Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager - Vantedge Medical / Vander-Bend

Full-time / Permanent

Onsite, Stockton, CA

Base Salary - $137k - $171k

About Us:  Vander-Bend is a U.S.-based manufacturer dedicated to building the precision infrastructure that powers tomorrow’s AI. Our expertise in server racking and power delivery solutions provides the backbone for next-generation data centers, enabling hyperscalers and integrators to innovate and scale globally. With a focus on trusted, domestic manufacturing, we deliver quality, speed, and innovation at scale—redefining AI infrastructure for the future.

We are a newly created division of Vantedge Medical, the premier metals-based med-tech solutions partner from concept to full-scale manufacturing. With a steadfast commitment to advancing technology, we take immense pride in the work we do – and have a lot of fun doing it.

About this Opportunity:  The Engineering Manager is responsible for owning plant-level engineering execution and equipment reliability at the Stockton facility. This role leads Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, and Maintenance functions to ensure safe, reliable, and scalable operations in a high-mix, high-volume sheet metal fabrication environment.

This is a hands-on leadership role, accountable for uptime, process capability, equipment readiness, and engineering support of daily production and growth initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Lead plant-level engineering support for sheet metal fabrication and assembly operations
• Support new product introductions (NPI), process transfers, and production scale-up
• Drive process improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC)
• Own standard work, work instructions, process documentation, and change management
• Partner with Production and Quality to resolve manufacturing issues in real time
• Support capital equipment justification, layout planning, and commissioning
• Own equipment uptime, preventive maintenance, and reliability strategy
• Lead maintenance planning, PM compliance, spare parts strategy, and technician development
• Drive reduction in unplanned downtime through root cause analysis and corrective action
• Ensure maintenance readiness for lasers, turret punches, press brakes, panel benders, welding, powder coat, and material handling systems
• Partner with Engineering on equipment upgrades, automation, and capacity expansion
• Manage and develop Engineering and Maintenance teams
• Set clear priorities, roles, and accountability aligned to plant objectives
• Build technical depth and bench strength through coaching and training
• Foster strong collaboration with Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure adherence to safety, quality, and regulatory requirements (ISO, QMS, internal standards)
• Establish consistent engineering and maintenance operating rhythms, metrics, and reporting
• Support audits, customer visits, and operational reviews as needed

Requirements

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering and/or maintenance leadership roles
• Prior leadership experience managing engineering and/or maintenance teams
• Strong experience in sheet metal fabrication and industrial manufacturing environments
• Hands-on exposure to automated fabrication equipment including laser cutting, press brakes, panel benders, welding, and finishing
• Proven experience supporting production operations and equipment reliability
• Experience with Lean manufacturing and structured problem-solving
• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments (medical device, aerospace, or similar) is a plus
• Strong communication, prioritization, and execution skills

Knowledge / Skills 

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, and maintenance systems
• Data-driven problem-solving and root cause analysis capability
• Ability to balance short-term production support with longer-term capability building
• Comfortable spending significant time on the shop floor
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and standard manufacturing systems
• Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering documentation

• Medical – Dental – Vision – Life Insurance
• Vacation and Sick Pay
• 401k