Engineering Manager (Greater Chicago Area)

Position Title: Engineering Manager

Company: Dial Tool Industries, LLC (“DIAL”)

Location: Addison, IL

Department: Engineering

Reports To: General Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Employment Type: Full-time, on-site

Travel Requirement: As needed, up to 15%

Compensation: $140,000 - $170,000/year based on experience and qualifications, plus company annual bonus eligibility

ABOUT DIAL

DIAL is a precision manufacturer of injection molded, insert molded, and metal stamped components for customers in the automotive, electrical/electronics, industrial/appliance, and medical markets. DIAL is part of a growing family of manufacturing companies, which gives our team access to shared resources and a broad range of capabilities.

ROLE SUMMARY

We're looking for an Engineering Manager to lead DIAL’s engineering function, reporting directly to the General Manager. You will own the technical side of the business from quoting through production by reviewing customer prints, managing our outside mold and die builders, launching new programs, and keeping production running well. Our mold and die design and build are outsourced, so this role centers on design for manufacturability, supplier management, and program launch rather than hands-on tool design.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-visibility role with a planned transition. You'll work alongside our experienced engineering team for roughly a year before taking full ownership, giving you time to learn our customers, parts, and processes.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

· Review customer drawings and 3D models for injection molded and stamped parts, identifying manufacturability, tolerance, material, and cost issues and working with customers to resolve them.

· Lead RFQ feasibility reviews for budgetary and final quotes, estimating tooling and process requirements, flagging pricing risk, and building the business case for any capital investment a win requires.

· Manage outside mold and die builders from tool kickoff through design review, trials, and final sign-off, holding suppliers accountable for timing, quality, and cost.

· Represent Engineering for all APQP and PPAP activities for new programs and engineering change requests, including PFMEAs, control plans, and customer submissions.

· Serve as the primary engineering contact for customers, handling technical questions, design changes, and launch coordination.

· Manage engineering change notices (ECNs) and keep drawings, specifications, and documentation current.

· Troubleshoot molding and stamping issues on the production floor alongside operations and quality.

· Support continuous improvement, scrap reduction, and cost-reduction initiatives across the plant.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Plastics, Manufacturing, or a related engineering field.

· 10+ years of engineering experience in injection molding (strong candidates with 5–10 years will be considered).

· Deep knowledge of plastic part design, resin selection, and injection mold construction.

· Metal stamping and progressive die experience is a strong plus.

· Proven experience managing outside tooling suppliers through build, trial, and approval.

· Working knowledge of APQP, PPAP, and IATF 16949. Experience in other regulated or high-precision industries, such as medical (ISO 13485), aerospace (AS9100), defense (MIL-spec, ITAR), or industrial markets is a plus.

· Strong GD&T and print-reading skills including proficiency with 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar).

· Comfortable being the go-to technical authority in a lean, fast-moving organization.

· Clear communicator with customers, suppliers, and shop-floor teams alike.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary: $140,000–$170,000, based on experience and qualifications

Bonus: Annual bonus eligibility

Time Off: Paid time off and paid holidays

Benefits: DIAL offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision plans, pre-tax spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care FSA), voluntary life and AD&D, disability, and accident insurance. Benefits are available to employees working 30 or more hours per week, beginning the first of the month following 30 days of service. DIAL also offers voluntary 401k and Roth 401k.

SAFETY AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is based on-site at our Addison, IL manufacturing facility, with travel of up to 15%. The Engineering Manager will regularly work in production and warehouse environments, and will periodically visit similar facilities. All company safety policies must be followed at all times, including PPE requirements, machine safety protocols, and EHS training. Safety is a core value at DIAL, and following OSHA and company safety standards is a condition of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this role, proper PPE standards are expected to be met as the employee may need to spend time on the production floor, at supplier facilities, or other similar activities in addition to operating standard office / lab equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

This role will have access to proprietary information, customer data, pricing, processes, and manufacturing capabilities. All work products, designs, content, and materials created during employment are the property of DIAL. This role must comply with all company confidentiality, data protection, and information security policies.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DIAL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, including the Illinois Human Rights Act.