Autodesk Inventor, Bill of Materials (BOM), Budget Management, CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Composite Materials, Continuous Improvement, Cost Engineering, Cross-Functional, Data Quality, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Engineering, Engineering Management, Leadership, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Mentoring, Multitasking, Organizational Skills, Process Improvement, Product Data Management (PDM), Product Development, Product Lifecycle, Product Support, Product/Service Launch, Profit & Loss, Project Execution, Project/Program Management, Purchasing/Procurement, Sales, Sales Support, Supply Chain, Team Lead/Manager, Technical/Engineering Design, Time Management, Willing to Travel
Title: Mechanical Engineering Manager
Location: Wood Dale, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $120,000 - $145,000/year + Bonus Potential
Benefits: 401(k) with 3% Match, Medical, HSA, AD&D Insurance, Disability Insurance, Parental Leave, Tuition Reimbursement, Referral Program, Relocation Assistance, PTO
Our client is a growing manufacturer specializing in custom and standard fixture solutions for a variety of industries. They are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a cross-functional engineering team focused on product optimization, manufacturability, and delivering projects on time and within budget. This individual will play a key leadership role in driving collaboration between Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Sales while supporting continued innovation and company growth.
Job Duties:
• Lead and mentor a cross-functional engineering team including Design Engineers, Estimators, and Project Managers.
• Drive optimization of custom and standard fixture designs to meet customer requirements, manufacturability goals, and cost targets.
• Oversee product development and continuous improvement efforts for proprietary product lines.
• Translate customer requirements and specifications into manufacturable, cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Maintain BOM accuracy and ensure CAD and Vault data integrity throughout the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate with Sales, Production, Quality, and Purchasing teams to ensure successful project execution from concept through production.
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) efforts and transition projects into manufacturing.
• Conduct project reviews with leadership teams, providing updates on progress, risks, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Ensure designs meet fit, form, and function requirements while considering tolerances, manufacturability, material selection, safety, and cost.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on engineering processes, efficiency, and profitability.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Design, or a related technical field required.
• 8+ years of engineering experience within wood, metal, or mixed-material manufacturing environments.
• Previous leadership experience managing engineers, estimators, project managers, or technical teams.
• Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD software, preferably Autodesk Inventor and Vault.
• Experience developing and maintaining Bills of Material (BOMs) and ERP/PDM systems.
• Strong understanding of fabrication processes involving wood, metal, plastics, glass, and composite materials.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to travel up to 25% as needed.
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Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.