Engineering Operations Manager

Description: This role is a new position . We are seeking a hands-on site leadership professional who enjoys building teams, launching production, solving technical challenges, and helping a new manufacturing operation scale successfully. This is a high-visibility role with direct impact on production start-up, engineering and operations development, supplier readiness, customer support, and long-term site performance. In this role, you will lead the California site from early-stage operations to a scalable, high-performance manufacturing hub supporting our automation solutions division. You will own production ramp-up, develop engineering and operations capabilities, strengthen local supplier performance, and serve as the primary technical interface for customers. Why Consider This Opportunity? · Join a stable, growing organization at a pivotal stage in the expansion of its North American manufacturing footprint. · High-visibility leadership role with meaningful interaction across operations, engineering, customers, suppliers, senior leadership, and global partners. · Opportunity to build and shape a growing production site from start-up through scalable, high-performance operations. · Blend of hands-on manufacturing leadership, technical customer engagement, and strategic operational planning . · Collaborative culture with an emphasis on practical solutions, continuous improvement, customer support, and operational excellence. Key Responsibilities · Launch and scale production for automation solutions, ensuring processes, equipment, and operators reach planned quality, on-time delivery, and cost targets. · Build and lead the engineering and operations teams, establishing standard work, performance expectations, and a growth-ready site structure. · Qualify and manage local suppliers, securing reliable component flow, quality, and tooling needed for production ramp-up. · Serve as the primary technical customer interface, handling product inquiries, application support, component selection, and design-related questions. · Oversee daily production and continuous improvement, driving scheduling, inventory accuracy, quality compliance, and CI tools across the site. · Own capital planning and execution, including equipment selection, installation, and cross-site standardization for scalable growth. Requirements: Phoenix Mecano is a trusted leader in the enclosure and automation solutions industry. Established for more than 50 years , we are continuing to expand our footprint in North America, including the launch and growth of our second production site in Chino, California . Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field required; Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or Business preferred. · 10 years of experience in manufacturing, automation, or industrial production environments, including hands-on start-up or scale-up work. · 5 years of leadership experience managing engineering and/or operations teams. · Demonstrated success launching or ramping production lines; experience with lift, linear, or drive systems preferred. · Strong capability in supplier qualification, component sourcing, and vendor quality management. · Proven ability to interface directly with customers on technical inquiries, troubleshooting, and application support. · Experience with ERP, production scheduling, inventory discipline, and standard manufacturing KPIs. · Solid knowledge of lean and continuous improvement tools, including 5S, Kaizen, root cause analysis, and process standardization. · Ability to travel between the California and Maryland sites as needed. Generous Benefits · Time Off : Annually 9 paid company holidays/17 days of paid time off/40 hours of paid sick leave each year, prorated. · Comprehensive Benefits : Cigna medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family. · Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with up to 4% company match. · Health and Financial Wellness : H.S.A. with company match, F.S.A., short-term disability, long-term disability, gym discounts, and financial planning guidance from trusted advisors. · Norton LifeLock: Free employee or family coverage. · Life and AD&D Coverage: Company-paid $50,000 life insurance coverage/AD&D, with additional voluntary life/AD&D available for you, your spouse, and children. · Employee Assistance Program: Access to free behavioral health services, including counseling sessions and other resources. · Growth Opportunities: Ongoing professional development training as well as tuition assistance to help you advance your career. Compensation details: 110000-110000 Yearly Salary PIcc6d1ac4abbf-25448-40915287aa415a4b-8b21-40fc-a65c-70d2b25ca29a