Manufacturing Engineering Manager | Automotive Industry

We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead manufacturing engineering operations and drive continuous improvement across production environments. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing engineering resources, capital projects, tooling development, process optimization, and operational performance to ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives are consistently achieved.

Client Details

This role supports a global industrial manufacturer of power transmission, motion control, and chain-drive solutions, serving a broad range of industries such as automotive, industrial automation, material handling, and heavy manufacturing. The organization is known for its technical expertise, durable products, and commitment to operational excellence.

Description

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop manufacturing engineering personnel while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and evaluate engineering team members.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development opportunities to build future leaders within the organization.
• Manage employee relations matters, performance concerns, and workforce development initiatives in accordance with company policies.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to establish priorities, allocate resources, and achieve operational objectives.

Operational Excellence

• Drive performance improvements focused on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Ensure compliance with all safety programs, procedures, and regulatory requirements while proactively identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with Quality and Operations teams to achieve and maintain world-class manufacturing standards.
• Support on-time delivery objectives through effective production planning, workflow optimization, and resource utilization.
• Establish and promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout manufacturing operations.

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Improvement

• Design, develop, and implement manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, and process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and product quality.
• Analyze manufacturing performance data and identify opportunities to improve productivity, cycle times, throughput, and process capability.
• Investigate production issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain operating procedures, engineering standards, and process documentation.
• Evaluate manufacturing risks and recommend process or capital improvements to mitigate operational challenges.

Capital Equipment & Project Management

• Develop equipment specifications and requirements for new machinery, systems, and manufacturing technologies.
• Lead capital improvement projects from concept through implementation and validation.
• Create qualification plans and acceptance criteria for new equipment using statistical analysis and engineering methodologies.
• Develop and manage long-range capital investment plans aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and milestones to ensure successful execution.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Lead implementation of Lean Manufacturing initiatives including:
  • Kaizen
  • Kanban
  • SMED
  • 5S
  • Waste reduction programs
  • Process standardization efforts
• Facilitate cross-functional improvement teams focused on increasing productivity and reducing operational costs.
• Drive manufacturing efficiency through workforce optimization, equipment utilization, and material flow improvements.
• Support preventive maintenance strategies that minimize downtime and maximize equipment performance.

Financial & Business Performance

• Manage departmental budgets and support cost-control initiatives.
• Analyze manufacturing costs and identify opportunities for operational savings and productivity gains.
• Support formal cost reduction programs and continuous improvement projects with measurable business impact.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and strategic operational planning activities.

Profile

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing engineering experience within a precision manufacturing environment.
• Prior leadership experience managing engineering, manufacturing, or operations teams.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling design, and process improvement methodologies.
• Experience with project management and capital equipment implementation.
• Proficiency with CAD software and manufacturing engineering tools.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word, and Access.
• Strong communication, presentation, leadership, and organizational abilities.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Experience utilizing manufacturing systems and production reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience within power transmission, industrial products, or related manufacturing industries.
• Extensive Lean Manufacturing experience with demonstrated project success.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and environmental management systems.
• Experience with Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing and material flow optimization.
• Background in precision metal manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with budgeting, standard costing, and financial performance analysis.
• Experience conducting motion studies, time studies, and productivity assessments.

Job Offer

• Salary: $140,000 - $150,000 Plus Bonus Eligibility!
• People-Focused Policies
• Career Development
• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage

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.