Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Location: Simpson

Apply

Job Type

Full-time

Description

PURPOSE:

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager leads the manufacturing engineering team responsible for developing, optimizing, and sustaining efficient production processes. This role ensures products are manufactured safely, cost-effectively, and at high quality standards by driving process improvements, implementing new technologies, and supporting production operations. The manager collaborates closely with operations, quality, supply chain, product engineering, and maintenance teams to achieve operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in manufacturing processes (e.g., composites, plastics, injection molding) as well as automation technologies (e.g., PLCs, robotics), with a strong ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver results in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Team Leadership

* Manage, mentor, and develop a team of manufacturing engineers across multishift operation.

* Set team goals aligned with company production and operational targets.

* Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and professional development.

* Allocate engineering resources to support production and improvement projects.

2. Process Development & Optimization

* Design, implement, and continuously improve manufacturing processes and workflows.

* Lead process validation, capability studies, and equipment qualification.

* Identify and implement improvements to increase throughput, reduce waste, and improve product quality.

* Apply lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

3. Production Support

* Provide technical support to production teams to resolve manufacturing issues.

* Analyze production data to identify root causes of defects or inefficiencies.

* Implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to address recurring issues.

* Ensure manufacturing documentation, work instructions, and process standards are maintained.

4. New Product Introduction (NPI)

* Lead manufacturing readiness for new product launches.

* Collaborate with product design teams to ensure manufacturability (DFM/DFA).

* Develop process flows, tooling, and equipment requirements for new products.

* Coordinate pilot builds and production ramp-ups.

5. Equipment & Automation

* Evaluate, select, and implement new manufacturing equipment and automation solutions.

* Oversee installation, commissioning, and qualification of new equipment.

* Work with maintenance teams to ensure equipment reliability and uptime.

6. Quality & Compliance

* Ensure manufacturing processes comply with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and company procedures.

* Support audits and continuous improvement of quality systems.

* Partner with quality teams to reduce defects and improve yield.

7. Cost & Efficiency Improvements

* Identify opportunities for cost reduction in materials, labor, and processes.

* Manage capital equipment budgets and ROI justification.

* Drive productivity improvements and operational efficiency initiatives.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND/OR PROFESSIONAL LICENSE(s):

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics or related field)

* 7-10+ years of manufacturing engineering experience.

* 3-5 years of leadership or management experience in a manufacturing environment.

* Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and process optimization.

* Experience with manufacturing systems, production equipment, and automation.

* Proficiency with engineering and data analysis tools (CAD, ERP, MES, statistical software).

Preferred Qualifications

* Master's degree in engineering, manufacturing systems or technical management

* Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.

* Experience with Industry 4.0, digital manufacturing, or advanced automation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

* Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma (DMAIC), Kaizen, and process capability analysis.

* Proficient in CAD (Solid Works or equivalent), GD&T, and engineering drawing interpretation.

* Familiar with MRP/ERP systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Visio, Project).

* Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

* Ability to manage multiple complex projects and deliver under pressure.

* High analytical ability and data-driven decision-making.

* Proven ability to create, foster, and work in a team-oriented environment.

* Demonstrated Root Cause Analysis and Problem-Solving skills.

POSITION SUPERVISES:

This position will lead, mentor, and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:

This position requires contact and interaction with a multitude of technical disciplines within GENTEX Corporation, not only within the Carbondale facility, but with "sister" plants throughout the United States.

This position will also require interaction with GENTEX suppliers and occasionally with the customer.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL/COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Employee is occasionally required to stand;…