driven workplace.

Description

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for overseeing all engineering-related production support activities while driving continuous improvement across the plant. This role will lead cross-functional collaboration between operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to optimise manufacturing performance. The individual will also own capital planning, equipment specification and implementation, and ensure all processes meet rigorous safety, quality, and regulatory standards.

• Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives including Kaizen, SMED, 5S, and Kanban
• Manage capital investments, equipment qualification, and process optimisation
• Develop and lead engineering team while driving performance and accountability

Profile

The successful candidate will be a hands-on, results-oriented manufacturing leader with deep experience in precision or metal-based manufacturing environments.

They will possess strong technical acumen combined with the ability to lead teams, influence stakeholders, and drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and cost. This individual thrives in a fast-paced, data-driven environment and is equally comfortable leading strategic initiatives and solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Preferred Experience &

Background:

• 10+ years in manufacturing engineering, ideally within precision machining or metal products.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement programs.
• Strong experience in capital project management, equipment validation, and process design.
• Exposure to ISO standards (e.g., ISO 9001) and structured quality systems.
• Working knowledge of CAD, GD&T, and statistical methods (DOE, process capability).
• Experience in unionised environments or working with collective bargaining agreements is highly advantageous.
• Bachelor's degree required; Master's in Engineering or Engineering Management preferred.

Key Competencies:

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capability.
• Analytical, data-driven decision-making with a focus on root cause problem solving.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels.

Job Offer

This is a high-visibility leadership position offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact on manufacturing performance and long-term strategy. The organisation provides a supportive yet performance-driven environment, where leaders are empowered to implement change, develop teams, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives at scale.

• Competitive compensation package with performance incentives.
• Strong leadership autonomy and influence over plant operations.
• Collaborative culture focused on Lean principles, safety, and development.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.