Engineering Manager

Job Description

Engineering Manager

Summary

Lead the Mechanical Engineering department in designing and delivering IMPCO’s engineered-to-order microfinishing machines. Accountable for on-time delivery of engineering projects to the customer, accurate and complete engineering releases, and the development of the engineering team. Serves as Engineering’s interface with customers and subcontractors.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the Engineering Team

• Supervise mechanical engineers, documentation, and the Project Coordinator.

• Assign, prioritize, and balance work across the team and projects so release dates are met and no project is left without an owner.

• Hire, onboard, train, and develop engineers, including timely performance reviews and guiding progression from Mechanical Engineer I through Mechanical Engineer III.

Customer Interface & Project Delivery

• Manage engineering projects for on-time delivery to the customer: set and track engineering schedules, identify risks early, and escalate when dates are at risk.

• Serve as Engineering’s interface with customers on technical scope, design reviews and approvals, project status, and required documentation from Sales handover through shipment and acceptance.

• Provide engineering input and estimates to Sales before commitments are made.

Engineering Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure mechanical releases are accurate, complete, and follow build-to-manufacture principles, with design reviews and drawing checks completed before release.

• Maintain mechanical design standards and engineering change control in line with IMPCO’s ISO quality system.

• Manage subcontractor relationships for outsourced engineering, machine build, and shipping, holding subcontractors to IMPCO’s scope, quality, schedule, and cost requirements.

• Provide technical input on mechanical design, drawing on the expertise of the Sr. Mechanical Engineer and other engineers to resolve technical problems.

• Drive continuous improvement of machines and engineering processes using lessons learned from builds, runoff, service, and customers.

Department Performance & Partnership

• Forecast department workload and capacity, and recommend when additional or outside engineering resources are needed.

• Track and report department performance, including on-time delivery, engineering hours versus estimate, and release accuracy; forecast operating costs and prepare budget requests.

• Coordinate with Controls Engineering, Manufacturing, Service, Parts & Purchasing, and Sales to keep requirements, releases, and build needs aligned.

• Take an active role on the IMPCO management team.

Qualifications & Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering; advanced degree or Professional Engineer (PE) license a plus.

• 7+ years of mechanical design experience in machine tools or related capital equipment, including 2+ years leading or supervising engineers.

• Demonstrated ability to assign, schedule, and review the work of others and to develop engineers.

• Experience managing projects to customer delivery dates and working directly with customers on technical scope and approvals.

• Experience with design reviews, drawing release, and engineering change control; experience working within an ISO quality management system a plus.

• Engine, powertrain, or heavy-duty rotating component experience, ideally at a Tier 1 or Tier 2 OEM or supplier, a plus; precision finishing, grinding, or microfinishing equipment experience a plus.

• Proficiency in SolidWorks sufficient to review models and drawings; working knowledge of AutoCAD; familiarity with Microsoft 365 and ERP (Business Central).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to set priorities and recommend action.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Willing to work hands-on in the plant and at customer facilities, including domestic and international travel (approximately 5–10%).

EOE Employer