Manager, Process Improvement Engineers

Description

The Process Improvement Engineering Manager at Reader Precision Solutions is responsible for leading and managing the Process Improvement Engineering team while owning the execution of process optimization projects across machining and manufacturing operations.

This role provides leadership for process improvement initiatives focused specifically on machining efficiency, cycle time reduction, process stability, and production quality within manufacturing operations. This individual will prioritize and oversee optimization projects, provide technical guidance to the Process Improvement Engineer team, and collaborate with Engineering, Production, and Quality to implement sustainable process enhancements. This is a hands‑on leadership position combining team development, project execution, and manufacturing process enhancements.

$130,000 - $145,000 annually

• Lead, mentor, and support the Process Improvement Engineer team in daily activities and long‑term growth.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and development plans to strengthen technical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ensure engineers are aligned with organizational priorities and improvement standards.

• Own the project management function for all process improvement initiatives, including scope, timeline, resources, and deliverables.
• Prioritize projects based on business impact, production needs, quality concerns, and capacity constraints.
• Track and report progress, results, and ROI of improvement efforts.

• Oversee machining process analysis to identify inefficiencies, instability, or waste.
• Drive improvements in cycle time reduction, tooling performance, workflow optimization, and product consistency.
• Support initial part prove‑outs and ensure effective process validation prior to full production release.

• Partner with Applications Engineers on tooling strategies, programming enhancements, and cutting methodology improvements.
• Work closely with machinists, production leaders, and quality teams to troubleshoot issues and implement sustainable corrective actions.

• Champion lean manufacturing principles, including waste elimination, standard work, and workflow optimization.
• Lead root cause analysis efforts and ensure corrective actions prevent recurring manufacturing problems.

• Ensure the team develops and maintains work instructions, SOPs, and best practice documentation.
• Establish consistent engineering standards for repeatable, high‑quality manufacturing output.

• Support strategic manufacturing excellence initiatives as assigned by Engineering leadership.
• Foster a culture of innovation, empowerment, integrity, and respect consistent with RPS core pillars.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent years of experience.
• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, CNC machining, or process improvement environments.
• 2+ years of leadership, mentorship, or project management experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining principles, tooling concepts, and production workflows.
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (Autodesk Inventor, Part Maker, Esprit, or similar) is ideal.
• Experience with GD&T, blueprint interpretation, and shop mathematics.

• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional teams and drive sustainable change.
• Highly organized with strong project execution discipline.

This is a full‑time, salaried exempt position. Workload demands may occasionally require extended hours (45+ hours/week) to meet business and production needs. Flexibility is provided to support work‑life balance.

RPS team members enjoy a challenging & fast‑paced work environment in a high‑tech manufacturing facility named the 35th & 37th Annual Wisconsin…