Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager

The Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the engineering team in the design, development, improvement, and support of manufacturing processes, equipment, and products. This role drives operational excellence through continuous improvement, project management, cost reduction initiatives, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure quality, safety, and productivity goals are achieved.

Location: Belton, MO

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering department, including mechanical, manufacturing, process, and project engineers.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies that support company objectives, production goals, and customer requirements.
• Oversee manufacturing process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
• Drive cross-functional VAVE initiatives with engineering, operations, supply chain, and quality teams to identify cost-saving opportunities, improve manufacturability, standardize components, and enhance overall product value.
• Manage capital equipment projects from concept through implementation, including budgeting, timelines, vendor coordination, and installation.
• Manage and maintain ERP configurator systems to ensure accurate product configuration, bill of materials, routing structures, pricing logic, and manufacturing data integrity.
• Provide engineering leadership and technical support for complex manufacturing systems and equipment, including automated production systems, paint booth operations, curing systems, material handling equipment, and related process controls.
• Coordinate equipment upgrades, preventive maintenance strategies, and capital improvement projects to support production capacity and long-term operational performance.
• Support integration of automation, controls, and manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency, consistency, and process capability across production operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and root cause analysis methodologies.
• Collaborate with operations, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and production teams to resolve manufacturing and engineering issues.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Support new product development and product launches by ensuring manufacturability and process readiness.
• Develop engineering standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Manage engineering budgets, resources, and departmental priorities.
• Mentor, coach, and develop engineering staff to support growth and succession planning.
• Coordinate with customers, suppliers, and external partners on technical requirements and project execution.
• Experience with extrusion design, tooling, and manufacturing processes preferred.
• Experience supporting industrial painting systems and paint booth operations within a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial finishing processes, coatings applications, curing systems, and paint process optimization preferred.
• Develop and execute departmental strategic objectives aligned with corporate goals, company goals, operational priorities, and long-term business growth initiatives.
• Establish, monitor, and report measurable KPIs to track engineering performance, project execution, cost savings, quality improvements, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Build organizational capability by developing engineering team strengths, technical competencies, succession planning, and leadership development to support future business needs.
• Partner with executive leadership to identify future manufacturing capabilities, technology investments, automation opportunities, and process improvements that support strategic growth.
• Prioritize engineering resources and project portfolios to ensure alignment with business objectives, customer expectations, and operational demands.
• Lead workforce planning and talent development initiatives to ensure the engineering organization is positioned to meet evolving production, customer, and market requirements.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and Team Development
• Strategic Thinking
• Continuous Improvement
• Project Management
• Operational Excellence
• Technical Expertise
• Collaboration and Communication
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis
• Budget and Resource Management

Work Environment

• Manufacturing plant environment with regular interaction on the production floor.
• May require occasional travel to suppliers, customers, or other company facilities.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work in industrial environments as needed.

Reporting Structure

• Reports To: President of Business Unit/ ROM and Randall Mfg.
• Direct Reports: Manufacturing Engineers, Process Engineers, Project Engineers, Engineering Technicians, Quality Manager

NOTE: R.O.M. does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, ancestry veteran status or any other status protected by law.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and process optimization.
• Proficiency in CAD software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Effective communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3+ years of engineering leadership or management experience.
• Experience with extrusion design, tooling development, and extrusion manufacturing processes.
• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• PMP certification.
• Experience with automation, robotics, or advanced manufacturing technologies.
• Knowledge of ISO quality systems and regulatory compliance.