Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Position Summary

The CMC Manufacturing Engineering Manager is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high quality, industry-leading life safety products. This role will deliver production-ready products, robust processes, scalable equipment solutions, and controlled documentation that ensure quality, safety, and margin objectives.

Reporting to the Director of Engineering and Quality, this position provides hands-on technical leadership while building and developing a high-performing team. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager partners cross-functionally to ensure seamless product realization from design through full-rate production and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, mentor, and develop the Manufacturing Engineering team to support business growth and operational excellence.Set clear priorities, performance expectations, and accountability measures aligned with company objectives.Conduct performance reviews, support professional development, and ensure effective utilization of department resources.Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Product Realization & New Product Introduction (NPI)

Own the product realization process from design transfer through production launch.Partner with Design Engineering to drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM), assembly optimization, and cost efficiency.Develop manufacturing strategies including tooling, fixtures, automation, and production flow.Ensure accurate cost modeling, margin analysis, and production readiness prior to launch.Lead Engineering Change Order (ECO) implementation and manufacturing validation activities.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

Lead research, development, and implementation of robust manufacturing processes.Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and statistical process control initiatives to improve safety, quality, delivery, and cost.Own process based corrective action and root cause analysis efforts.Serve as subject matter expert and change agent for continuous improvement initiatives.

Documentation & Compliance

Ensure manufacturing documentation is accurate, controlled, and production-ready, including:Work and assembly instructionsBills of Materials (BOMs)Routings and process documentationTooling and equipment specificationsEnsure processes meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements relevant to life safety equipment manufacturing.

Facility, Equipment & Automation

Evaluate, specify, and implement production equipment, tooling, and automation solutions.Oversee capital equipment justification, ROI analysis, installation, and commissioning.Support the development and implementation of new production lines or facilities.Support maintenance programs and equipment reliability initiatives.

Cross-Functional & External Engagement

Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Product Development to ensure alignment and execution.Participate in supplier visits, customer meetings, and industry trade events as required.Stay current with manufacturing technologies and industry advancements to maintain competitive leadership.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering, or related field.10+ years of progressive manufacturing engineering experience.3+ years of people leadership experience.Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Statistical Process Control.Demonstrated experience leading NPI and product transfer to production.Experience with automation, controls, and production equipment implementation.Proficiency with CAD systems (SolidWorks preferred).Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.Experience in regulated or safety-critical product manufacturing.Experience with textile, rope, sewn goods, or similar material fabrication processes.Hands-on machining or fabrication experience.

Core Competencies

Strategic and systems thinkingTechnical depth with practical executionFinancial and margin awarenessChange leadershipCross-functional collaborationClear, executive-level communicationHigh attention to detail