Manufacturing Engineering Manager – Maintenance, Tooling & Lean Manufacturing

Job Summary

We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Tooling operations in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. This role is responsible for improving equipment reliability, optimizing production processes, and driving Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives to support safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC) objectives.

This is a hands-on leadership position reporting directly to plant leadership and playing a key role in plant performance and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Manufacturing Engineering, Maintenance, and Tooling teams with full accountability for performance and results
• Own manufacturing process design, optimization, and ongoing production performance
• Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime and reliability
• Manage tooling and die operations, including design, fabrication, and lifecycle improvements
• Lead capital projects, including equipment installations, automation, capacity expansion, and new product introductions (NPI)
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and continuous improvement initiatives across the plant
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective/preventive actions to improve quality and process capability
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards (LOTO, machine guarding, etc.)
• Manage engineering, maintenance, tooling, and capital budgets
• Track and report key KPIs, including OEE, downtime, scrap, and project execution metrics
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to improve plant performance

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (required)
• 7–10 years of manufacturing engineering experience
• 3–5 years of leadership experience managing engineering, maintenance, or tooling teams with direct reports
• Strong experience in process design, equipment optimization, and maintenance systems (PM/PdM/TPM)
• Proven experience leading capital projects and cross-functional manufacturing initiatives
• Solid understanding of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement tools
• Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and ERP systems
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Tyler, TX

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience with 5+ years in leadership roles
• Experience in discrete or heavy manufacturing (automotive suppliers, metal fabrication, tooling/die, industrial equipment)
• Master's degree or relevant certifications (Six Sigma, PMP, etc.)

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package (medical, dental, disability, retirement plan)
• Opportunity to lead high-impact engineering and continuous improvement initiatives
• Long-term career growth within a stable and expanding manufacturing organization
• Direct influence on plant performance and operational success