Engineering Manager

Position Title: Engineering Manager

Department: Engineering Location: Peoria, IL Reports To: President/CEO

Position Summary

The Engineering Manager provides strategic and technical leadership for PHIL's engineering function. This role is responsible for establishing engineering standards, driving innovation in product design, and ensuring effective execution of engineering deliverables across all projects. The position requires an individual who is proactive, analytical, and confident in decision-making, capable of operating with a high degree of autonomy and minimal administrative constraint.

The successful candidate will possess strong strategic foresight, a measured entrepreneurial mindset, and the ability to translate vision into actionable plans and systems that enable efficient execution by others.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain engineering design standards, procedures, and performance expectations for all products.
• Direct and oversee engineering personnel, ensuring project objectives are achieved within defined timelines and technical requirements.
• Engage directly with customers to define equipment needs, performance parameters, and product specifications.
• Lead development of customized and innovative product solutions that align with customer and organizational objectives.
• Ensure alignment between engineering, production, and sales teams to maintain manufacturability, functionality, and cost efficiency.
• Oversee product modification initiatives and continuous improvement programs integrating emerging technologies.
• Develop and maintain systems to manage project tracking, design review, and quality assurance.
• Exercise independent judgment on complex technical matters and risk decisions.
• Represent PHIL professionally in client, vendor, and industry interactions.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop engineering talent, fostering accountability and professional growth.

Behavioral and Leadership Profile

Proactivity & Initiative

Anticipates future requirements; develops medium-term strategies rather than reacting to immediate needs.

Decision-Making

Confident and independent; comfortable taking ownership of technical and business decisions within broad objectives.

Entrepreneurial Orientation

Demonstrates measured risk-taking and innovative thinking; drives continuous improvement.

Analytical Thinking

Approaches challenges methodically and applies sound engineering judgment to resolve complex issues.

Delegation & Oversight

Establishes systems that enable others to execute; maintains control through process and outcome monitoring.

Communication Style

Direct, factual, and concise; adjusts approach as needed for effective collaboration across disciplines.

Adaptability

Operates effectively in environments with moderate ambiguity and evolving priorities.

Emotional Intelligence

Maintains awareness of others' perspectives; demonstrates appropriate empathy in team and client interactions.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or active pursuit required.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7 years of engineering experience including leadership responsibility.
• Proficiency in 2D/3D modeling software such as AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing teams.
• Proven success leading technical projects with limited supervision.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication across technical and executive audiences.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Performance Expectations

• Operates effectively with limited oversight while maintaining alignment with company objectives.
• Establishes and enforces high engineering and design standards.
• Develops systems that ensure project control, data integrity, and team accountability.
• Contributes to a culture of innovation and disciplined execution.