Job Title: Process and Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Location: Burlington, Washington

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Salary: 100K to 150K plus benefits

Summary of Position:

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Process and Manufacturing Engineering Manager to lead and oversee the development, optimization, and ongoing support of manufacturing processes within our solar module production operations.

This role is critical in driving process improvement, enhancing equipment efficiency, ensuring product quality, and maximizing manufacturing line throughput and productivity. The selected candidate will manage cross-functional teams, oversee PFMEA, VSMs, and Standard Work Instructions, and collaborate with other departments to streamline operations.

The position also involves strategic leadership, including hiring and developing staff, managing project budgets, and ensuring all production activities meet quality, safety, and efficiency standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Supervisory and Leadership:

Hire, train, and manage manufacturing engineering staff, including conducting performance evaluations and disciplinary actions.

Mentor, coach, and support the professional development of direct reports.

Foster effective communication across departments, corporate teams, and nationwide plants.

Process Development & Improvement:

Develop, implement, and sustain manufacturing processes, procedures, and standards to optimize production efficiency, quality, and safety.

Own and continuously improve PFMEA and Value Stream Maps (VSMs) for both product and manufacturing lines.

Identify and implement Kaizen projects to enhance productivity and operational performance.

Support the production team with data analysis and solutions for cross-functional issues.

Conduct hands-on root cause analysis of production, engineering, and equipment problems.

Drive continuous improvement and Lean Manufacturing principles to improve operations.

Act as the liaison between New Product Development (NPD) and Operations to ensure smooth transition of NPIs (New Product Introductions) from R&D to full-scale production.

Project Management:

Lead manufacturing engineering projects, including planning, scheduling, and budgeting, ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.

Support quotation processes for machinery and equipment.

Develop project timelines, budgets, and scopes of work.

Manage project implementation, data analysis, and process optimization initiatives.

Oversee Equipment Runoffs at OEMs and collaborate with Operations to meet all program deliverables.

Conduct reviews of PFMEA, simulations, control plans, and launch deliverables.

Support plant equipment installation, debugging, launch, and ongoing improvement activities.

Automation & Equipment

Troubleshoot automation systems and support new equipment installations or modifications.

Ensure all equipment and systems comply with relevant industry standards and legislation.

Establish and manage equipment installation boards, reviewing progress with OEMs and contractors.

Develop and lead trial runs at multiple plant sites to validate processes and equipment performance.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (Master's preferred).

8+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, ideally in solar or high-tech manufacturing environments.

Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, PFMEA, and process optimization.

Proven experience managing teams and cross-functional engineering projects.

Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Must-Haves:

Bachelor's Degree (Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Manufacturing Engineering) - strongly preferred

3+ years leadership experience in fast-paced, automated manufacturing (not food/beverage)

Proven process optimization and continuous improvement success (quantifiable results preferred) Hands-on understanding of o Statistical Process Control (SPC) o Design of Experiments (DOE) o Process Capability Analysis o VSM / Lean tools.

Foundational understanding of PLC programming, automation troubleshooting, HMIs, PFDs

Ability to lead young engineers - coaching, developing, and influencing through change

Six Sigma Black Belt certification or equivalent experience (highly valued)

Excellent communication skills - articulate, composed under pressure

Strong mix of mechanical and electrical knowledge

Strict No-Nos: None

Nice to Haves:

Experience transitioning new products (NPI) into full-scale production

Background in solar, automotive, or high-automation manufacturing

Prior exposure to equipment installation and commissioning

Additional Guidelines:

Interview Process: 3 rounds of Interviews: one with each Director

Relocation Expenses: Relocation Available