Job Title: Manufacturing Engineering (Mechanical Focus)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced Manufacturing Engineering Manager with a Mechanical Focus to lead and oversee the manufacturing engineering department. In this role, you will be responsible for driving the development and optimization of manufacturing processes, managing engineering projects, and ensuring the effective operation of production systems. You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, mentoring them while implementing best practices for process improvement, cost reduction, and high-quality product manufacturing. This position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a passion for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Team Management:

   • Lead, manage, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers and technicians to ensure efficient operations and achieve production goals.
   • Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work culture.
   • Conduct performance reviews, set individual and team goals, and encourage professional development.
   • Oversee the training and development of the engineering team to ensure they stay updated on the latest manufacturing technologies, tools, and processes.

2. Manufacturing Process Optimization:

   • Drive the development, optimization, and implementation of manufacturing processes to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve product quality.
   • Lead the identification of process inefficiencies and areas for improvement, using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to streamline operations.
   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze production data and implement solutions that reduce waste, downtime, and overall production costs.

3. Product Design and Manufacturability (DFM):

   • Lead efforts to ensure that product designs are optimized for manufacturability, taking into account cost, quality, and production capabilities.
   • Oversee Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews with product development teams to ensure smooth transition from design to production.
   • Provide technical feedback and recommendations for design modifications to improve manufacturability and reduce production complexity.

4. Project Management and Execution:

   • Manage complex manufacturing engineering projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
   • Plan and oversee the implementation of new production lines, machinery, and equipment, ensuring alignment with production needs.
   • Coordinate with production teams, quality control, and maintenance departments to ensure that projects are executed successfully.

5. Quality Control and Continuous Improvement:

   • Oversee the establishment and maintenance of quality control processes to ensure that products meet customer specifications and industry standards.
   • Implement and monitor KPIs to track performance and product quality, leading corrective actions when necessary.
   • Lead continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing manufacturing efficiency, reducing lead times, and improving product consistency.

6. Budgeting and Resource Management:

   • Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources while meeting production and quality targets.
   • Oversee procurement of necessary materials, tools, and equipment required for manufacturing operations.
   • Manage inventory levels of spare parts, production tools, and equipment, ensuring that resources are available for maintenance and production needs.

7. Health, Safety, and Compliance:

   • Ensure that all manufacturing processes and engineering practices adhere to safety standards, environmental regulations, and company policies.
   • Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments, addressing any potential hazards and implementing corrective actions as needed.
   • Foster a culture of safety by promoting adherence to safety protocols and training employees on safety practices.

8. Collaboration and Cross-Functional Support:

   • Collaborate with production, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to ensure that manufacturing processes align with overall production goals and customer requirements.
   • Support troubleshooting and resolution of production-related issues, ensuring that operational disruptions are minimized.
   • Work closely with senior management to provide updates on engineering projects, production performance, and continuous improvement efforts.

Key Focus Areas:

1. Process Improvement and Optimization:

   • Lead the optimization of manufacturing processes to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall quality.

2. Design for Manufacturability:

   • Ensure that products are designed with manufacturability in mind, ensuring efficient production processes and cost savings.

3. Quality Control and Continuous Improvement:

   • Implement best practices for quality control and lead initiatives to drive continuous improvements across manufacturing operations.

4. Leadership and Team Development:

   • Lead and mentor the engineering team, ensuring they have the tools and training needed to succeed in optimizing manufacturing processes.

5. Project and Budget Management:

   • Manage and execute projects efficiently, ensuring the engineering team has the resources needed to meet production deadlines and quality standards.

Qualifications and Skills:

1. Educational Requirements:

   • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
   • 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with at least 3-5 years in a managerial or leadership role.

2. Technical Skills:

   • Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and production systems.
   • Extensive experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process optimization methodologies.
   • Advanced understanding of quality control systems, including statistical process control (SPC), root cause analysis, and failure analysis techniques.
   • Proficiency with CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar) and manufacturing process design tools.
   • Familiarity with manufacturing software and systems (e.g., ERP, MES).

3. Leadership and Management Skills:

   • Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage and mentor a team of engineers and technicians.
   • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and stay within budget.
   • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively interact with cross-functional teams and senior management.

4. Soft Skills:

   • Strong analytical skills with the ability to solve complex engineering problems and make data-driven decisions.
   • Ability to foster a collaborative team environment while maintaining a focus on performance and goals.
   • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.

5. Certifications (Preferred):

   • Six Sigma Black Belt or Green Belt.
   • Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE) or similar certifications.
   • OSHA or other safety-related certifications are beneficial.