Manufacturing Engineering Manager

About The Role

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes, equipment, and production systems for a rapidly growing wire harness and renewable energy manufacturing operation. This role oversees the Manufacturing Engineering team and acts as a critical technical link between Design Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production to ensure safe, efficient, and scalable manufacturing processes.

The position is responsible for driving continuous improvement initiatives, production readiness, capacity planning, and automation efforts to support operational excellence. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager plays a key role in enabling sustainable production growth and ensuring the organization is equipped to meet evolving business and customer demands.

What You'll Do

Manufacturing Process Development

• Lead the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes for wire harness assemblies, solar products, and related electrical systems.
• Establish standardized work instructions, process flows, and manufacturing documentation.
• Ensure new projects are effectively transitioned from Design Engineering into production.
• Develop manufacturing routings, labor standards, and cycle times.

Production Support

• Support production operations by troubleshooting process, equipment, and quality issues.
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for manufacturing-related failures.
• Partner with Production and Quality teams to improve throughput, efficiency, and first-pass yield.
• Lead engineering support for production ramps and new product launches.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen initiatives.
• Identify and implement opportunities to reduce labor costs, scrap, rework, and cycle times.
• Establish and track KPIs related to productivity, quality, OEE, and capacity utilization.
• Drive automation and process improvement projects.

Capacity Planning and Facility Readiness

• Develop capacity models and manufacturing layouts to support growth.
• Evaluate equipment requirements and capital expenditures.
• Support facility expansion and production line scaling initiatives.
• Optimize labor utilization and manufacturing flow.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design Engineering to ensure products are designed for manufacturability (DFM).
• Manufacturing BOM ownership and Production Drawings.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to improve material flow and supplier readiness.
• Partner with Quality to establish process controls and inspection methods.
• Support customer audits, supplier visits, and technical reviews.

Leadership and Team Development

• Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing manufacturing engineering talent.
• Conduct performance reviews and establish development plans.
• Promote a culture of accountability, safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Build engineering capabilities to support future facility growth.
• Directly supervises Manufacturing Engineers and Manufacturing Engineering Technicians.
• May assume responsibility for larger engineering teams as operations expand.
• Provides coaching, mentoring, performance management, and career development.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, and company safety requirements.
• Support ISO quality standards and customer-specific requirements.
• Maintain accurate engineering records and change management processes.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• 7+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.
• 3+ years of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations.
• Experience in wire harness, electrical assembly, automotive, electronics, renewable energy, or related industries preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Experience with process validation and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of PFMEA, Control Plans, APQP, and Root Cause Analysis.
• Experience with automation and manufacturing equipment implementation.
• Proficiency with ERP systems such as SAP.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience with CAD software and manufacturing documentation.

Work Environment & Travel

• Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to machinery, moving equipment, noise, and varying temperatures
• Ability to stand and walk on the production floor for extended periods throughout the workday
• Ability to occasionally lift and move items up to 50 pounds
• Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and navigate throughout the manufacturing facility
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while on the production floor
• Ability to support flexible work hours as needed to support production schedules and operational demands

Additional Information

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. The Company will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment visa, including without limitation, H-1B, O-1, E-3, TN status, or I-485 job portability or similar immigration processes.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and celebrate diversity, fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees thrive.