Engineering Manager (Manufacturing)

The Company:
Kinter is a family business obsessed with making retail display hardware easier for our customers. We’ve been manufacturing and distributing retail display hardware for over 40 years. Our approach to business is simple — treat each other and our customers like family.

Summary:
The Engineering Manager leads the Product Development team, overseeing product design, prototyping, testing, and quality control for new and existing retail display hardware. This role provides strategic direction for product development initiatives, manages resources including 3D printing operations, and ensures adherence to design, performance, and quality standards. The manager collaborates cross-functionally with sales, purchasing, and vendors to drive innovation, streamline processes, and maintain efficient product development workflows. The pay range for this role is fixed at $125,000 to $145,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Candidates with strong, relevant experience may be offered salaries toward the higher end of the range, while those earlier in their careers can expect offers aligned with the entry level of the range.

Essential Functions:

• Lead and supervise the Product Development Engineers and support staff, providing guidance, mentoring, and performance feedback.
• Oversee the design and development of new products, reverse-engineering projects, and prototype creation.
• Establish product performance criteria, tolerances, and specifications in alignment with company and industry standards.
• Manage 3D printing operations, including equipment maintenance, materials inventory, and workflow coordination.
• Oversee product testing, quality audits, and inspections to ensure compliance with performance and safety standards.
• Coordinate with vendors, suppliers, and internal teams to resolve product issues and streamline development processes.
• Approve and manage inbound sample shipments, evaluate tooling, and design production jigs and fixtures.
• Provide technical guidance and support to sales, purchasing, and operations teams regarding product specifications and performance.
• Maintain accurate records of product designs, revisions, and development documentation.
• Lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain product quality.
• Participate in strategic planning for new product development, industry innovation, and process optimization.
• Assist with additional projects, tasks, and perform other duties as assigned.
• Maintain a professional, collaborative, and solution-oriented demeanor during all interactions with peers, management, and clients to foster a productive team environment.
• Receive constructive feedback professionally and openly, utilizing it as a tool for continuous personal development and performance improvement.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, design, and drafting
• Strong project and time management skills in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of product testing, prototyping, and quality control processes
• Ability to foster cross-functional collaboration with sales, purchasing, and vendors

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Product Design, or related field required
• Experience managing a product development or engineering team
• Experience with ISO certification processes preferred
• Familiarity with power tools, CNC machining, and manufacturing processes a plus
• Knowledge of supply chain management and vendor relations

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Directly supervise 3+ Product Development Engineers.

Physical Requirements:

• Standing for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to make repetitive movements, including moving of the wrists/and or fingers, bending, or squatting.
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment:

• This position will work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment with periods in a warehouse with moderate noise-level.

Travel:

• Local travel may be required for field surveys, installations, or client meetings.
• Regular travel for industry-related trade shows, store installations, client meetings, etc.

The Location:
Kinter is located on the outskirts of Waukegan, just minutes from Gurnee and Wadsworth. Office and warehouses are located off IL Route 41, which makes the commute easy from surrounding towns.

Why Join Our Team?

• Be part of a dedicated, family-owned business with a proven track record of success and a deep commitment to its employees.
• Enjoy generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Benefit from comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance—100% covered for the employee by Kinter, with no payroll deductions.
• Secure your future with our fully employer-funded pension plan (contributions start after 1 year, fully vested after 5 years, with no deductions from your paycheck).
• Unlock long-term growth potential and opportunities to advance within the company.