Manufacturing Engineering Manager – Mechanical Systems

The Manufacturing Engineering Manager – Mechanical Systems is responsible for leading the industrialization, process development, and production readiness of mechanical components and assemblies such as chassis structures, suspension parts, enclosures, brackets, and other fabricated or machined elements. This role ensures that mechanical systems are efficiently and reliably manufactured, meeting all quality, safety, cost, and delivery targets. The manager drives cross-functional coordination between product engineering, tooling, quality, production, and suppliers to support new product introductions and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Manufacturing Process Development

• Lead the development and optimization of manufacturing processes for mechanical systems (e.g., welding, forming, machining, fastening, joining, assembly).

• Ensure alignment of designs with manufacturing feasibility (DFM/A principles) and plant capabilities.

• Drive process validation and documentation including PFMEA, control plans, work instructions, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

2. New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Manage industrialization efforts for new components and assemblies—process layout, tooling requirements, and line setup.

• Collaborate with design engineering to ensure smooth transition from prototype to mass production.

• Support early build phases and manage lessons learned for future programs.

3. Equipment & Tooling Readiness

• Oversee specification, procurement, and commissioning of equipment, fixtures, and jigs needed for mechanical system manufacturing.

• Ensure that all tooling and equipment meet cycle time, safety, and quality requirements.

4. Team Leadership

• Lead a team of manufacturing and process engineers across various workstreams.

• Provide mentorship, task prioritization, and performance development.

• Foster a culture of safety, lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement.

5. Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Ensure manufacturing processes meet all internal and external quality standards.

• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for process issues or non-conformances.

• Maintain compliance with safety regulations and company policies.

Key Focus Areas:

• Manufacturing Process Design & Optimization
  (Welding, CNC machining, forming, fastening, assembly)

• Product Industrialization & Launch Readiness
  (Prototype to SOP transition, ramp-up planning)

• Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFM/DFA)
  (Cross-functional collaboration with design & tooling)

• Tooling & Equipment Implementation
  (Specification, procurement, installation, commissioning)

• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
  (Cycle time reduction, waste elimination, productivity enhancement)

• Team Leadership & Engineering Development
  (Mentoring, performance reviews, project delegation)

Qualifications:

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

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical systems manufacturing, including at least 3–5 years in a leadership role.

• Strong background in process development for welded/fabricated structures, machined parts, or mechanical assemblies.

• Hands-on experience with PFMEA, control plans, and root cause analysis (e.g., 8D, 5 Whys).

• Proficiency in manufacturing tools and software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, ERP, MES).

• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in automotive, aerospace, or heavy machinery manufacturing

• Exposure to automation and Industry 4.0 practices

• Familiarity with ISO/TS standards, Six Sigma, and lean manufacturing methodologies

• Prior involvement in greenfield or brownfield plant setups