Manager of Engineering

Manager of Engineering

Search Leaders, LLC White Bear Lake, Minnesota, United States

About this position

Our client is a well-established precision manufacturing organization known for engineering excellence, advanced tooling solutions, and high-quality production. The company supports complex manufacturing environments through technical expertise, continuous improvement, innovation, and a strong commitment to customers, operational performance, and employee development.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop approximately 20 professionals across Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Programming, and Tool Room functions.
• Provide technical leadership across tooling design, machining processes, manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, and production support.
• Partner with Operations to improve manufacturing efficiency, throughput, quality, safety, equipment utilization, and cost performance.
• Advance engineering initiatives that optimize production flow, reduce waste, improve manufacturability, and strengthen process consistency.
• Establish CNC programming standards and promote effective CAD/CAM practices, machining strategies, and manufacturing support.
• Direct Tool Room activities supporting production tooling, prototype development, fixture design, repairs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prioritize engineering and tooling work to support production schedules, customer commitments, and strategic projects.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement throughout the Engineering Department.
• Support manufacturing automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 initiatives where appropriate.
• Lead engineering participation in ERP enhancements and broader engineering process improvements.
• Use performance metrics and operational data to strengthen decision-making and departmental results.
• Standardize engineering documentation, processes, and best practices across the organization.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Sales, Product Management, Supply Chain, R&D, and other teams to solve complex technical challenges.
• Provide technical expertise during customer visits, product reviews, and strategic business initiatives.
• Build strong cross-functional partnerships while supporting engineering initiatives across global manufacturing operations.

Position requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering.
• 10+ years of progressive engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• 10+ years of leadership experience managing engineering teams.
• Strong knowledge of precision manufacturing, tooling, CNC machining, manufacturing engineering, and production processes.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple engineering priorities and cross-functional projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, coaching, and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to develop employees, build collaborative teams, and drive accountability.
• Hands‑on leadership style with strong business acumen and a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with sheet metal fabrication tooling, punch press tooling, press brake tooling, stamping dies, or precision machined components.
• Experience with CAD/CAM software, CNC programming, and manufacturing automation.
• Experience leading engineering teams in a high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or another ERP platform supporting engineering and manufacturing operations.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma certification, or equivalent continuous improvement experience.
• Experience supporting global manufacturing operations.

Reasons to Apply

• Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package.
• Health coverage, retirement plans, and other company-sponsored perks.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, to support work‑life balance.
• Flexible schedules and work life balance.
• Strong focus on employee development with on-the-job training and career growth.
• A positive company culture that values diversity and collaboration.

Salary Information

The pay range for this role is: 130,000 - 155,000 USD per year(White Bear Lake, MN)