Manufacturing Engineering Manager

About Us

South Bay Solutions is a high-precision machine shop, making parts for semiconductor, medical devices, and advanced tech hardware. Our tolerances are measured in microns, our equipment is top-of-the-line, and our team is passionate about quality craftsmanship.

Job Summary

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, process development, and technical operations within a high-mix, precision manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for ensuring engineering deliverables support production requirements while driving long-term initiatives focused on operational excellence, process optimization, technology advancement, customer satisfaction, and business growth.

The Manager partners with Production, Quality, Sales, Planning, and Executive Leadership to establish scalable manufacturing systems, improve productivity, reduce costs, and develop high-performing engineering teams capable of supporting organizational objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Engineering Operations & Production Support

• Provide leadership and oversight of CNC programming, manufacturing engineering, process development, and technical support functions.
• Ensure CNC programs, tooling strategies, setup documentation, and manufacturing processes are developed and released to production according to schedule.
• Support production teams by resolving technical manufacturing challenges and driving rapid issue resolution.
• Establish standardized engineering methodologies, machining practices, setup procedures, and tooling strategies to improve consistency and operational efficiency.
• Oversee fixture design, tooling development, process validation, and engineering change implementation.
• Monitor engineering performance to ensure production objectives, quality standards, and delivery commitments are achieved.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Manufacturing Engineers, CNC Programmers, and technical personnel.
• Establish departmental goals, performance metrics, and employee development plans.
• Build a culture focused on accountability, collaboration, innovation, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction.
• Allocate resources effectively to balance production support requirements with strategic engineering initiatives.
• Foster strong partnerships across Production, Quality, Supply Chain, Planning, and Program Management teams.
• Drive talent development, succession planning, and workforce capability enhancement.

Process Improvement & Manufacturing Excellence

• Develop and maintain best-in-class engineering standards, programming libraries, fixture documentation, and process control methodologies.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing setup time, cycle time, machine downtime, scrap, and operational waste.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing principles and operational excellence programs throughout the organization.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities through manufacturability assessments, process planning, and production readiness reviews.
• Evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing technologies, automation solutions, robotics, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Establish scalable systems that improve productivity, quality, repeatability, and profitability.

Customer & Business Engagement

• Partner with Sales, Estimating, and Program Management to support quoting activities, manufacturing feasibility reviews, and customer requirements.
• Serve as the engineering representative during customer audits, technical reviews, and strategic business meetings.
• Provide Design for Manufacturability (DFM) recommendations that improve product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and shorten lead times.
• Support business growth initiatives, customer development activities, and operational planning efforts.
• Present engineering performance metrics, project updates, and improvement initiatives to executive leadership and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in CNC programming, manufacturing engineering, or precision machining operations.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing engineering teams within precision manufacturing, contract manufacturing, aerospace, medical, or industrial environments.
• Proven success leading technical organizations, process improvement initiatives, and operational excellence programs.

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of CNC machining processes, multi-axis machining, tooling systems, fixturing, and manufacturing process development.
• Strong proficiency with CAD/CAM software, including Mastercam, SolidWorks, or equivalent platforms.
• Comprehensive knowledge of GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing standards.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and process validation activities.
• Familiarity with automation technologies, robotics, Industry 4.0 systems, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems, engineering documentation control, and manufacturing planning systems.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term organizational objectives with day-to-day operational requirements.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communicator capable of engaging executive leadership, customers, and shop-floor personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Results-oriented leader focused on performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time completion of engineering deliverables supporting production schedules.
• Reduction in cycle time, setup time, machine downtime, and manufacturing scrap.
• Successful launch and transition of new products into production.
• Achievement of operational excellence and continuous improvement objectives.
• Employee engagement, retention, team development, and succession planning metrics.
• Customer satisfaction, audit performance, and quality results.
• Engineering productivity, cost reduction initiatives, and overall manufacturing performance.

Work schedule

• Mon-Fri (Day shift)

Benefits

• Health Insurance (Medical/Dental/Vision)
• Life insurance policy
• Safe Harbor 401(k) plan
• 401(k) match
• Paid time off (vacation/sick/holidays/floating holiday)
• Referral Program