We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead engineering teams across manufacturing operations, drive continuous improvement, and enhance safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. The ideal candidate has a strong background in chemical or process manufacturing, capital project management, and people leadership, with the ability to implement data-driven solutions and develop high-performing engineering teams.
Position Responsibilities
Engineering Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop engineering team members through coaching, performance management, and professional development.
- Establish team goals and priorities aligned with manufacturing objectives.
- Support succession planning and build engineering capabilities across the organization.
Process Improvement and Operational Excellence
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other established methodologies.
- Identify and implement solutions to improve safety, product quality, productivity, and operating costs.
- Analyze manufacturing data to identify performance gaps and opportunities for improvement.
- Apply automation and emerging technologies to optimize manufacturing processes.
Capital Project Management
- Plan and oversee capital projects, including project scope, budgets, schedules, resource allocation, and execution.
- Manage capital expenditures while ensuring projects meet operational requirements and financial objectives.
- Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful project delivery.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with operations, maintenance, and quality teams to resolve complex manufacturing challenges.
- Lead change management initiatives to support the implementation and long-term adoption of improvements.
- Develop scalable engineering solutions that support consistent performance across manufacturing sites.
Safety, Quality, and Compliance
- Ensure engineering activities comply with applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and quality requirements.
- Support Process Safety Management (PSM) programs and risk-reduction initiatives.
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and workplace safety.
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 7 years of engineering experience in chemical or process manufacturing environments.
- At least 3 years of people leadership or supervisory experience.
- Demonstrated success leading process improvement initiatives with measurable results.
- Experience managing capital projects in a regulated manufacturing environment.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Familiarity with PLC systems, such as Rockwell, SAP, and standard engineering software.
- Strong analytical, project management, communication, and leadership skills.
- Authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship.
Certifications (Preferred, but Not Required)
- Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
- Additional training in process safety, operational excellence, or project management.
What the Role Offers
- Competitive annual salary ranging from $135,000 to $160,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
- An opportunity to lead engineering initiatives across multiple manufacturing operations.
- The ability to drive capital investment projects and meaningful operational improvements.
- Opportunities for professional development and engineering team growth.
- A leadership role with a direct impact on manufacturing safety, efficiency, quality, and business performance.
Why South Bend?
South Bend offers a strong industrial and manufacturing environment, with access to engineering talent, technical resources, and regional supply chain networks. Its established manufacturing base provides opportunities for engineering leaders to apply their expertise in process optimization, capital project execution, and operational excellence while contributing to the growth and development of manufacturing teams.