Engineering Manager - Putco Inc

Putco Inc. | Des Moines, Iowa

Putco is a designer and manufacturer of automotive and truck accessories serving both OEM and aftermarket customers. We develop products from initial concept through design, validation, sourcing, manufacturing, and production launch.

We are looking for an Engineering Manager to lead a team of four engineers supporting both our OEM and aftermarket businesses. This role requires a strong combination of people leadership, project management, product development, and hands‑on manufacturing experience.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of four engineers.
• Establish clear priorities, ownership, schedules, and accountability across the department.
• Hold regular one‑on‑one meetings and provide meaningful coaching and feedback.
• Teach engineers how to manage an entire product‑development program—not just complete individual design assignments.
• Delegate effectively and develop engineers who can independently make sound technical and project decisions.
• Participate in recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and performance management while maintaining a high standard for engineering talent.
• Build a culture where engineers communicate risks early, take ownership of problems, and follow projects through completion.

Putco works directly with automotive OEM customers, where strong project management and disciplined execution are critical.

The Engineering Manager will:

• Work directly with OEM customers on new‑product development programs.
• Translate customer specifications into clear engineering, quality, manufacturing, and sourcing requirements.
• Manage project schedules, milestones, design reviews, open issues, validation, and launch timing.
• Ensure customer requirements are fully understood and met, including fit, function, materials, tolerances, appearance, surfacing, finish, durability, validation, and other customer‑specific requirements.
• Identify schedule, technical, supplier, and manufacturing risks early and drive them to resolution.
• Maintain clear communication with customers and company leadership regarding project status and potential issues.
• Support applicable automotive processes including APQP, PPAP, DFMEA, DVP&R, and engineering change control.

Strong project‑management discipline is essential. We need someone who can manage multiple programs simultaneously and make sure commitments made to customers are met.