Manager, Manufacturing Engineering

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team of engineers in the development, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. This role collaborates cross-functionally with production, quality, maintenance, and design engineering teams to support continuous improvement, new product introduction, and equipment upgrades.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and managing a team of manufacturing engineers and technicians.  Drive a business partner approach between operations and manufacturing engineering.  Align Manufacturing Engineers’ metrics with corresponding business partners.

• Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.

• Develop, implement, and manage a multi-year Factory Master Plan aligned with Strategic Planning efforts.

• Manage division CapEx funding plan and execution.  Coordinate with Finance & Procurement to manage budget, align priorities and execute per business needs.

• Plan and execute continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, etc.).

• Oversee equipment specification, procurement, installation, and commissioning.

• Support New Product Introductions (NPIs), ensuring seamless integration into production.

• Manage capital projects and coordinate with vendors and contractors as needed.

• Collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, and Operations to resolve production issues.

• Develop and maintain work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.

• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards (e.g., ISO, OSHA).

• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), including cycle times, scrap rates, and process uptime.

• Provide technical guidance and engineering support to manufacturing operations.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.

• 10+ years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management capacity.

• Proven track record of driving process improvements and cost reductions.

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong project management skills, including experience with capital projects.

• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Proficiency in CAD software and manufacturing simulation tools.

• Strong communication, leadership, and team-building abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration (MBA).

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or Six Sigma Black Belt certification.

• Experience in warehousing & distribution systems a plus

Work Environment:

• Office and manufacturing floor environment.

• May require occasional travel to vendors, suppliers, or other company facilities.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected of a person assigned to this position. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. Employees may be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor.

It is the policy of FORTNA and its affiliated companies to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, citizenship status (if authorized to work in the U.S.), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, FORTNA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.