Mechanical Engineering Manager

Aurora, IL

SUMMARY: Westell is looking for a Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead our mechanical engineering group and help drive a fast-moving new product development team. This is a hands-on leadership role with real ownership over what we design and build next. You will set the technical direction for mechanical and materials design across a growing portfolio of network infrastructure products, including intelligent site management gateways, outdoor enclosures, power distribution panels, and in-building wireless systems. You will build and develop a talented team of engineers, mentor them as they grow, and partner closely with electrical engineering, product management, and operations to take innovative products from concept to production. If you want the chance to shape a product roadmap, solve hard design problems, and lead a team where your engineering judgment carries real weight, we want to talk to you.

Accountabilities:

• Leadership, Management, Accountability
• Mechanical Engineering
• Operations support

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of mechanical engineers, providing guidance and support for professional development.
• Conduct performance reviews and manage team dynamics to ensure high productivity and engagement.
• Be able to work collaboratively with Sales and Product Management to meet company objectives.

Project Management:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of mechanical/materials engineering projects, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Coordinate with project managers, product managers, and other stakeholders to define project scopes, objectives, and deliverables.

Design & Development:

• Provide technical leadership across Westell's product lines. Westell manufactures high-performance network infrastructure solutions, including outdoor enclosures, power distribution panels, intelligent site management products, and in-building wireless systems like DAS and BDA's.
• Review and approve design specifications, prototypes, and test results to ensure materials meet performance criteria.

Process Improvement:

• Implement and promote best practices in mechanical engineering, including design methodologies to optimize material usage and processes, testing protocols, and quality control processes.
• dentify and drive opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments (e.g., electrical engineering, manufacturing) to integrate mechanical systems with other components and systems.
• Facilitate effective communication between teams to ensure project alignment and resolve technical issues.

Compliance & Standards:

• Ensure all engineering activities comply with industry standards, regulations, and company policies such as UL, FCC and other customer requirements.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, technologies, material properties, and advancements to maintain a competitive edge.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for mechanical engineering projects, ensuring cost-effectiveness and resource optimization.
• Allocate resources effectively to meet project demands and deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mechanical engineering designing electro-mechanical products, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role desired
• Strong knowledge of plastics, sheet metal, PCB's and die casting part design.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, design methodologies, and project management.
• Knowledge of Telecordia regulatory and Telecom design standards a plus
• Proficiency in engineering software (e.g., Mechanical CAD tools, simulation software) and familiarity with manufacturing processes and materials.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation's may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Full-time onsite in Aurora
• Limited travel to vendors, customers and trade shows.

Salary $130,000.00 - $150,000.00