Manager, Engineering

Manager, Engineering (Corporate)

Location: Vadnais Heights, MN (On-site)

What is IP Corporation:

IP Corporation is a privately held, family-owned chemical manufacturing organization with more than 70 years of stability, innovation, and growth. Headquartered in Minnesota, IP Corporation supports a portfolio of operating companies that manufacture and distribute resins, gel coats, composite materials, and specialty polymer solutions used across a wide range of industrial applications.

Our operating companies-Interplastic Corporation, North American Composites, HK Research, and Molding Products-work together to deliver technical expertise, high-quality products, and long-term partnerships to customers around the world. We are known for our customer-first mindset, strong technical capabilities, and collaborative culture built on trust and continuous improvement.

What is a Manager, Engineering:

The Manager, Engineering is a senior-level leadership role responsible for overseeing corporate engineering functions across IP Corporation's manufacturing operations. This role leads a team of engineers and technical specialists supporting plant operations, capital projects, process improvement, and product development initiatives. The position provides strategic direction, technical expertise, and operational oversight to ensure engineering standards are met, assets operate reliably, and projects are executed effectively.

In addition, this role holds broad oversight of key Process Safety Management (PSM) program elements-including Process Safety Information (PSI), Process Hazard Analysis (PHA), Mechanical Integrity (MI), Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR), and Contractor Management-ensuring compliance, consistency, and integration across all sites. This individual partners closely with Operations, EHS, R&D, and leadership to drive safety, innovation, and long-term operational performance.

What you can expect to do in Manager, Engineering:

• Lead and develop a team of engineers and technical staff, providing coaching, direction, and performance oversight
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, ensuring consistency, compliance, and technical accuracy across all sites
• Plan, scope, and execute capital projects, including budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and commissioning
• Oversee internal and external engineering resources, including third-party firms supporting project execution
• Support plant operations through troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and reliability improvements
• Drive process improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and cost performance
• Provide technical leadership across manufacturing systems, equipment, and engineering best practices
• Lead or support commissioning, startup, and validation of new systems and installations
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including OSHA PSM standards
• Oversee key PSM elements, including PSI, PHA facilitation and documentation, Mechanical Integrity, PSSR, and Contractor Management
• Manage engineering priorities, project timelines, and resource allocation across multiple sites
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, standards, and QA/QC practices
• Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Maintenance, EHS, R&D, and Supply Chain to align engineering initiatives with business goals
• Contribute to long-term capital planning, technology roadmaps, and strategic initiatives
• Identify opportunities for automation, process controls enhancements, and advanced manufacturing technologies
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and standardization of best practices across IP Corporation

What we are looking for in a Manager, Engineering:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or related Engineering field required
• 15+ years of engineering experience within manufacturing or industrial environments, preferably in chemical or process industries
• 4+ years of leadership or management experience leading engineering teams
• Strong experience with capital project management, including scope development, budgeting, execution, and commissioning
• Demonstrated experience implementing or supporting OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) programs (PSI, PHA, MOC, MI, PSSR)
• Strong background in process improvement, troubleshooting, and reliability engineering
• Experience establishing engineering standards, QA/QC practices, and regulatory compliance
• Knowledge of process controls, manufacturing systems, and industrial equipment
• Proficiency with CAD tools for reviewing P&IDs and engineering documentation
• Experience preparing bid packages and managing design and construction contracts
• Strong project management skills, including planning, scheduling, cost tracking, and resource coordination (MS Project preferred)
• Ability to support engineering activities within operating manufacturing facilities
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to travel approximately 20-30%
• Experience in chemical manufacturing or composites industry preferred

Preferred:

• Experience with polymeric chemical batch processes or distillation
• Project management certification

Why IP Corporation?

• Be part of a stable, privately held organization with long-term market presence
• Competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous PTO, and 401(k) with company match
• Opportunity to lead enterprise-level engineering initiatives and drive meaningful impact across multiple facilities
• Collaborative culture with the ability to influence strategy, innovation, and operational excellence

IP Corporation are Equal Opportunity Employers.

We encourage diversity in the workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

#LI-IPCORP