Engineering Manager

Position Summary

The Manager of Engineering and Maintenance is a key member of the Casting Solutions leadership team and is responsible for the overall direction, performance, and continuous improvement of the Engineering and Maintenance functions within an iron foundry environment. This role provides hands-on leadership to plant engineering resources and direct leadership of the Maintenance Manager and the engineering team, ensuring reliable operation of melt, molding, core making, finishing, and ancillary plant systems.

The position focuses on equipment reliability, plant uptime, capital project execution, safety, and long-term asset management, while supporting Casting Solutions' culture of accountability, teamwork, and practical problem-solving. Success in this role requires deep understanding of foundry processes, strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, and the ability to develop systems and people-not just fix breakdowns.

This role works cross-functionally with Operations, Quality, Safety/EHS, Finance, and Supply Chain to proactively eliminate downtime, improve throughput, control costs, and support safe, consistent production.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Engineering & Capital Projects

• Lead the planning, design, installation, and commissioning of new foundry process equipment, including melting, molding, sand systems, core making, material handling, finishing, and utilities.
• Manage capital improvement projects from concept through execution, including budgeting, scope definition, contractor coordination, timelines, and post-installation validation
• Serve as the primary technical liaison with external engineering firms, OEMs, contractors, and utilities.
• Develop multi-year capital and asset management plans aligned with production needs and business objectives.

Maintenance & Reliability

• Provide leadership and direction to the Maintenance Manager and maintenance team to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable equipment operation.
• Establish and enforce preventive and predictive maintenance programs focused on reducing unplanned downtime and extending asset life.
• Support root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action development for chronic equipment and process failures.
• Ensure maintenance planning and scheduling supports maximum equipment availability while balancing production requirements.
• Define and maintain critical spare parts strategies and storeroom controls to minimize downtime and excess inventory.

Safety, Compliance & Standards

• Champion workplace safety by ensuring engineering designs, maintenance practices, and contractor activities meet all safety and EHS requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable electrical, mechanical, and environmental regulations.
• Support and participate in safety audits, incident investigations, and implementation of corrective actions.

Leadership & Team Development

• Set clear expectations, goals, and performance standards for engineering and maintenance personnel.
• Coach and develop team members through training, mentoring, and accountability.
• Promote a strong plant-floor presence and hands-on leadership approach.
• Foster collaboration between Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Quality to solve problems at the root cause.

Operational Support

• Partner with Operations leadership to support production goals, equipment changes, process improvements, and new product launches.
• Use data and KPIs (downtime, PM compliance, maintenance costs, equipment reliability) to drive continuous improvement.
• Participate in plant leadership meetings and long-range planning.

Casting Solutions Leadership Expectations

• Demonstrate a hands-on, practical leadership style aligned with foundry operations.
• Maintain strong visibility on the plant floor and credibility with hourly and salaried employees.
• Promote accountability, teamwork, and clear communication at all levels of the organization.
• Balance short-term production needs with long-term reliability and cost control.

Competency

• Safety Leadership
• Mechanical, Electrical & Systems Troubleshooting
• Project & Capital Management
• Preventive / Predictive Maintenance Systems
• Root Cause Problem Solving
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Decision Making & Accountability
• Communication & People Development

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field preferred.
• Minimum of 5-8 years of progressive experience in engineering and/or maintenance leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Foundry experience is strongly preferred, including familiarity with gray and ductile iron processes.
• Demonstrated experience with preventive maintenance systems and capital project execution.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Technical Skills

• Strong working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and control systems.
• Experience with CMMS, manufacturing systems, and common business software.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and technical manuals.
• Experience with Allen Bradley PLC software
• Experience with Auto Cad software
• Experience with 3-D modeling and Simulation software preferred

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and work on the plant floor.
• Occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds, climbing, crouching, or working in elevated or confined areas.
• Ability to visually inspect equipment and differentiate colors.

Work Environment

• Industrial foundry environment with exposure to moving equipment, heat, dust, noise, and fumes.
• Occasional exposure to electrical hazards, chemicals, heights, and outdoor conditions.
• Emphasis on safe work practices and PPE compliance.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package:

Including, but not limited to:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage available on the 1st of the next month from your date of hire
• 401(k) plan
• Weekly pay
• 10 paid holidays
• Vacation time
• 75% tuition reimbursement after 6 months