Manager of Engineering

The Manager of Engineering provides leadership and direction for Wilson Tool’s Engineering Department, overseeing the Engineering Team, Tool Room, and CNC Programming Team. This position leads approximately 20 professionals and is responsible for developing high-performing teams while driving engineering excellence across the organization.

This Engineering Manager will partner closely with Operations, R&D, Sales, IT, Product Management, and Supply Chain to ensure engineering solutions support Wilson Tool’s commitment to innovation, manufacturing excellence, quality, and customer satisfaction. The successful candidate is a hands-on leader with a strong technical background in precision manufacturing, tooling, and machining, and who is equally passionate about developing people and improving processes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering & Manufacturing Leadership

Lead, coach, mentor, and develop approximately 20 professionals in Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Programming, and Tool Room personnel.

Provide technical leadership in tooling design, manufacturing engineering, machining processes, and production support.

Partner with Operations to improve manufacturing efficiency, throughput, quality, safety, and cost.

Support manufacturing engineering initiatives that optimize production flow, reduce waste, and improve equipment utilization.

Drive engineering solutions that improve manufacturability while maintaining Wilson Tool’s industry-leading quality standards.

Support engineering efforts across punch tooling, press brake tooling, specialty tooling, and precision machined components.

Provide leadership for the CNC Programming Team responsible for CAD/CAM programming and manufacturing support.

Establish programming standards that improve consistency, efficiency, and machining performance.

Support implementation of advanced CAD/CAM technologies and programming best practices.

Partner with Manufacturing to optimize CNC programming, machining strategies, and production efficiency.

Direct Tool Room operations supporting production tooling, prototype development, fixture design, repairs, and continuous improvement.

Prioritize work to meet production schedules, engineering projects, and customer commitments.

Improve tooling processes, equipment utilization, and operational performance.

Technology & Continuous Improvement

Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the Engineering Department.

Support manufacturing automation, robotics, digital manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 initiatives where appropriate.

Lead engineering participation in Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP enhancements and engineering process improvements.

Utilize engineering performance metrics and data to improve decision making and operational results.

Drive standardization of engineering documentation, processes, and best practices.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Sales, Product Management, Supply Chain, and R&D to deliver outstanding customer solutions.

Provide technical expertise during customer visits, product reviews, and strategic business initiatives.

Lead cross-functional teams in resolving complex engineering and manufacturing challenges.

Build strong partnerships across Wilson Tool’s global operations.

Required Qualifications

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 and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in sheet metal fabrication tooling, including 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 other ERP systems supporting engineering and manufacturing operations.

Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience.

Experience supporting global manufacturing operations.

Exceptional leadership and employee development skills.

Strong understanding of precision manufacturing and tooling.

Strategic thinker with a hands‑on management style.

Skills with managing multiple projects.

Excellent communicator who builds trust and collaboration across all levels of the organization.

Customer‑focused with a passion for innovation and operational excellence.

Results‑oriented with strong business acumen and sound decision‑making skills.

Committed to continuous improvement, quality, and safety.

Attributes

Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing work priorities and environments, demonstrating flexibility and willingness to take on different tasks as directed by the hiring manager.

Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills, enabling clear and concise communication with team members and supervisors.

Safety Consciousness: Commitment to adhering to safety protocols and procedures, ensuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.

Desire for Learning & Continuous Improvement: Eagerness to learn and develop new skills, with a willingness to participate in training programs and pursue continuous improvement opportunities within the role. Actively seek opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity within assigned tasks, suggesting ideas for process enhancements or workflow optimization.

Reliability: Dependability in fulfilling assigned tasks and responsibilities consistently, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the team.

Positive Attitude: A constructive and optimistic approach to challenges and tasks, fostering a supportive and encouraging work environment.

Team Player: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, demonstrating respect, empathy, and cooperation in achieving shared goals.

Problem‑Solving Skills: Capacity to approach issues or obstacles with creativity and resourcefulness, seeking practical solutions to improve processes and outcomes.

Professionalism: Conducting oneself with professionalism and integrity, adhering to ethical standards and company policies in all interactions and activities.

Compensation

Compensation $130k-$160K DOQ

Success measures

Development and retention of a highly engaged engineering team.

Continuous improvement in manufacturing productivity, quality, and throughput.

Successful launch of new products and engineering initiatives.

Reduction in engineering lead times and improved project execution.

Increased manufacturing efficiency through improved tooling, programming, and engineering support.

Successful implementation of ERP and digital manufacturing initiatives.

Strong collaboration with Operations, Manufacturing, R&D, and Sales.

Achievement of departmental performance goals while supporting Wilson Tool’s strategic objectives.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Wilson Tool is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.