Production Engineering Manager

The Production Engineering Manager at the Huntsville site is responsible for building and sustaining an engineering organization that aligns with and advances both business and operational objectives. This role fosters a safety, quality, and productivity-focused culture with a diverse team of project engineers. The manager leads efforts in equipment upgrades, process improvements, and capital projects site-wide, with a strong emphasis on productivity improvements and optimizing product flow to enhance overall efficiency

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, configure, and optimize industrial processes from initial concept through start-up and certification to ensure efficient and compliant operations.

• Assess manufacturing processes by taking precise measurements and interpreting data to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Ensure accurate integration of equipment and process data into the Manufacturing Execution System (MES) to support real-time monitoring and decision-making.

• Design, operate, test, and upgrade systems and processes to enhance production capabilities and maintain operational reliability.

• Establish and implement best practices, standardized routines, and innovative solutions aimed at increasing production rates and improving product quality.

• Conduct process simulations to predict performance outcomes and validate process changes before implementation.

• Manage project costs and timelines effectively to meet budgetary and scheduling requirements.

• Perform comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implement mitigation strategies that ensure safety and compliance.

• Provide engineering support to improve manufacturing unit process flows, process capability, production yields, overall cost of goods sold, equipment reliability, waste minimization, and EH&S improvements through data-driven decision making.

• Deliver day-to-day support to manufacturing teams by observing and analyzing production runs, conducting root cause investigations of off-standard production, and developing sustainable corrective actions.

• Identify and drive technical improvements through collaboration with on-site teams, including manufacturing, maintenance, engineering, EH&S, and quality functions.

• Serve as the technical liaison between new product development initiatives and their integration into manufacturing operations.

• Execute site capital projects focused on cost reduction, safety, growth, compliance, and automation.

• Utilize site resources, corporate resources, or approved contractors to achieve strategic goals and complete critical business activities.

• Prepare and manage budgets for capital projects, including fiscal control, justifying ROA/ROE/ROI, managing the bid process, and driving strategic cost avoidance and reduction.

• Lead, sustain, and grow a highly skilled team of engineers, technicians, managers, and supervisors appropriate to the site's size and purpose.

• Maintain and enhance a robust site Preventive Maintenance (PM) and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) system with clear KPIs and accurate reporting.

• Develop, track, and execute a realistic and achievable moving 5-year Maintenance, Facilities, and Engineering plan.

• Ensure high standards of personnel engagement and relations as measured by company systems.

• Ensure EH&S compliance with company, government, and external agency requirements related to process improvements.

• Oversee all engineering activities to optimize production processes, increase productivity, ensure equipment reliability, maintain safety and compliance, manage projects, collaborate across departments, analyze performance data, support FIS systems, and control budgets to reduce costs and support business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent experience with references.

• 5 to 10+ years of management or supervisory experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is an advantage.

• Proven ability to identify and resolve problems promptly, analyze information, develop alternative solutions, and work effectively in group problem-solving situations.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize multiple competing tasks, and be self-directed while seeking assistance as needed.

• Demonstrated success in driving improved performance and key metrics.

• Experience leading root cause and corrective action processes for critical issues, ensuring completion, sustainability, and achievement of predicted results.

• Leadership skills including:

• Leading and driving cross-functional teams to achieve measurable results.

• Influencing others to adopt new ideas and consider alternate perspectives.

• Identifying and developing high-potential talent.

• Knowledge of construction procedures, building codes, and safety compliance is desirable.

• Familiarity with PLC controls, robotics applications, and maintenance.

• Knowledge of SCADA and MES systems is preferred