Manufacturing Engineering Leader

Job Description
Job Description
Manufacturing Engineering Leader
Responsibilities
The Manufacturing Engineering Leader provides technical leadership to engineering and automation teams, driving improvements in throughput, quality, cost, and reliability. This role delivers strategic engineering direction, enables hands-on problem solving, advances new technologies, and develops engineering talent. The leader strengthens manufacturing capability through process optimization, technical innovation, and systemwide continuous improvement practices.
The position supports the enterprise by ensuring consistent, stable, and scalable manufacturing processes, while fostering an environment of collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence.
Compensation and Benefits
* Starting pay: $90,000+ annually
* Medical, dental, and vision insurance
* 401(k) savings plan with employer match
* Paid time off including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
* Life insurance and employee assistance programs
* Professional development, technical training, and leadership growth opportunities
Job Roles
* Customer liaison - Understands customer specifications deeply; communicates technical requirements clearly to internal teams and external partners; ensures alignment from concept to production.
* Creative facilitator - Encourages innovative thinking; solves complex problems creatively; supports an environment where new approaches and technologies are explored.
* Boundary spanner - Works across disciplines and functions; breaks down silos; collaborates intentionally to enable shared success.
* Developer - Mentors and coaches engineers at all levels; enhances technical understanding; builds a strong engineering talent pipeline.
* Communication - Navigates difficult conversations with clarity and diplomacy; translates complex engineering concepts into actionable guidance.
* Influence - Creates engagement; advocates for business needs; navigates conflict with professionalism and approachability.
* Business minded - Focuses on measurable outcomes; balances customer expectations with operational realities; ensures engineering priorities align to enterprise goals.
* Adaptable - Responds quickly to change; manages distractions effectively; stays focused on critical objectives amid shifting demands.
Primary Responsibilities
* Lead and mentor a team of manufacturing and automation engineers, promoting technical excellence and professional growth.
* Set and communicate engineering priorities aligned with production, quality, cost, and strategic business goals.
* Partner with Quality, Maintenance, Production, and Supply Chain to resolve complex technical issues.
* Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing and casting processes to ensure stability, repeatability, and capability.
* Drive structured root cause analysis and corrective actions for yield loss, scrap, or process nonconformance.
* Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies to reduce waste and improve throughput.
* Identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies such as automation upgrades, advanced process monitoring, additive manufacturing, or AI-based solutions.
* Lead equipment evaluations, upgrades, and automation initiatives to improve efficiency, reliability, and process control.
* Document technical findings, prepare engineering reports, and support internal/external customer communication.
* Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure manufacturing processes meet customer specifications and business goals.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Operations Management
* Minimum of 5 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering function
* Legally authorized to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship available)
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience in continuous improvement, waste elimination, and Kaizen methodologies
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills (5 Why, A3, data analysis, structured troubleshooting)
* Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and negotiation skills
* Proven leadership skills with the ability to build engagement and influence technical teams
* Ability to read and interpret blueprints
* Experience with CAD tools
* Ability to perform time studies and set labor standards
* Mechanical aptitude for evaluating equipment and identifying improvement opportunities
* Experience providing technical support and leadership in manufacturing environments
* Experience in investment casting or highly specialized manufacturing
* Strong financial literacy