Design Engineering Manager

Position Summary:

Responsible for leading, developing, and supporting a team of electrical design engineers focused on low and medium-voltage switchgear and power distribution systems. This role ensures that engineering deliverables meet MCM Engineering’s quality, technical, and schedule expectations, while fostering collaboration, continuous improvement, and a high-performance team culture. The manager will also act as a primary technical resource for complex projects, escalations, and cross-functional coordination.

Quality Management System (QMS) Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the QMS conforms to ISO 9001:2015.
• Ensure processes are delivering intended outcomes.
• Report to Top Management on the performance of the QMS, opportunities for improvement, change requirements, and innovations.
• Ensure the promotion of customer focus.
• Ensure the integrity of the QMS is maintained.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design engineers through coaching, performance management, skills development, and career growth planning.
• Set clear priorities, assign work, and monitor workload distribution to ensure timely completion of engineering deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
• Review and approve engineering drawings, calculations, technical documents, and project submittals for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Provide guidance and direction on technical challenges, design decisions, and interpretation of customer specifications.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable team culture aligned with MCM’s values.

Technical Oversight

• Ensure the team’s designs meet applicable standards (IEC, ANSI, UL, IEEE, NEMA) and internal quality requirements.
• Serve as a technical escalation point for complex designs including one-line diagrams, schematics, control circuits, layout drawings, and equipment specifications.
• Provide engineering expertise on electrical components such as breakers, relays, CTs, PTs, bus systems, and protection devices.
• Drive standardization, best practices, and improvements in engineering tools, templates, and processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Project Managers, Sales, Mechanical Design, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Support customer meetings, technical reviews, and clarification calls when design expertise or managerial representation is required.

Operational & Process Responsibilities

• Improve engineering workflows, documentation standards, and quality control processes.
• Track engineering performance metrics (accuracy, throughput, rework, on-time performance) and lead continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, project requirements, and engineering best practices.
• Manage resource planning, staffing needs, tool/software requirements, and training priorities for the team.

Project Support & Execution

• Oversee engineering participation during submittal, production, testing, and post-shipment phases of projects.
• Review complex customer specifications and contracts to identify requirements, risks, and scope implications.
• Provide guidance for design changes, technical clarifications, and any engineering-related issues arising during manufacturing or after delivery.

Work Environment & Expectations:

• Works on-site unless otherwise approved by management for major life circumstances.
• Typical work week: 40 hours, with willingness to support up to 10% overtime based on project needs.
• Must be self-directed, organized, and able to lead a team with minimal supervision.
• Travel is minimal and generally not required.

Required Qualifications:

The successful Design Engineering Manager must:

• Demonstrate strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Exhibit exceptional accuracy, attention to detail, and organizational ability across multiple simultaneous projects.
• Communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels, including customers.
• Read and interpret contracts, specifications, drawings, and technical documents with high proficiency.
• Apply sound engineering judgment to define problems, analyze information, and implement effective solutions.
• Handle pressure well, maintain professionalism, and lead by example in all interactions.

Skills / Knowledge / Traits:

• Positive and motivating leadership style
• Strong work ethic and ownership mindset
• Excellent time management and prioritization skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to drive team performance and continuous improvement
• Collaborative and approachable team player

Experience & Education:

A well-qualified candidate will have:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred) or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in electrical switchgear or power distribution system design.
• 2+ years of experience leading engineering teams, managing people, or serving in a senior/lead engineer capacity.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and common productivity software (MS Office, etc.).
• Strong understanding of low- and medium-voltage systems (up to 38kV), protection, and control systems.
• Knowledge of relevant electrical standards (IEC, IEEE, UL, NEMA).
• Experience with manufacturing or field service related to switchgear (preferred).