Manager of Engineering
Search Leaders, LLC White Bear Lake, Minnesota, United States · $130K–$155K/yr
Staffing and Recruiting · 2-10 employees
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About the role
The Manager of Engineering will lead a multidisciplinary team across manufacturing engineering, CNC programming, and tool room operations to improve quality, productivity, and throughput. This role involves coaching staff, advancing manufacturing initiatives, and partnering with cross-functional teams to solve complex technical challenges.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering and possess over 10 years of progressive engineering and leadership experience. Strong expertise in precision manufacturing, tooling, and CNC machining is required, along with proven success in managing cross-functional projects.
Benefits
Full description
Position Responsibilities:
The Manager of Engineering will lead a multidisciplinary engineering organization spanning Manufacturing Engineering, CNC Programming, and Tool Room operations. This hands-on leader will develop high-performing teams, advance manufacturing capabilities, and partner across the business to improve quality, productivity, throughput, and customer outcomes.
- 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.
